Hand repairing a colorful traditional rug with needle and thread.

Persian Rug Repair in San Diego

Persian rug repair at Zeytounian Rugs is done by hand on our own bench in San Diego. We secure worn ends with chain stitching, rebuild selvage and binding in wool, and reweave lost areas to match the original knot count, color, and pile direction. Free written estimate first.

  • Pickup and delivery across San Diego County
  • Full immersion hand washing, never surface scrubbing
  • Third generation family craftsmen since 1956
  • Free written estimates before any work starts
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No obligation · pickup & delivery countywide

Persian Rug Repair in San Diego, Knot by Knot Since 1956

Persian rug repair calls for a weaver, not a seamstress, and that hand skill is the work Zeytounian Rugs was built on. Nicholas Zeytounian set up his bench in San Diego in 1956, and today Anthony and Alexander Zeytounian carry it on as the third generation of the family trained in this work. A Persian rug is tied one knot at a time onto a warp and weft foundation, so a repair that lasts has to be built the same way: new knots set into the weave, not glue, tape, or a line of machine stitching laid over the top.

Damage on a hand-knotted rug almost always traces back to the structure. A worn field thins until the foundation shows through. Moths open a hole down to the warp. The selvage splits and the sides start to unravel. A hard crease along an old fold snaps warp threads and leaves a weak line across the rug. Each of these is a different repair, and each one has to respect how a Persian rug is put together.

Reading the Weave First

Before we touch a rug we read it. We look at the weave to place its style, whether it carries the fine density of a Tabriz or Kashan, the curved detail of an Isfahan, or the bolder geometry of a Heriz. We check the knot count, whether the pile is wool or silk, and whether the dyes are stable. That reading tells us how to rebuild the damaged area so it matches the original hand rather than fighting it.

We also see a lot of rugs that were repaired badly somewhere else, overstitched by machine, patched with the wrong yarn, or glued along a tear. Corrected honestly, most of those can be reopened and rewoven properly. Pickup and delivery are available anywhere in San Diego County, and so is the estimate. For non Persian pieces and general work, our full rug repair services in San Diego cover the same bench.

 

 

Hands knotting new fringe onto the edge of a red and blue rug

Reweaving That Matches the Original

The heart of Persian rug restoration is reweaving, and it is where the difference between a weaver and a repair shop shows. We rebuild the missing foundation first, then tie new knots into the gap using the same knot type the rug was made with, at the same density, so the count per inch matches the field around it. The new wool or silk is chosen to sit level and follow the original pile direction.

Matching color is its own craft. The wool and silk in an old Persian rug were hand dyed, so a single shade of red or indigo shifts across the piece as it ages. We match to the tones in the rug as it is now, not to a fresh skein, so a rewoven area reads as part of the weave instead of a bright patch.

  • Reweaving holes and worn spots knot by knot to the original density
  • Matching hand-dyed wool and silk to the aged tones in the rug
  • Rebuilding broken foundation, warp, and weft
  • Repairing split selvage and worn edge binding by hand
  • Resetting fringe and locking unraveling ends
  • Correcting old machine or glue repairs done by others

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Before & After Persian Rug Repair

Persian Rug Repair Services

Frayed fringe and woven signature panel on the edge of a blue and cream rug
Handwoven traditional rug with intricate patterns and fringes.
Short worn fringe on the edge of a beige floral rug before replacement
New white fringe sewn onto a beige floral rug on the workbench
Before and after of a corner repair on a red rug with a woven calligraphy border

Fringe & Ends

The end of the rug is the end of the warp.

On a Persian rug the fringe is not decoration, it is the exposed tail of the warp threads that run the full length of the piece. When the fringe wears away, the knots at the end have nothing to hold them and the rug starts giving up rows, shrinking a little at a time from the edge in. We stop that loss with chain stitching, a hand technique that locks the last sound row of knots and holds the foundation steady. From there we can rebuild the worn fringe or attach new fringe so the ends match the weave. Catching a Persian rug at this stage saves far more of the original knotting than waiting until the field is affected.

