Beginning Binding Long Island Farm Rug #1

During the course of my blog postings I've shown various ways to bind a rug and this would be a repeat for those of you who have followed me for a while.  However, for you newbies just beginning to read my blog this will show how to do one type of binding using a combination of cotton twill binding tape and yarn.

After steam pressing the rug front and back and letting it rest over night, I then measure out 1 1/8" away from the last row of hooking all the way around.  I also mark the point of the corner off to reduce bulk at each of the corners.

Next I do two rows of straight stitching all the way around; the first row is ON the drawn line and the second row would be just inside the previous sewn line but in about 1/4".

Then I do a zig zag stitch to secure those threads between the two rows of straight stitching.

This is what it looks like after all the stitching.  Next I trip off the excess close but not encroaching on the stitched area.  Notice the flat corners which will reduce bulk on the corner when binding.

Some may think it is Overkill?  I don't think so.  Since many an hour was spent hooking this rug using good wool and good linen foundation, the last thing I want to happen is the teasing out of the rug along the perimeter.  And want you to know I have seen it happen when people just trim their linen thinking that since it is covered with a binding or whipped with wool that the ends are safe. 

Don't believe a word of it.  I have a beautifully hooked rug given to me by a dear friend who is no longer here.  Just by my picking it up by the sides noticed that one side was coming apart.  So now I don't feel as tho I can even hang her rug unless it is securely attached some how so the weight of the rug wouldn't stretch the linen foundation and tease out the top portion of the rug.

Frankly I do not like the binding part.  But I love my rugs and know that finishing a project (binding in this case) is something to take seriously and do it properly.  I do the same thing for my small mats and purses I make. 

Have a marvelous Monday everyone.

Saundra