Oriental & Area Rug Cleaning and Repair in Haviland, NY

1. Inspection and Documentation

Jafri Rug examines:

• Tears, holes, and worn areas
• Loose or missing weft and warp threads
• Fringe damage
• Color fading or dye lot issues
• Structural weakness

2. Removing binding and fringe Prior to Cleaning

The rug is typically cleaned before field work restoration, but in the case of binding and fringe work both are removed prior to cleaning

• Dirt and grit are removed.
• Stains and contaminants are treated.
• Cleaning exposes all existing damage and shows any damage that the customer may not have known existed prior to cleaning

3. Stabilization

Weak or unraveling sections are secured to prevent further deterioration.

• Loose threads are anchored.
• Edges may be temporarily supported.

4. Warp Repair

The warp threads (the rug's structural foundation) are repaired if broken.

• Missing warps are recreated.
• New foundation threads are inserted and tensioned to match the original weave.

5. Weft Reconstruction

The weft threads that create the design are rewoven.

• Matching wool, cotton, or other fibers are selected.
• Colors are matched as closely as possible.
• Traditional weaving techniques are used to recreate patterns.

6. Hole and Tear Reweaving

For holes and tears:

• Damaged fibers are removed.
• The area is rewoven thread by thread.
• Patterns are reconstructed to blend with surrounding sections.

7. Edge and Selvage Repair

The side edges (selvages) are reinforced.

• Frayed edges are rewoven or wrapped.
• New edge bindings may be added if necessary.

8. Fringe Restoration

If the fringe is damaged:

• Existing fringe is secured.
• Missing fringe may be reconstructed.
• The repair is designed to match the original style.

9. Blocking and Reshaping

Many older Kilims become distorted over time.

• The rug is carefully stretched and aligned.
• Dimensions are corrected where possible.
• The rug is dried under controlled tension.

10. Final Finishing

The repaired area is inspected for:

• Structural integrity
• Pattern accuracy
• Color consistency
• Overall appearance

Common Kilim Repairs

• Small tears and splits
• Hole reweaving
• Fringe replacement
• Edge reinforcement
• Moth damage restoration
• Pet damage repair
• Full panel reconstruction

Important Consideration

For collectible or antique Persian rugs such as this, Jafri Rugs often aims for stabilization and preservation and the artistry is that the rug should not look like there was any repair work done to the rug and the antiquity of the rug was maintained. This approach helps maintain the rug's historical integrity and value.

Typical repair costs vary widely depending on the amount of hand reweaving required. A small tear may take a few hours, while a large patterned hole can require many days of artisan weaving work.

Jafri Rug restoration will fix this rug by doing the following:

1.Inspection and Identification: Jafri Rugs carefully inspected to assess the extent of the moth damage. This involves checking the front and back of the rug for signs of infestation.

·        Moth Treatment: The rug would be treated to eliminate any remaining moths and eggs. This usually involves a deep fumigation process using eco-friendly chemicals or freezing the rug to kill any pests.

·        Re-weaving or Repairing Damaged Areas: The affected areas would likely require Jafri’s weavers reweaving the entire field. The damaged wool would be carefully removed, and new wool fibers, typically dyed to match the original, would be woven into the affected areas to restore the rug's appearance.

2. Worn and Faded Areas of the rug

As an example the medallion is a central feature in Persian rugs, and significant wear or fading can take away from the rug’s beauty and value.

·        Color Restoration: To restore the faded vegetable and chrome dyes, Jafri’s first class weavers dyeing techniques may be employed. This could involve carefully re-dyeing the  area using natural dyes or color-safe synthetic dyes. This process is done with precision to match the original hues and avoid dye bleeding.

·        Reweaving/Restoration: If the medallion’s pattern is worn down to the point of damage, Jafri’s weavers had to reweave the intricate design. This involves painstakingly replicating the original design and colors.

3. Fringe and Binding Unraveling

The fringe and the binding are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic of the rug.

·        Fringe Repair or Replacement: The unraveling fringe would need to be reattached or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. Jafri’s weavers often restore the fringe by knotting it back into place using similar fibers (wool or silk, depending on the rug’s original material). If the fringe is too damaged, it might need to be completely replaced.

·        Binding Reinforcement: The edges and binding would also be repaired. This could involve stitching new binding material (usually wool or cotton) onto the rug’s edges, followed by a careful reinforcement of the stitching to prevent further unraveling. A careful color match is essential to keep the aesthetic intact.

4. Wool Pilling

Pilling happens when fibers get tangled and form small balls of fuzz, which can occur naturally over time with wool rugs.

·        Shaving the Rug: Pilling can be removed through a careful process of shaving. Special tools or razors designed for rugs are used to gently remove the pill without damaging the fibers underneath. The professional would carefully go over the rug to ensure the pilling is removed evenly, leaving the wool in good condition.

