Frequently Asked Questions

Over-locking, also known as serging or binding, is a process that reinforces the edges of rugs or carpets. It involves stitching along the raw edges to prevent fraying, unravelling, and premature wear.

Over-locking is important for rugs as it significantly enhances their durability, prolonging their lifespan and preserving their overall appearance.

Yes, over-locking can be applied to various types of rugs, including both machine-made and handmade rugs. Whether you have a rectangular rug, a round rug, or a custom-shaped rug, over-locking can be tailored to suit your specific design and dimensions.

Over-locking enhances the appearance of rugs by providing them with a polished and finished look. The neatly stitched border adds a touch of elegance to the rug, making it visually appealing.

Additionally, over-locking allows you to choose from a range of thread colours, enabling you to match the rug's design and complement your interior décor.

Over-locking significantly enhances the durability of rugs. By reinforcing the edges, it prevents threads from loosening, fraying, or unravelling. Over-locked rugs can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for areas with high activity, such as hallways, living rooms, and entryways.

Over-locking is performed using a specialised sewing machine designed for this purpose. The rug's edges are trimmed to create an even surface, and a suitable thread colour is chosen. The rug is then guided through the over-locking machine, where a tight and secure stitch is applied along the perimeter.

The process requires expertise and precision to ensure a consistent and visually appealing result.

Over-locking is typically performed off-site to ensure the best quality and results. At Carpet Overlocking, we offer a convenient service where you can bring your rug to our Sunnynook workshop, and our skilled professionals will perform the over-locking process with utmost care and expertise.

For boat carpet projects, we visit the marina to measure and create a template — the over-locking itself is completed at our workshop.

Proper maintenance is key to preserving the longevity and beauty of your over-locked rug. Here are our top tips:

• Regular vacuuming: Vacuum your rug regularly to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a low-power setting or a handheld attachment to prevent any damage to the over-locked edges.
• Spot cleaning: Attend to spills and stains promptly by gently blotting them with a clean cloth or using a mild detergent specifically designed for rugs. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as it may damage the fibres or the over-locking stitches.
• Professional cleaning: Periodically, have your over-locked rug professionally cleaned to ensure deep cleaning and removal of embedded dirt and allergens. Consult a reputable rug cleaning service that specialises in handling over-locked rugs.

Over-locking is a permanent process that cannot be easily undone or reversed. It is intended to provide long-lasting durability and aesthetic appeal to your rug.

Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reliable and skilled professional to perform the over-locking process.