Needlepoint rugs - what you need to know

[LisaWagner]

I'm sure you've seen these rugs before:



Needlepoint rugs present a few challenges inherent in the way they are made. I just made a post about them over on The Rug Chick blog - Pointers on Needlepoints.

Regarding the tips on cleaning - there are several ways to block out these rugs (NOT in the home, in your plant).

Some rug cleaners give these rugs a wash, and then hang them with weights attached to the edges to stretch them when hanging.

We like to block the rugs out on our stretching floor flat after the wash, we use stainless steel nails to tack them out.

Some rug cleaner tack these rugs out BEFORE cleaning, and then use a hand tool or wand to surface clean the needlepoint with no real fear of shrinkage.

Make sure the nails or the staples are THIN and are not going to rust.

Make sure you TEST the dyes before cleaning.

Make sure you INSPECT the back and edges for any signs of STENCILING that might wick out when wet (I see this more on hooked rugs more than these finer needlepoint rugs, but I have seen stenciling on them a few times.)

If you don't know what stenciling is - another Rug Chick post on Stenciling.

If you have other strategies for handling needlepoint rugs - PLEASE share. Also, let me know if these posts help. I see a lot of readers on some of the threads, I'd really like to know if you are getting any value from them.

I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Thanksgiving!
Lisa

www.TheRugChick.com

[Newman]

Thank you for the great tips Lisa, Keep them coming!

[rick]

Lisa,

Do you have to be careful about using a Rug Badger on a rug like this? Is there a danger in possibly beating the fibers apart? Thanks for the articles. They are really helping me out alot. With our first baby on the way, I'm always looking for ways to make my business more efficient, lucrative, and qualitatively better.

Rick

[LisaWagner]

Yes - you want to be careful with all delicate structure rugs with any type of "beating" equipment. You might consider hanging it up, pointing an airmover at it, and have it shake loose the dust within it. Though this construction is not going to hold a lot of dry soil in it.

Congrats on the baby coming Rick ... and thanks Newman.

Lisa

www.TheRugChick.com