Repair Techniques
What the exam tests
Repair technique questions test patching, plugging, burn repair, seam repair, re-tufting, re-stretching, delamination repair and dyeing. The exam focuses on sequence, pattern alignment and matching materials.
Core rules
- For a patch or plug, cut a square or rectangle aligned with pile direction and pattern. Keep cut edges clean and use matching pile height, color and dye lot.
- Insert the patch with hot-melt seaming tape or the adhesive specified for the backing, then roll the repair.
- For a burn, remove char, cut to a row and plug the area. Do not smear char into the backing.
- For a failed seam, open it, remove old tape, clean the edges, align rows, re-tape and iron, then roll.
- For small pulls, use an awl and latex to re-anchor the tuft. For missing tufts, re-tuft with matching yarn.
- Delamination repair means injecting adhesive under the backing and weighting it until cured. Severe delamination may require replacement.
- Dyeing is for color loss, not for burns, wear or missing pile.
Worked example
A cigarette burn sits 6 inches from a seam. Reasoning: do not extend the repair into the seam. Cut a square plug centered on the burn, aligned to the carpet rows and pile direction. Insert it with hot-melt tape, trim excess fibers and roll. This keeps the seam intact and hides the patch in the field.
Traps
- Rotating the patch so pile direction is wrong.
- Cutting across rows instead of along them.
- Using too much heat and damaging surrounding yarn.
- Matching color but not dye lot or pile height.
Key points
- Align patch to rows, pattern and pile direction.
- Keep repairs out of seams when possible.
- Remove char before plugging a burn.
- Re-tuft pulls instead of cutting them.
- Dye only for color loss, not structural damage.