·        Deep Cleaning: After shaving off the pilling, the rug would undergo a deep cleaning to remove any remaining loose fibers and dirt. This would also help restore the softness of the wool.

1. Inspection and Assessment

• The first step in Jafri Rugs restoration is a detailed inspection to assess
  the extent of the damage. This includes evaluating areas of wear,
  unraveling threads, fading colors, and any holes or tears in the rug.
  Special attention is given to preserving the original design and integrity
  of the stitching.

2. Cleaning Before Restoration

• Before
  any restoration work begins, the rug must be cleaned thoroughly. Cleaning
  ensures that any accumulated dirt or stains are removed so that the
  restoration work can be done on a clean surface. This also helps identify
  areas that may require special attention during the restoration process.

3. Reweaving Damaged Sections

• Reweaving:
  If the rug has areas of missing or damaged stitches, skilled artisans can
  reweave the missing sections, matching the original patterns and colors as closely as possible. This requires a high level of expertise to ensure the new stitches blend seamlessly with the rest of the rug.

4. Fringe and Edge Repair

• The fringe of a rug is often subjected to wear over time. If the fringe is
  frayed or missing, it can be reattached or replaced by hand, ensuring that it matches the original design and material.


• The edges of the rug may also need reinforcing or re-binding if they have started to unravel. This can be done by re-stitching or using a similar material to secure the edges.

5. Dyeing and Color Restoration

• Color
  Fading: Over time, the dyes in a needlepoint rug may fade due to
  exposure to sunlight, wear, or improper cleaning. Skilled restoration
  experts can re-dye the affected areas using professional, colorfast dyes
  to restore the rug’s original hues.


• Matching
  Colors: When dyeing a rug, it’s critical to match the colors exactly
  to ensure that the restoration is seamless. This process is usually done
  by hand to ensure accuracy.

6. Final Inspection

• Once all the restoration work is completed, a final inspection is conducted to ensure the rug is restored to its original condition. The rug is checked for any missed areas, color inconsistencies, or stitching issues that may need to be addressed before it’s returned.

Picture 2 shows the newly added fringe and newly created borders

1. Inspection and Assessment

• The
  first step in Jafri Rugs restoration is a detailed inspection to assess
  the extent of the damage. This includes evaluating areas of wear,
  unraveling threads, fading colors, and any holes or tears in the rug.
  Special attention is given to preserving the original design and integrity
  of the stitching.

2. Cleaning Before Restoration

• Before
  any restoration work begins, the rug must be cleaned thoroughly. Cleaning
  ensures that any accumulated dirt or stains are removed so that the
  restoration work can be done on a clean surface. This also helps identify
  areas that may require special attention during the restoration process.

3. Reweaving Damaged Sections

• Reweaving:
  If the rug has areas of missing or damaged stitches, skilled artisans can
  reweave the missing sections, matching the original patterns and colors as
  closely as possible. This requires a high level of expertise to ensure the
  new stitches blend seamlessly with the rest of the rug.

4. Fringe and Edge Repair

• The
  fringe of a rug is often subjected to wear over time. If the fringe is
  frayed or missing, it can be reattached or replaced by hand, ensuring that
  it matches the original design and material.


• The
  edges of the rug may also need reinforcing or re-binding if they have
  started to unravel. This can be done by re-stitching or using a similar
  material to secure the edges.

5. Dyeing and Color Restoration

• Color
  Fading: Over time, the dyes in a needlepoint rug may fade due to
  exposure to sunlight, wear, or improper cleaning. Skilled restoration
  experts can re-dye the affected areas using professional, colorfast dyes
  to restore the rug’s original hues.


• Matching
  Colors: When dyeing a rug, it’s critical to match the colors exactly
  to ensure that the restoration is seamless. This process is usually done
  by hand to ensure accuracy.

6. Final Inspection

• Once
  all the restoration work is completed, a final inspection is conducted to
  ensure the rug is restored to its original condition. The rug is checked
  for any missed areas, color inconsistencies, or stitching issues that may
  need to be addressed before it’s returned.

1. Inspection and Assessment

• The first step in Jafri Rugs restoration is a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage. This includes evaluating areas of wear, unraveling threads, fading colors, and any holes or tears in the rug. Special attention is given to preserving the original design and integrity of the stitching.

2. Cleaning Before Restoration

• Before any restoration work begins, the rug must be cleaned thoroughly. Cleaning ensures that any accumulated dirt or stains are removed so that the restoration work can be done on a clean surface. This also helps identify areas that may require special attention during the restoration process.

3. Reweaving Damaged Sections

• Reweaving: If the rug has areas of missing or damaged stitches, skilled artisans can reweave the missing sections, matching the original patterns and colors as closely as possible. This requires a high level of expertise to ensure the new stitches blend seamlessly with the rest of the rug.

