Rug Fringes, Kilim Ends and Shirazeh: A Guide to Edges and Repairs

Sep 24, 2026

ORIENTAL MOON / RUG CARE & REPAIR

Shortened fringes or loose threads at the edges?
Helping you enjoy a favourite rug for years to come.

Each part of a rug's edge has a name and a purpose. Knowing these makes it easier to describe damage and discuss suitable repairs. This illustrated guide explains the differences between fringes, kilim ends and shirazeh and shows fringe restoration, finishing an end without fringes, and repairs to the sides.

First, the three terms at a glance.

The threads extending from the ends are the fringes . The flatwoven strip between the pile and the fringe is the kilim end . The wrapped, reinforced edges along the sides without fringes are the shirazeh . Depending on the damage and your preferences, we can discuss restoring the fringes or finishing the ends without them.

The Parts of a Rug Edge: Fringes, Kilim Ends and Shirazeh

Let us look at the edges of a typical hand-knotted rug. The width of the kilim end, fringe length and edge finish vary with the origin and weaving method.

Diagram of rug edges: the kilim end is the flatwoven strip between the pile and fringe, the fringe extends from the end, and the shirazeh is the wrapped side edge — An explanatory diagram showing names and positions. Not every rug has the same construction or finish.

Fringes: These are the threads extending from the ends of the rug. In many hand-knotted rugs, the foundation's warp threads continue directly into the fringes . Although they look decorative, they are an integral part of the woven structure. Some rugs, including certain machine-woven rugs, have separately made fringes sewn on afterwards.
kilim end: In this article, the term refers to the flatwoven area between the pile and the fringe . It may form a white or natural ivory band, a narrow strip, or a patterned border. The word kilim also refers to a flatwoven rug without pile.
shirazeh: This generally means the reinforced side edges wrapped with yarn along the two sides without fringes . They define the rug's outline and protect the sides of the weave. This finishing technique is also described as overcasting or edge wrapping.

Fringes and Shirazeh on New Rugs

Reference photograph of a new rug corner showing long fringes and the side edge without fringes — Notice the difference between the fringed end and the side edge.

Reference photograph of a new rug's side edge wrapped with pale yarn — The shirazeh wraps and finishes the side edge with yarn.

Both photographs above show new rugs for reference. They are not before-and-after repair photographs.

Signs That an Edge Needs Attention

The right repair depends on whether only the fringe tips are untidy or the damage reaches their base and the rug itself. Gently lift the edge to inspect the back as well as the front.

Uneven fringe lengths or gaps where threads appear to be missing. Check whether wear extends to the base of the fringes.
Horizontal threads are coming loose from the kilim end. An early inspection can help establish whether the end weave is loosening.
Side-edge wrapping has broken, exposing the core or foundation. This is a sign that the overcasting may need repair.
Corners are beginning to wear away, or fraying has reached the patterned pile. We assess whether the body of the rug needs repair as well as its fringes and edges.

If you find a loose thread, do not pull it or cut it at its base. Leave it as it is, take a photograph and ask us for advice.

Fringe Restoration: How a Neater Edge Changes the Rug's Appearance

If you want to keep the fringed look, options include repairing or replacing the fringes and securing their base against unravelling. We inspect the remaining threads and foundation before recommending a method for your rug.

Example 1: Restoring an Even Fringe

Rug before fringe restoration, with short uneven fringes and longer threads remaining at the corners — The fringe lengths are uneven, and the corner threads are untidy.

Rug after fringe restoration, with an even row of white fringes along the end — The restored fringes create a continuous, even line along the end.

Neater fringes give the same patterned rug a cleaner outline. The aim is not simply to make the visible lengths match: the finish must also suit the condition of the fringe base.

Example 2: Restoring the Fringes of an Animal-Motif Rug

Animal-motif rug before fringe restoration, with short fringes of uneven lengths — The end beside the animal-patterned border, photographed before repair.

Animal-motif rug after fringe restoration, with even white fringes along the end — An even fringe now frames the design more neatly.

These two pairs show actual fringe repairs before and after the work. As the lighting and viewing angles differ, compare fringe length, alignment and the condition of the edges rather than colour intensity. The repair method and finish vary from rug to rug.

