Fringe

Fringe is the result of the warp threads extending beyond the woven portion of the rug at each end. It is not sewn on or added afterwards (in a genuine hand-woven rug), it is the structural warp of the textile itself. The length and condition of the fringe are therefore directly related to the structural integrity of the rug's end construction.

Some rugs have their fringe knotted, braided, or overstitched to prevent unravelling. Others have plain fringe that should be left as-is. Fringe should never be machine-trimmed to create a uniform length, this cuts into the pile structure of the rug, not just the fringe.

In vintage pieces, fringe is often worn, shortened from use, or partially lost. Varying fringe length is common and is not a defect, it is the record of the rug's history of use. Re-fringing (adding new fringe) is a restoration that should be noted.