4. Fringe and Edge Repair

• The fringe of a rug is often subjected to wear over time. If the fringe is frayed or missing, it can be reattached or replaced by hand, ensuring that it matches the original design and material.
• The edges of the rug may also need reinforcing or re-binding if they have started to unravel. This can be done by re-stitching or using a similar material to secure the edges.

5. Dyeing and Color Restoration

• Color Fading: Over time, the dyes in a needlepoint rug may fade due to exposure to sunlight, wear, or improper cleaning. Skilled restoration experts can re-dye the affected areas using professional, colorfast dyes to restore the rug’s original hues.
• Matching Colors: When dyeing a rug, it’s critical to match the colors exactly to ensure that the restoration is seamless. This process is usually done by hand to ensure accuracy.

6. Final Inspection

• Once all the restoration work is completed, a final inspection is conducted to ensure the rug is restored to its original condition. The rug is checked for any missed areas, color inconsistencies, or stitching issues that may need to be addressed before it’s returned.

The first image shows how this French Aubusson rug has been left in a very poor condition. The rug is an example of an mid-century French Aubusson rug. This rug is made with sage and rose vegetable dyes and unfortunately was never cleaned or repaired throughout its life and requires enormous attention to the following areas:

-Reweaving worn areas where warp and weft is showing

-Refringing as the fringe is torn off

-Rebinding as the binding is unraveling

-Vegetable dyes are fading

-Field of the rug is also showing unevenness in the wool pile

The second image shows the full restoration process where Jafri Rug restoration fully repaired this rug to its original condition while maintaining the antiquity of the rug by doing the following:

-Reweaving all worn areas to bring back this rug's dye lots are amazing and look vibrant

- Brush the rug with oil and dye in areas where the wool was not worn and distressed

-Matching the wool so that it blends perfectly within the field of the rug

Following the preservation process the rug is also more valuable than in its original condition

Moth damage ruined this rug.

The rug required Jafri Rug restoration artisan weavers to fully inspect and repair all worn and torn areas of the motifs.

The first image shows the rug completely worn in the field and fringe and binding completely frayed and missing

The second image shows the post-restoration work

The Jafri Oriental Rugs Reweaving Process is a meticulous restoration technique used to repair handmade Persian, Oriental, antique, wool, and silk rugs that have suffered damage from wear, holes, tears, moths, or fire. The goal is to restore the rug while preserving its original design, structure, and value.

1. Comprehensive Inspection

Every rug begins with a detailed assessment where technicians examine:

• Hole and tear locations
• Missing pile or knots
• Loose or unraveling edges
• Fiber type (wool, silk, or cotton)
• Knot style and density
• Dye colors and overall condition

This inspection determines the best restoration method while protecting the rug's authenticity.

2. Professional Cleaning

Before reweaving begins, the rug is thoroughly hand washed to remove dirt, dust, and oils that can interfere with repairs. Cleaning also reveals hidden damage that may require restoration.

3. Foundation Reconstruction

If the rug's foundation has been damaged:

• Broken warp threads are replaced.
• Missing weft threads are reconstructed.
• The rug's structural integrity is restored before any decorative work begins.

This step provides the framework needed for long-lasting repairs.

4. Hand Reweaving

Experienced artisans carefully recreate the damaged area by:

• Matching the original knot type (Persian or Turkish)
• Matching knot density
• Using wool or silk that closely matches the original fibers
• Reproducing intricate borders, floral motifs, medallions, and other patterns knot by knot

The objective is to make the repair blend as seamlessly as possible with the surrounding design.

5. Color Matching and Restoration

When necessary, restoration specialists:

• Match original vegetable or chrome dye colors
• Hand-dye replacement fibers when required
• Blend repaired areas with the existing rug to maintain a consistent appearance

Color restoration is performed carefully to preserve the rug's original character while minimizing visible repairs.

6. Fringe and Edge Restoration

If damage extends to the rug's ends:

• Missing or worn fringe is repaired or replaced.
• Side bindings are reinforced or rebuilt.
• Rug edges are secured to prevent future unraveling.

These repairs improve both the rug's appearance and its structural stability.

7. Shearing and Grooming

Once reweaving is complete:

• The repaired pile is trimmed to match the surrounding height.
• Fibers are brushed in the natural pile direction.
• The repaired area is blended for a consistent texture and finish.

8. Final Inspection

Before returning the rug, technicians verify:

• Accurate pattern reproduction
• Secure knots and foundation
• Proper color matching
• Smooth, even pile height
• Overall craftsmanship and structural integrity

The finished rug is carefully inspected to ensure the restoration meets professional quality standards.

Reweaving is one of the most specialized forms of rug restoration. By rebuilding damaged areas knot by knot using matching materials and traditional weaving techniques, Jafri Oriental Rugs aims to preserve the beauty, durability, and value of handmade Persian and Oriental rugs while extending their usable life.