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Color tapes in matching colors should be used in binding Chenille rugs.

Seaming Widthwise. After cutting widthwise, with excess backing cut off as previously described (page 163), pull out two additional shots of wool backing or filling along both ends to insure a good seam. With scissors, trim off excess stuffer ends, and apply latex to the cut ends to seal warps. Then sew the ends together on the back, using a loop stitch (Fig. 10.8).

Cutting Lengthwise. In lengthwise operations with Chenille, we get directly involved with the fur threads themselves, which are the thin threads at the base of the Chenille fur that lock the yarn tufts into long strips lying crosswise in the fabric. Unless special precautions are taken, lengthwise cutting of Chenille will sever all of these tiny fur threads and the fur will fall off the backing.

Use the scissors to cut the carpet net along a measured edge line. Then, using a brush, apply latex to the edge of the backing and the base of the tufts. Fig. 10.9 shows the prepared side ready for wall-to-wall installation where the raw edge is to be covered, either by quarterround or in the gully of the Smoothedge tackless strip.

Binding Lengthwise. Cut the edge net with the scissors along the desired edge line. Next, place the face of the carpet on the binding tape and use a box stitch to attach it to the edge to be bound, catching two rows of Chenille fur at a time (Fig. 10.10). This box stitch will not only attach the tape but will also securely anchor the fur threads all along the cut edge.

Next, trim off any excess tufts along the edge. Added protection can be provided by applying latex. Then turn back the loose end of the tape and sew it to the back of the carpet to complete a smooth edge. (Figs. 10.11.

Length Seaming. The same procedure is followed in length seaming of Chenille—whether you have selvage edges, two plucked edges, or two latexed edges—in that a loop stitch is always used to sew the two pieces of carpet together. This method is very similar to that used in cross seaming.