How To Cut A Woven Jute Rug

By  Betsy Gallup

Things Needed

  • Measuring tape

  • Straight edge

  • Pencil

  • Shears

  • Masking tape

  • Heavy thread

  • Needle

  • 1/2-inch binding tape

Tip

Create a natural fringe by cutting the edges of the rug and removing some of the cross threads. Once the fringe is as long as you would like it, run a straight stitch along the woven edge to keep it from unraveling further. If the rug is thin enough, this can be done on a sewing machine.

The closer you match the color of the thread and binding to the color of the rug, the more professional the end result will look.

Warning

Avoid using masking tape with a high amount of tack. It will pull apart the weaves.

...

A woven jute rug is made out of natural fibers that are laced together in a weave pattern. The edges are bound either by the weave itself, a whip stitch or binding tape. They are a natural and aesthetically pleasing addition to any decor but sometimes the size of the rug may no longer suit a homeowner's purpose. Cutting a woven jute rug is possible but care must be taken to prevent the freshly cut edges from fraying.

Step 1

Measure and mark a straight line on the underside of the rug. Cut along the line. If you are planning to cut more than one edge of the jute, use the masking tape to create a temporary binding by pressing the tape along the raw edge and turning under. Repeat with the next side you plan to cut.

Step 2

Thread the needle and then cut binding tape the length of the cut edge of the rug. The binding tape is folded under on both sides. Open one side of the binding tape. If you have temporarily bound the raw edge of the rug with masking tape, carefully remove it. Match the edge of the rug to the opened edge of the binding tape with the right sides facing one another. Stitch in the seam of the binding tape. Make sure the needle goes all the way through the rug weaves.

Step 3

Fold binding tape to the underside of the rug. Press flat. Make sure the binding tape is turned all the way under to prevent it from showing on top of the rug. Whip stitch the binding to the underside of the rug, barely catching the weaving of the rug to limit the amount of stitching that will show on the top side. This process encloses the raw edges in the binding and prevents unraveling.

References

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