Découper un Tapis

Cutting a Rug: The Guide

How to cut a rug without ruining it: a complete guide to cutting it to the right size

A rug that's too big, an edge that hits a door, the desire to adapt it to a hallway or a corner… We quickly find ourselves typing “ cut a rug ” or “ cut a rug ” without really knowing how to go about it. Good news: with the right tools, a little method, and a few precautions, you can cut a rug cleanly, without it fraying or damaging anything.

In this guide, we will see together when it is possible to cut a rug, which materials are more delicate, how to trace, cut straight (or rounded), and above all how to protect the edges so that it remains beautiful and strong over time.

Summary

1. Why would you want to cut up a carpet?

It's often thought that a rug should remain exactly as it was purchased. However, there are many situations where cutting a rug is logical and practical:


  • Adapting an oversized rug to a small room or hallway.
  • Create a custom-made rug for a corner, an alcove, or under a staircase.
  • Prevent a rug from obstructing the opening of a door or drawer.
  • Reusing an old rug that is damaged at the edges, keeping only the central part.
  • To give a softer (rounded) shape to a rectangular rug that is too “rigid”.

The important thing is not just to cut a rug, but to do it cleanly, neatly and sustainably , so that it remains pleasant to use on a daily basis.

Tip: Before even taking out the utility knife, place the rug in its intended location and mark the ideal shape on the floor (with painter's tape). This will help you visualize what you actually need to remove.

2. Before cutting a rug: essential checks

Not all rugs are cut the same way. Before cutting, take the time to look at:

  • The material of the fibers (wool, cotton, jute, synthetic such as polypropylene, polyester…).
  • The underside of the rug (latex, jute, canvas, felt, rigid backing…).
  • The thickness and type of weave (curly, short, long-pile shaggy, tufted…).
Carpet type Difficulty cutting Note before cutting
Short pile rug with felt or latex backing Easy to medium Ideal for clean cuts with a utility knife.
Shaggy rug (long pile) More delicate Cut from the back, then secure the edges well afterwards.
Rugs made of jute or woven natural fibers Delicate Very prone to fraying, so plan for a thorough finishing.
Carpet roll (carpet-type rug) Quite easy Make sure to mark the cuts clearly, especially around the corners.
What not to do: attempt to cut up a very expensive, antique, or valuable rug without professional advice. In this case, it's best to seek guidance from an upholsterer or a specialist retailer.

3. Useful tools for cutting a carpet properly

You can cut a carpet with just a few things, but the quality of the result really depends on the tools. Here are the most useful ones:

Tool Main use Remarks
Sharp cutter (new blade) Clean cut from the back A brand new blade is essential to avoid "pulling" the fibers.
Large metal ruler or mason's rule Guide for straight cuts The heavier it is, the more it stays in place during cutting.
Tailor's chalk or grease pencil Draw the guidelines on the reverse side It cleans easily and remains visible during cutting.
Protective gloves Safety when using a cutter Reduces the risk of cuts in case of skidding.
Large board or thick cardboard Protect the floor under the rug Place under the cutting area if the ground is sensitive to blades.

Cutting a rug neatly with a utility knife, ruler, and measuring tools on the floor of a living room

Tip: If you have several cuts to make, change your cutter blade as soon as you feel it start to snag. A dull blade makes the edges dirtier and increases the risk of slipping.

4. Measure, mark, secure: prepare the cut

When you want to cut a carpet, 80% of the work is done before you even make the cut with the utility knife:

  1. Measure the desired final dimension (length, width, or particular shape) in situ, on the ground.
  2. Turn the rug over to work from the back: the cut will be more precise and you will see the weave better.
  3. Draw your cutting line with chalk or grease pencil, using a long ruler for straight lines.
  4. Stabilize the mat : prevent it from moving by placing weights (heavy books, boxes) away from the cutting area.
  5. Protect the floor with a board or cardboard under the future cut if necessary.

Take your time: it's better to redraw a pattern than to regret a carpet cut too short.

Do not cut the rug directly on the parquet or tile floor without protection underneath. The cutter can mark the floor, especially on delicate surfaces.

5. Cut a rug in a straight line

Most of the time, " cutting a rug " means shortening it on one side or reducing its width. Here's a simple method for a straight cut:

  1. Place the rug upside down, with the cut line clearly visible.
  2. Position a metal ruler exactly on the line.
  3. On your knees, hold the ruler firmly with one hand (or ask someone to help you).
  4. With your other hand, run the cutter along the ruler, making several light passes rather than trying to cut everything at once.
  5. Slightly lift the part to be removed to check that the cut is clean all the way to the end.

