Tapestry and Rug Care

In preparing for an upcoming show of my tapestries and rugs, I want to provide buyers as well as people who have handwoven tapestries and rugs with care instructions for these works of art.

Shipping and Storage:  If a mounting board is used, roll the tapestry/rug around it for storage or shipping.  I recommend that you roll the piece with the right side out and in the direction of the warp.  If you do not roll the piece around the mounting board or a tube, rolling is still better than folding.

Display Placement: It is best to keep the tapestry or rug out of direct sunlight.  The colors will lighten considerably, and the materials could deteriorate over time if the sun is beating in on the piece day after day.

Care:  To remove dust, use the dusting brush on your vacuum, and hold a light, small screen between the tapestry/rug and the brush while you vacuum to protect the tapestry/rug and any surface enhancements it may have.  A tapestry/rug can probably be shaken gently as you would a rug to remove dust.

Scotchguard and Silicon Protecting Spray:  Some people use silicone sprays such as Scotchguard to protect the surface of the tapestry/rug.  This is done most often if the piece is to hang above a fireplace.

Cleaning:  If a tapestry/rug gets soiled in one area, you can spot clean it with cold water.  A biodegradable detergent might be used in extreme cases.  However try any cleaning products on the back of the piece first.  Some people use a mild spray-on carpet cleaner to clean the surface of their all wool tapestries.  Once again, try it on the back first.

Moth Control:  With wool, there is always a concern about moths.  I prefer to purchase mothproofing spray.  Simply follow the instructions on the can. It is best to vacuum tapestries/rugs and use mothproofing prior to storage.

The Well Made Handwoven Tapestry or Rug

I use a linen warp for my weft faced wool rugs.  Linen is a very inelastic fiber and gives firmness to the rug.  Cotton or wool warp and less expensive however they can stretch and if the warp stretches then the rug will not lay flat to the floor.  The best linen for rug warp has a fairly rough surface and has to be perfectly made.  My preference is the linen rug warp from Sweden because it seems to have the qualities I like for my rugs. 

Once the weaving of a rug is complete the warp must be finished.  Warp finishes keep the rug from unweaving and prevent the warp threads from fraying.  I use several weft finishes but my favorite is the Philippine edge.  The Philippine edge is a series of continuous knots that run without interruption from one edge of the rug to the other.  When these knots are pulled tight I know for sure the weaving will be secure and the rug will lay flat.  A good weft finish is handsome and adds years of use to my rugs.

Please see my blog article on Tapestry and Rug Care.