An Overcast Finish Without Fringes Is Another Option

If the fringes catch in the vacuum cleaner, or you prefer a cleaner outline without them, one option is to have the fringed ends professionally secured and overcast without fringes .

Illustration of a fringed end with a kilim strip converted to an overcast finish without fringes — An illustration of the possible finish without fringes. This is not a photograph of an actual repair before and after.

Although shirazeh usually means a side edge, the term is sometimes also used for an overcast finish at a formerly fringed end . When enquiring, it helps to say whether you want to keep the fringes or have the ends finished without them.

This is not simply a matter of cutting off the fringes. We inspect the weave and the condition of the ends, then secure and finish them as needed. We also discuss how much of the kilim strip can remain and how the rug's dimensions and appearance may change.

If you like fringes or value the original construction, retaining them may be more appropriate. Removing fringes changes the original form, so discuss the intended finish carefully before altering an antique or a rug with sentimental value.

Repairing Worn Shirazeh Along the Sides

If the side wrapping is worn or loose, the edges may need to be overcast again. We consider the surrounding colours, yarn thickness and wrapping technique, and tailor the repair to the foundation's condition.

Close-up of a rug edge overcast with white yarn — Yarn wrapped around the edge to form the shirazeh. This reference photograph shows the overcast finish.

Sometimes only the outer wrapping needs repair; in other cases, the core and the rug's weave also need inspection. Fringe repairs and side-edge repairs must be assessed separately according to their position and construction .

Choosing a Repair to Suit Your Rug

Concern	Possible approach	What we inspect first
Worn fringes	Repair or replace fringes and secure their base	Remaining threads, fringe base and damage to the rug
A preference for no fringes	Secured, overcast ends without fringes	Construction, remaining kilim strip, finished shape and dimensions
Loose side wrapping	Re-overcasting the shirazeh and repairing the edge	Wrapping yarn, core and side foundation
Fraying into the patterned area	Assessment for repair to the rug's body	Extent of the loss, weave and strength of the fibres

Caring for Repaired Edges

Pay attention to fringes and edges during everyday cleaning. Keep fringes away from rotating vacuum brushes, and avoid strong suction or rubbing where threads are loose.

If you notice fraying, contact us before applying glue or adhesive tape. Residue on the fibres and difficulty assessing the threads can limit subsequent repair options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fringe and Edge Repairs

Q. Can I cut the fringes myself?

A. We do not recommend cutting them, particularly at the base, without understanding the construction. On hand-knotted rugs, fringes often continue from the warp threads, and the securing stitches must also be assessed. If you want shorter fringes or no fringes, please send us photographs of the ends first.

Q. Can every rug be finished without fringes?

A. This must be assessed individually. We check whether the rug is hand-knotted or machine-woven, along with its fibres, kilim ends and foundation damage. We then discuss how closely a suitable finish can match your preferences.

Q. Can you help if the fringes have already disappeared?

A. Yes. We assess whether the loss is limited to the fringes or extends into the rug itself, then consider what can be restored. Photographs of both the front and back help us understand the condition.

Q. How much will it cost, and how long will it take?

A. Fringe repair or replacement, fringe removal and edge repairs are quoted according to the material, condition and extent of the work. Send an overall photograph, close-ups of the edges, the dimensions and your preferences. We explain the proposed work, price and lead time before proceeding.

Q. Can repairs be arranged with cleaning?

A. Yes. Tell us about both the soiling and the areas needing repair. We recommend the cleaning and repair process after assessing the rug.

Send Us Photos to Ask Whether an Edge Can Be Repaired

You do not need to know the technical terms. Simply tell us what concerns you: keeping the fringes, removing them, or repairing loose threads along a side.

The whole rug in an overall photograph
Close-ups of the affected fringes or edges
The back of the same area in a clear photograph

If possible, include the dimensions, material and the finish you would like. This helps us advise you more accurately.

Ask about repairs with photos

Written by Daniel, Rug Cleaning Specialist

Daniel, Oriental Moon's rug cleaning specialist

IICRC-Certified Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)

Daniel holds the Carpet Cleaning Technician qualification and draws on more than ten years of practical experience to care for rugs according to their fibres, weave and condition.

This guide uses photographs of actual fringe restoration at Oriental Moon, together with reference photographs explaining construction and finishing techniques.

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