Red rug edge with worn binding and grey foundation threads exposed
Close up of a red rug border with a freshly rebound edge
Worn selvedge along the edge of a red patterned rug
Hand holding the corner of a red rug with frayed fringe and navy selvedge

Selvage & Bindings

The selvage is the wrapped edge that seals the two long sides of a Persian rug and keeps the pile from unraveling sideways. Once it wears through, the foundation underneath frays and the rug opens along the side. We rebuild the selvage and binding by hand in wool to suit the weight of the rug, from a fine single wrap on a lighter city piece to a heavier finish on a coarser village weave:

  • Single Edge Weaving
  • Double Edge Weaving
  • Triple Edge Weaving
  • Quadruple Edge Weaving
Hand repairing a colorful woven rug with a needle and thread.
Before and after of a pile repair, bare foundation patch then restored pile
Rug repair showing before and after restoration of frayed edges.
Wool rug repair with sewing needles and yarn on textured carpet.

Reweaving & Restoration

Reweaving is where a lost part of a Persian rug is put back. We rebuild the foundation across the gap, then knot new wool or silk into place, matching knot type, count, color, and pile direction until the repaired area sits flush with the pattern. It is slow, exacting work, and it is how a moth hole or a worn-through patch disappears back into the design. Common cases include:

  • Moth holes down to the foundation
  • Worn field and low pile
  • Holes with no foundation left
  • Old repairs reopened and rewoven correctly

Why choose Zeytounian Rugs for Persian Rug Repair in San Diego?

Who reweaves your rug matters as much as the decision to repair it. A rushed job can pull the surrounding knots out of tension, leave a ridge you feel underfoot, or set a color that never quite belongs. The bench has repaired Persian rugs for seventy years, long enough to learn that a repair must hold for decades and stay faithful to the weaver who made it.

This is oriental rug repair and Persian rug restoration in the true sense, hand reweaving that matches the original knot density and dye rather than covering damage over. We cover the whole county, from La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado inland to Rancho Santa Fe and Carmel Valley. A hand-knotted rug with structural damage should not be folded or crammed into a trunk, so we handle the pickup and delivery. We come get it, repair it in Kearny Mesa, and bring it back.

Every job starts with an honest evaluation and a clear recommendation, from a small fringe reset up to full structural reweaving. Many owners have us clean and repair together, and you can read more about our Persian rug cleaning in San Diego when the piece needs both. Rug repair is not a sideline for us, it is the trade the family has practiced here since 1956, and we handle each piece as carefully as if it were staying in the family.

Persian Rug Repair Questions, Answered

A machine runs a line of thread across the surface. It does not rebuild the warp, weft, and knots that give a Persian rug its structure, so the fix sits on top and pulls the weave out of shape over time. Hand reweaving replaces what was lost in the same construction, which is why it holds.

Yes. Moth larvae eat the wool pile and can chew into the foundation, but a hole is repairable when sound warp and weft remain around it. We treat the rug first so nothing is left alive in the wool, then rebuild the hole to match the field.

A good reweave should disappear into the pattern. We match the knot type, the density, the fiber, and the aged tone of the dye. On very old pieces with uneven fading we show you up front how close the match can get.

Usually. Machine overstitching, mismatched yarn, and glued tears can generally be reopened and rewoven the right way. We assess what was done and explain what a correct repair will involve at the free estimate.

It depends on the type and extent of the damage. Fringe and binding work moves faster than reweaving a large hole or restoring an antique. Your free estimate comes with a timeframe for your specific rug, and we hold to it.

You can, but you do not have to. Pickup and delivery reaches every part of San Diego County, and drop-off at the Kearny Mesa workshop works too if you would rather hand the rug over in person.

