Wall to wall pile carpeting or machine-made rugs can be repaired with relative ease.
Handmade or Oriental rugs require special care and should be taken to a professional.
1. Tack a lid over the area.
Partially nail a clean lid over the damaged area as a template. Leave the heads of the nails sticking up about 1/2 inch. The size of the lid is determined by the size of the damaged area. Always use a metal can lid.
2. Cut out the damaged area and make a patch.
Using the lid as a guide, cut through the carpet with a sharp utility knife. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on a piece of scrap carpet to make a matching patch.
3. Apply tape and seam cement.
Vacuum up loose fibers. Slip double-sided tape halfway under the cutout edges of the old carpet. Apply a thin ribbon of seam cement to the edge of the carpet patch.
4. Weigh down the patch overnight.
Press the patch into place. Weigh down the patch overnight with a book or board and a heavy object.
To repair a tear or slice, pull back the carpet to reveal the underside. Apply seam tape and heat it with an iron. Or you can stitch the tear from below using a heavy needle and carpet thread.