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When joining two pieces of carpet, always check pile lay and match of pattern. One of the stitches used in joining two selvaged edges is the overcast stitch. In this case, the two pieces of carpet to be joined are placed face down. Using a straight needle with double thread, drop down two or more shots (depending on width of selvage), and push the needle straight through the two pieces, making sure the yarn is tucked in, so that no tufts of yarn come through the seam to the back of the carpet. Angle the thread back across the seam approximately 1/2 in., and repeat.
The cross stitch is also used to join two selvage edges, assuring a doubly strong seam. It is the same as the overcast stitch, except that it is done twice. If the seam is made with an overcast stitch running the length of the seam, from left to right, you will then repeat it from right to left.
Glossary Of Carpet Terms
axminster—One of the four basic weaves used in making carpets. The pile tufts in this weave are mechanically inserted and bound to the back in a manner similar to the hand knotting of Oriental rugs, making possible almost unlimited combinations of colors and patterns.
backing material—As the name implies, this is the material that forms the back of the carpet, regardless of the type of construction. In the case of Wilton (page 21), the weave itself forms part of the backing. Backing can be wool, kraftcord, jute, cotton, or other fabric, depending on the type and quality of carpet.
baluster (bannister, banister)—One of a set of small pillars that support a handrail (or balustrade) on a stairway.
baseboard—A board skirting the lower edge of a wall.
binding—A strip sewed over a carpet edge for protection against unraveling.
broadloom—Carpet woven wider than 27-in. or 36-in. widths—usually 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18-ft widths, and up to 30 ft in Chenille. ''Broadloom" is not a type or weave of carpet, nor a pattern or color; it is simply a designation of width.
Brussels—A term formerly, but now rarely, used to describe a loop pile carpet woven on the Wilton loom. See page 18.
burling—A hand-tailoring operation after weaving, to remove any knots and loose ends, to insert missing tufts of surface yarn, and otherwise check the condition of the fabric. Also, a repair operation on worn or damaged carpet.
carpet—The general designation of fabric for soft floor covering, especially that used for the entire floor and fastened to it—for example, wall-to-wall carpet.