On thick carpets, it's normal to have to make 3 or 4 passes with a utility knife. Don't force it: let the blade do the work.

Tip: if the rug is very thick, you can first “open” the back with a cutter, then gently finish off the excess fibers on the front side with good scissors, only to even it out.

6. Cut a rug into a special shape (curved, angled, niche)

You can also cut a rug to give it a particular shape: a half-moon near a bay window, an angle around a pillar, a niche under a staircase… The key is the template.

For rounding:

  • Make a cardboard template of the desired shape (quarter circle, semicircle…).
  • Place this pattern on the underside of the rug and trace all around it with chalk.
  • Cut gently with the cutter along the drawn line, without trying to rotate the cutter too quickly.

Cut a rug into a rounded shape using a cardboard template traced with chalk on the underside of the rug.

For cutting around a fixed piece of furniture (stair leg, post, fireplace):

  • Place the mat in the correct position, adjust it as close as possible to the obstacle.
  • Mark the areas to be cut using small pieces of tape or chalk.
  • Turn the rug over, connect the markers together and cut from the back.
Tip: If in doubt, first test on a small piece of carpet (if you have one) or on an area that will be hidden (under a piece of furniture) to see how the material reacts to cutting.

7. Edge finishing: prevent fraying

Once you've managed to cut a rug cleanly, there's one key step left: protecting the newly created edge . Without a finish, some materials will fray over time.

Several solutions exist:

  • Special carpet or rug adhesive tape , to be stuck on the back, along the edge, to hold the weave in place.
  • Anti-fraying glue (or fabric glue) to be applied thinly to the edge, especially for jute or woven fiber rugs.
  • Iron-on (or sew-on) textile edging for a more aesthetic finish.
  • Professional overlocking : some upholsterers offer to overlock or edge a cut rug, for a finish like the original.

For small areas or carpet-type rugs, a simple strong adhesive tape on the back is often enough to stabilize the fibers.

What not to do: leave the raw edge on a jute, sisal, or braided natural fiber rug. It will open up, lose its shape, and deteriorate very quickly.

8. Common mistakes to avoid when cutting a rug

Some common pitfalls arise when trying to cut a carpet:

  • Cutting too short : don't leave just the exact dimension, always leave a few millimeters of margin, especially if you are planning a border.
  • Draw hastily : one crooked line, and the cutting line will never be salvageable without further shrinking the rug.
  • Using a dull cutter : the carpet frays, the cut is not clean, and you have to go over it several times.
  • Cutting from the front side : you can see the weave less well and risk "scalping" the hairs unevenly.
  • Forgetting about safety : working without gloves, at arm's length, on a slippery floor, increases the risk of injury.
Tip: If you're worried about making a mistake, start with a side that will be the least visible (for example, the edge that will go under a sofa or bed). This will allow you to get the hang of it before tackling the main side.

9. Cut or change format: which to choose?

Just because you can cut a carpet doesn't mean you should always do it. Ask yourself a few questions:

  • Does the rug have significant sentimental or financial value ?
  • Is it a mass-produced, easily replaceable rug, or a rarer piece?
  • Can the design withstand being cut (risk of cutting borders, medallions, etc.)?
  • Is there a more suitable format that would avoid having to cut it?

If you are hesitant, it may be wiser to resell or move a rug that no longer suits you and choose another one in the right size from the start, rather than taking the risk of regretting a cut.

10. In summary: cutting a rug without stress

Cutting a carpet isn't just for professionals. With a little preparation, the right tools, and a few simple steps, you can:

  • Adapting a rug that's too big to your room.
  • Create a custom shape for a specific corner.
  • Giving a damaged rug a second life by trimming its edges.

Remember these three key points: carefully check the type of rug before cutting , meticulously prepare your measurements and layout , and ensure a neat finish on the edge to prevent damage. This way, cutting a rug becomes a controlled process, enhancing your comfort and décor – stress-free and without unpleasant surprises.

And if you finally realize that a rug perfectly suited to the dimensions of your room would be simpler, keep in mind that it is sometimes more comfortable (and more aesthetic) to choose the right size directly… rather than trying to force a rug into a room at all costs.

Back to blog