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Finding a rug in the right color, style, price and size can take time, especially when you need to cover a larger area. If you have two suitable rugs but cannot find one large enough, you may be able to make two rugs into one large rug using carpet seaming tape. This straightforward project takes about 15 minutes, though the exact time can vary with the rugs and the care needed for cutting.
The technique is most suitable for rugs with a backing and a pile or repeating pattern that can help disguise the join. Check the rug construction before you start: cutting a woven rug without a backing may cause it to unravel.
How to Make Two Rugs Into One Large Rug
Supplies:
- Single-sided carpet seaming tape
- Ruler
- Marker
- Fabric scissors
Before cutting, place both rugs on a clean, flat surface and check that their edges and pile sit as you want them to in the room. Take a moment to confirm the combined size and alignment; this helps avoid trimming the wrong edge.
1. Position and mark the rugs
Arrange the rugs where you plan to use the larger rug. Overlap them until you reach the desired overall dimensions, then mark the joining area on the backing. Make sure the rugs are aligned and lie flat before marking.
2. Draw and cut a straight edge
Use a ruler and marker to draw a straight cutting line on the ends that will meet. Cut carefully along the line with fabric scissors. Only cut rugs with a construction that can safely be trimmed; if the rug is woven without a backing, do not cut it, as the fibers may unravel.
3. Join the rugs with seaming tape
Tuck the fluffy edges under, bring the two cut sides together and apply the single-sided carpet seaming tape along the join on the backing. Press the tape down to secure it. Some carpet tape needs heat to adhere, while other types stick with firm pressure, so follow the instructions supplied with your tape. Keep the adhesive on the backing and avoid applying heat to the rug pile.
Turn the joined rug right side up. If it has a shaggy pile, gently run your hands over the seam to blend the fibers across the join. Inspect the rug from different angles and adjust the fibers if the seam is visible.
Which Rugs Hide the Seam Best?
A shag rug or one with a repeating pattern is often a good choice for this method because the texture or design can make the join less noticeable. Rugs with plain, flat surfaces may show the seam more clearly. The finished appearance also depends on how closely the colors, pile and edges match.
Joining two rugs can be a quick way to create a wider or larger floor covering when the available sizes do not meet your needs. Check the backing first, measure and align the rugs before cutting, and use carpet seaming tape according to its instructions. With compatible rugs and a carefully secured join, you can make two rugs into one large rug without cutting a rug that is likely to unravel.
— Laura