Authentic handmade rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Testimonials from Our Clients

All Testimonials

Excellent
5.0
Excellent customer service and super convenient. These guys know what they’re doing! And the prices are super reasonable. 10/10 recommend
susan halenza
5 days ago
These 2 brothers are the best:professional,especiallynice to work with,compliant with customer wishes ,the cleaned rugs look great. I have also bought rugs from them that were very special also.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us with your rugs! We love working with wonderful customers like you and it means a lot to hear you felt comfortable and happy with both our rug cleaning and our collection. Your appreciation makes our day brighter. If you ever want to browse new arrivals or need another cleaning, we're always here to help.
Michael Sheehan
5 days ago
Zeytounian brothers over delivered on cleaning a Moroccan rug that my pets cherished as a potty pad! Guys are legit & price was better than quoted. 3 words “utilize their services “ thanks guys!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Michael! Knowing that your beloved rug is now spotless and back in action makes our day - even happier to hear our pricing worked out better than expected. We’re always up for turning rug disasters into happy endings, so if you or your furry friends need a hand again, just give us a shout. We’re here to help keep your home fresh and inviting!
Debra
6 days ago
The Zeytounian brothers were easy to work with. I found to be trustworthy and the derbies to be reasonably priced. Service was excellent. The large oriental rug came back with more brilliant colors too ! I recommend anyone who needs cleaning of precious and beautiful rugs to go with the Zeytounian brothers.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Debra, for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled that you found our service trustworthy and reasonably priced, and that your oriental rug looks brilliant. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you again.
Debbie Smith
7 days ago
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for trusting us with your area rug cleaning, Debbie! We’re thrilled you found our pricing reasonable and hope your freshly cleaned rug adds extra comfort to your home. Your feedback really brightens our day. If you ever need another refresh or have any friends who could use our service, we’d love to help again!
Geneva Lake
1 week ago
Thank you to the Zeytounian brothers for doing such a fantastic job on my Persian rugs. Great people. I'll definitely be back!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Geneva, for your wonderful review! We're delighted you were happy with your Persian rugs and our service. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to Zeytounian Rugs!
Sarah F
1 week ago
I was honestly so nervous to get my Persian rug cleaned. It was a wedding gift from my grandma, so it holds a very special place in my heart, and the thought of handing it over to someone else made me super anxious. From the very start, though, the team put my mind completely at ease. Before they even touched it, they asked thoughtful, expert questions like what region the rugs were originally from, which immediately showed me how deeply they understand their craft. You can tell they genuinely care about the history and integrity of the textiles they handle. When I got it back, their work completely exceeded my expectations. My rug looked brand new. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I will 100% be bringing all my future rugs back to them!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Sarah, for trusting Zeytounian Rugs with your special rug and for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear our care and expertise put you at ease and that you’re so happy with the results. We look forward to helping with your rugs in the future!
Kevin Casillo
1 week ago
We have trusted Zetounian Rug Cleaning and repair on several Chinese, Afghanistan, Moroccan and Persian rugs many times over the years. Not just expert cleaning, but repairs as well. Their skill and attention to detail is exemplary. Impeccable service coupled with endless generational knowledge of specific carpet materials, age and origin of each piece Are there others, of course there are, would I use the other guy, nope, not a chance, these boys are the best! Whether they like it or not, they are stuck with us for life.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Kevin, for your wonderful review and your loyalty over the years! We truly appreciate your trust in Zeytounian Rugs and are delighted to be your go-to for rug cleaning and repairs. We're always here to care for your cherished rugs!
Deborah Krongard
2 weeks ago
I love Zeytounian! They are the best combination of professionalism and great customer service. I have brought them six or seven rugs and not only do they do an amazing job cleaning them, but they also can tell you the story of the rug's origins, etc. They do pick-ups at your home if needed and they are also lovely people - friendly and kind. I highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Thanks Deborah, this means a lot! Always glad to see you and your rugs. See you next time.
Such professional and personal care. They make you feel like you're part of the family. Amazing rug knowledge
Response from the owner:Thank you, we really appreciate it. Glad you felt at home with us.
tracy stijacic
2 weeks ago
I had such a wonderful experience with Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair. I especially appreciate that they are a family-owned business. Brothers, Anthony and Alex were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly take great pride in their work and their family’s business. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve owned my rugs for about 25 years and had never had them professionally cleaned. These rugs are very special to me, and the results were honestly shocking—in the best way. They look absolutely amazing, and the colors and details have come back to life. I can’t believe I had actually considered getting rid of them. I’m so grateful for the care Anthony and Alex took with my rugs and that I’ll now be able to enjoy them for another 25 years. I would highly recommend Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair to anyone looking for knowledgeable and genuinely kind professionals.
Response from the owner:Tracy, thank you so much for this! Anthony and Alex had a great time working on your rugs. We could tell how much those pieces mean to you after 25 years, and that kind of care makes our job the best. So glad we could bring them back to life, and here's to the next 25 years. Come see us anytime!
Karen Renberg
2 weeks ago
We have had our area rugs cleaned several times. They look fabulous after they are cleaned. We wouldn't use any other cleaning service.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much Karen. It means a lot that you keep coming back to Zeytounian Rugs for your area rug cleaning here in San Diego. We love seeing those rugs come back to life and we appreciate your loyalty more than you know.
Bettina Pedersen
2 weeks ago
