Learn how to cut a rug to resize it and what makes a good trimmable rug. Plus, professional rug resizing costs and supplies needed to cut carpet to make a rug.

Working with what you have on hand

As most of you know, I tracked all of my home decor purchases in 2020 (#20in2020). I really loved the concept of being super intentional with adding to our spaces, working on buying less with more intent and repurposing what we have.

That year-long exercise really changed the way that I'm approaching spaces in my house. As I started working on the design for the basement, I knew I wanted a neutral rug. I had a moroccan shag rug in our playroom rolled up that wasn't being used. Although, it's not a rug that I would pick now for my house (it's fine but my aesthetic has just changed a bit) it's a great rug. It's 100% wool.

Since my mindset has been to slow down the cycle of decor at my house, I got to thinking about using the moroccan rug in the basement but knew that the size wasn't going to be right.

Costs for professional carpet resizing or rug resizing

I started researching professional rug resizing and methods for how to cut a rug if you wanted to DIY it.

Honestly, at first, I decided that I was just going to hire a professional to resize the rug. I got a quote of $1.50 per linear foot to resize the rug. A few weeks went by and then I called back to arrange transport for the rug, and magically, that price went up to $3 per linear foot.

I get annoyed by things like that, so I decided to pass on having a professional cut and bind the rug.

I dug into research on trimming a rug yourself and decided that I was going to go for it. Spoiler: cutting an area rug was super easy and I'm VERY pleased with how my DIY project turned out. So, stay tuned for how to cut a rug without it unraveling because it's more simple than you'd think.

*Affiliate links below. Thanks for supporting this blog. Click to read my privacy and disclosure statement.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Resize an Area Rug at Home

This tutorial is showing how to cut a shag rug, but you can use this method for how to cut carpet and resize that to make it a rug as well.

Resizing a rug supplies

• Instabind (sold by the foot so measure and calculate based on your rug size)
• Wood or cardboard (to put under your rug so you don't cut the floor
• Moroccan rug

Essential Tools for Cutting and Binding Rugs

• Utility knife
• Straight edge * (we used a long level)
• Hot glue gun
• Measuring tape

How to Cut a Rug to Resize It

Step 1: Measure and Mark Your New Rug Dimensions

Decide how much you need to cut off your rug. Use a measuring tape and make a few dots down the length you want to cut. Consistency is key here to ensure a straight line later.

Step 2: Create a Precise Cut Line

Using a straight edge (like a long level or a 2x4), line up the dots that you've marked out. Connect the dots and mark one long line. This will serve as your guide for the utility knife.

Step 3: Protect Your Flooring Before Cutting

Put a piece of wood or heavy cardboard underneath the rug along the line you are about to cut. You want to make sure you have something sturdy to cut on so you don’t accidentally damage your floors!

Step 4: Cut the Rug Slowly to Minimize Shedding

Using your utility knife, start cutting along your marked line. As you go, slowly peel up the cut piece. This helps minimize the amount of rug fibers lost and ensures a cleaner edge. Always cut from the back of rug.

Step 5: Apply the DIY Rug Binding (Instabind)

Pull the tape off the rug binding (Instabind) and press it right up to the edge of the cut side of the rug. Press down firmly to ensure the adhesive sticks to the rug backing.

Step 6: Secure the Edge with Hot Glue

To ensure the binding never pulls away, place a bead of hot glue between the binding and the rug edge, then press the rug onto it. This step is what stops the rug from fraying over time.

I know visuals for projects are so important, so I made a video tutorial of me resizing a rug with Instabind.

Rug Resizing Video How-To

As I was resizing this rug, I was thinking about other questions you might have about this project and thought I'd answer some of those below.

Overall, I'm so happy with easy it was to trim the rug. I think this was a PERFECT DIY project for our basement!

How To Cut A Rug To Resize It

Print

Learn how to cut a rug to resize it and what makes a good trimmable rug. Plus, professional rug resizing costs and supplies needed to DIY.

Materials

• Utility knife
• Straight edge * (we used a long level)
• Instabind
• Hot glue gun
• Measuring tape
• Wood or cardboard (to put under your rug so you don’t cut the floor
• Moroccan rug

Tools

• Hot Glue Gun
• Utility Knife

Instructions

1. Decide how much you need to cut off your rug.
2. Use a measuring tape and make a few dots down the length you want to cut.
3. Using a straight edge, line up the dots that you’ve marked out. Connect the dots and mark one long line. This is where you’ll be cutting.
4. We are taking off 33.5″. Put a piece of wood inside the rug, so you have something to cut on. You don’t want to cut your floor!
5. Start cutting.
6. Slowly peel up the the cut piece to help minimize rug fibers lost.
7. Pull the tape off the rug binding and press it right up to the edge of the cut side of the rug. Press down.
8. Place a bead of hot glue on the binding and press the rug onto it.
   

If you want to see more basement DIY projects:

• DIY Bucket List Art
• Painting New Drywall
• Installing a Secret Door
• DIY Modern Wood Handrail

}