How To Bind Carpet Edges? Best Tips 2025
Why is there even a need to bind carpet edges? Yes, you can lay your beautiful rugs and carpets without binding the edges, but in that case, you won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of a valuable purchase for a long-lasting period.
That’s because the traffic flow will cause more harm, causing the edges to fray and unravel. This leads to damage to the weave pattern around the carpet corners. Additionally, the carpet finish will be distorted due to loose threads protruding from the sides. All these factors combined demand that you bind carpet edges before usage. Here is a detailed guide to help you learn simple methods for binding the carpet edges without needing professional assistance.
Materials/Tools Needed For Binding Carpet Edges
Arrange the following materials and tools before binding the edges of rugs and carpets.
- Binding material
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Double-Sided Tape
- Marking tool
- Sewing machine or needle and thread (If Sewing)
- Pins (If Sewing)
- Seam Ripper
- Hot Glue Gun (Adhesive Attachments)
- Small Wooden Block (Optional)
- Carpet adhesive or hot glue gun (Optional)
Easy Ways To Bind The Carpet Edges At Home
Here’s an explanation that, if followed precisely, will surely help you efficiently bind carpet edges at home for detailed finishing.
1. Measure The Carpet Edges
The first thing to be done is to measure the carpet edges so that the binding material can be cut to the correct length. There are too many binding materials available on the market, i.e., fabric binding, top-stitching, edge binding, serging, hand binding, etc. No matter how you choose to bind the carpet edges, you have to measure them from all sides for proper cutting and attachment.
2. Cut The Binding Material To The Appropriate Length
The next thing is to cut the binding material of choice to the appropriate length using scissors. In case you’re using knitted fabric as the binding material, keep an additional inch on both sides when cutting for adjustment purposes. After that, you need to apply a fray-prevention product to the carpet edges so that the fabric or thread doesn’t get unraveled.
3. Attach The Binding Material To The Carpet Edges
There are various methods by which you can attach the binding material to the carpet edges, i.e., sewing, double-sided tape, adhesive, and hot glue. If you choose to sew the binding material, you’ll have to put some additional effort into the work.
Besides, sewing is mostly used for top-stitching fabric binding materials and is not a standard option. While using double-sided tape for the attachment and securing it with hot glue, it is a hassle-free task. We’ve explained the process for double-sided tape attachment below.
- Keep the binding material strip in your hand and place it near the top edge of the carpet.
- Secure that end of the binding material with a double-sided tape attachment.
- Repeat the process for all the way attachment alongside the carpet edge.
- Don’t forget to secure the attachment at regular intervals using double-sided tape.
Also See: How to Choose the Best Carpet Underlay?
4. Trim The Excess Binding Material
When all the sides are properly secured in place, you’ll face the problem of overlapping. That’s because of the additional inch or two of the binding material left behind for adjustments. Now, you can cut off that additional binding material for smooth and streamlined edge binding.
5. Secure The Binding Material With Hot Glue/Adhesive
Now is the time to permanently secure the binding material in place using hot glue or adhesive. You can apply glue or adhesive material to secure the binding material and the carpet edges. Make sure that you press the binding material against the carpet edges using a wooden block.
Alternative Methods For Binding Carpet Edges
Apart from binding the carpet edges with sewing, you can apply various techniques to complete this DIY procedure. Below, we’ve explained some of the best alternatives.
1. Fusible Webbing
You can find a man-made adhesive material, a fusible webbing for binding the carpet edges. There are various designs and patterns available on the market, offering a good selection. For this purpose, a hot glue gun is used for permanent attachments.
2. Binding With The Yarn
Much similar to fusible webbing, binding the carpet edges with yarn is also another popular approach. It is a serging yarn technique that requires putting your sewing skills to work. Serging yarns come in wool, nylon, and cotton materials and are stitched or sewn around the edges.
3. Hand Binding Or Serging
If you don’t want the carpet binding to be noticeable, hand-sewn binding is the way to go. It’s the least detectable option because of the hidden stitching. For this purpose, a piece of cloth (matched in color) is wrapped and stitched around the carpet edges.
Common Mistakes To Prevent The Carpet Edges From Fraying
Here’s a list of some of the common mistakes that you should avoid when binding carpet edges to prevent them from fraying.
- Use a straight stitch and not a zig-zag or overlock stitch to bind the carpet edges.
- Cut the binding material with dull-edged scissors, not sharp ones.
- Do not apply a fray-prevention product before stitching your binding material.
- Don’t pull the carpet fabric from the edges or sides, as it will cause them to fray or wear out quickly.
Learn More: How to Protect Carpet From Office Chair?
Tips & Tricks To Keep In Mind When Binding Carpet Edges
Before binding the carpet edges, you need to keep in mind the following tips and tricks to complete this task efficiently and with no regrets.
- Always choose the ideal binding material that doesn’t clash or distort the aesthetic appeal of your valuable investment.
- The color of the binding material is to be carefully selected to match the carpet.
- Make sure that the carpet edges remain even and straight after binding for a smooth and streamlined appearance.
- Always check for any loose threads before securing the binding material in place.
Final Thoughts
So, well-bound carpets give a neat, elegant, and finished look. We have explained various binding techniques that are easy and DIY-friendly. You can choose anyone depending upon your carpet type, its requirements, and your personal preference. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your floor covering but also protect your investment for longer periods.
Fixingexpert, acknowledged as the premier interior fit out company in Dubai, has earned a renowned status for providing superior interior solutions. Our team remains consistently available to cater to your interior decor requirements.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do You Bind Carpet Edges By Hand?
Measure the length of the carpet edge and fold the binding tape lengthwise in half for around-the-edge placements. Then, stitch the tape in place using a needle and thread. Trim the overlapping edges (if any).
2. What Is The Best Type Of Binding Tape To Be Used For Wool Carpets?
For binding the edges of wool carpets, natural fabric tapes like cotton and wool are the best options. However, synthetic fabric tapes from nylon and polyester can also be used for binding purposes.
3. Can I Bind The Carpet Edges Using Fabric Glue Instead Of Binding Tape?
While the answer is yes, it’s not recommended as a long-term solution for binding the carpet edges. That’s because it’s not durable and can’t stand the damaging effects of intensive foot traffic.
4. How Do I Clean A Carpet With Bound Edges?
Cleaning a carpet with bound edges is the same as cleaning an ordinary carpet. However, you just need to take care not to damage the carpet binding or cut the stitching. That’s why it’s advised to use hot glue to secure the carpet binding permanently.