Zeytounian Rugs was amazing! They explained the process for cleaning the rug, listened to me talk about how the rug fit into our decor and how much we loved our rug (even though it was machine made), and they did an absolutely beautiful job of cleaning and repairing it with brand new fringe. Their work is superb, and I would recommend them to anyone needing to have a rug cleaned and/or repaired.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Bettina, this one made our day. Didn't matter to us that the rug was machine made. It mattered to you, and that's the whole point. New fringe plus a full clean can bring an older rug right back, and yours came out beautiful. Thanks for trusting Zeytounian Rugs with something you clearly love. Anyone in San Diego who needs a rug cleaned or repaired, send them our way.
Tim Shepich
2 weeks ago
These guys are as straightforward and honest as you can find! Great work with no surprises or hidden cost! I highly recommend them!
Response from the owner:Appreciate this, Tim. No surprises and no hidden costs, that's how we run every job. Straight quote up front, honest work, done right. Glad the area rug cleaning came out the way you wanted. San Diego's got no shortage of options, so it means a lot you're pointing people to us. Thanks for the recommendation.
Karen Abshier
3 weeks ago
Great guys. Amazing service.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words! We really appreciate you trusting us with your rugs. It was a pleasure serving you here in San Diego, and we look forward to helping you again whenever you need us.
L M Davis
3 weeks ago
I had a truly great experience with Zeytounian Rug Cleaning. We just moved here and I had intended to have my 6 rugs cleaned before we moved but never got around to it. I had already gotten a couple of estimates in our previous area, so I knew what to expect. Here in a new town, I contacted three different companies to try and get estimates. ONLY Zeytounian responded, and very quickly. They sent me a very reasonable estimate, and impressed by their great reviews, I scheduled a pick-up. The brothers arrived on time, were very helpful, and both have a great sense of humor! The job was completed within the time frame they specified, the rugs delivered on time, and they were happy to fulfill my special requests (photos and wrapped for storage of a couple of rugs). And, the rugs look amazing! I could not be happier. It was a pleasure doing business with Zeytounian Rug Cleaning.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Lindsey! Welcome to San Diego, and thank you for trusting us with your rugs. We're so glad we could make the process easy from the initial estimate through pickup, cleaning, and delivery. It was a pleasure meeting you, and we're happy we could accommodate your storage requests as well. Enjoy your freshly cleaned rugs, and if you ever need anything in the future, we're always here to help. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience!
Greg Goorjian
4 weeks ago
The family heirloom passed down from my grandfather. Prayer rug size, losing threads, and quite filthy.. After restoration and washing at their own shop. A Full emersion process in their shop. The rug came back with 100% satisfaction. Family owned and operated by Armenians.. They know a thing or two about a thing or two. Highly recommend Zeytounian Rugs!
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Greg, thank you. We don't take it lightly when someone hands us a rug that's been in the family that long. Glad we could get your grandfather's back to you the right way. Thanks, Greg. The Zeytounian family
Pam Raney
4 weeks ago
Great service (even my dogs had fun in the treat and toy-filled office! Will come back for the next clean, for sure!
Response from the owner:Pam, this made our whole day. The treat basket is genuinely one of the best decisions we've made around here, and your two were great company. See you at the next clean, and thanks for the kind words.
Great service! Rug is very clean. The owner is very courteous. Timely service. Low price for the service standard. Recommend without hesitation.
Response from the owner:Dan, thanks for trusting us with your rug and for the great review!
Katy Motiey
4 weeks ago
This is an exceptional business run by 2 brothers… professional and high quality work. Thank you for taking care of our family Persian carpets!
Response from the owner:katy, thanks for the review and letting us take care of your rugs!
Bj Alfstad
4 weeks ago
Response from the owner:Thanks for the five stars, Bj. Really appreciate you taking the time.
Liz Sisco
1 month ago
Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair did a fantastic job cleaning 10 of my Persian rugs. Alexander and Anthony are friendly, professional and passionate about caring for rugs. Pick up and delivery was seamless and the rugs came back looking NEW! I highly recommend Zeytounian Rugs for all your rug cleaning and repair needs.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the great review Liz! It was a pleasure washing your beautiful persian and oriental rugs!
Susan Penman
1 month ago
My pup unfortunately had a vomiting accident on our 6 month old handmade silk Turkish rug and I jumped online and saw the incredible reviews from all of your customers and was so impressed I called immediately screaming HELP! We met the next day and your calmness and confidence gave us exactly what we needed to know that we found the best team to care for our very special piece of art! Thank you all for saving us! I 1000% recommend you trust this family with your heirlooms as well any other rugs you need assistance with, additionally the team recommended we have a sleeve sewn on the back and hang our beautiful piece of art, best decision ever! Feel free to call us at any time for a live reference!
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Susan, thank you so much for this amazing review. We're honored you trusted us with such a special handmade silk rug. We know how overwhelming those moments can be, so it means a lot to hear that we were able to give you peace of mind. Seeing your rug restored and now proudly displayed on the wall made the whole experience even more rewarding for us. Thank you again for your trust, your kind words, and your recommendation. It was a pleasure helping you, and we hope you enjoy your beautiful rug for many years to come!
Babra Rosenberg
1 month ago
This is the most amazing company. They do a fabulous job. They made my old beat up. Rug. Look like brand new. They are Reasonably priced andso nice to work with. I would definitely recommend them.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Babra! We’re thrilled to hear you’re happy with your rug cleaning and our service. It means a lot to us that you’d recommend Zeytounian Rugs. We look forward to helping you again in the future!
Anna Ancona
1 month ago
They were very professional and great at communicating. They cleaned my Moroccan rug in a week. Loved supporting this family owned business!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Anna, for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you loved our service and are grateful for your support of our family-owned business. It was a pleasure caring for your Moroccan rug! – The Zeytounian Rugs Team

Persian Rug Repair by Where the Damage Sits

Ends, sides and field
Where the damage is What is actually failing How we repair it
The ends and fringe On a Persian rug the fringe is the exposed tail of the warp threads that run the full length of the piece, so when it wears away the end knots have nothing to hold them and the rug gives up rows Chain stitching locks the last sound row of knots and holds the foundation steady, then we rebuild the worn fringe or attach new fringe to match the weave
The long sides The selvage is the wrapped edge that seals both long sides, and once it wears through the foundation underneath frays and the rug opens along the side Selvage and binding rebuilt by hand in wool to suit the weight of the rug, in single, double, triple or quadruple edge weaving
The field A lost part of the rug, where the pattern itself is gone The foundation is rebuilt across the gap, then new wool or silk is knotted in, matching knot type, count, color and pile direction until the area sits flush with the pattern

Contact Us for Expert Persian Rug Repair

★★★★★ 5.0 · Google Reviews

Drop your rug off, or we can pick it up. Our shop is at 7343 Ronson Rd Ste U in Kearny Mesa, open Monday to Friday 9 to 4 and Saturday 9 to 2. Coming by freeway, Kearny Mesa connects straight off Highway 52 and Interstate 805, and the drive runs about twenty minutes from Coronado, twenty-five from Chula Vista, and twenty-five from Encinitas.

Get Driving Directions to Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair