Why Block/Stretch?

Waves & ripples

Restore a calm, flat surface.

Controlled Re-Tension

Gentle humidification and measured tension reset the rug’s geometry without stress. We monitor dye stability and foundation response at each step for a safe, lasting result.

Make edges safe and neat

Your rug should fit your furniture — not the other way around.

Edge Stability

Proper blocking aligns the field; hand overcasting or binding can be added to keep edges flat and strong—no tape, nails, or glue that could harm fibers.

Out-of-square corners

Correct skew and border undulation.

True Geometry

We realign to true right angles and calm wavy borders. The rug is set flat under controlled airflow so the corrected shape holds in daily use

Distortion after cleaning

Fix over-wet/heat wobble.

Conservation Reset

Over-wetting or heat can twist foundations. We perform a conservation wash (if needed) then block—rebalancing warp/weft for a smooth, even field.

Pressure ridges & door sweep

Return graceful movement

Flow Restored

We relieve impact tracks and re-tension the field. Where clearance is marginal, we’ll advise minor resizing or pad adjustments for effortless door swing.

Ready to restore your rug’s calm, true form?

We’ll assess, block, and stabilize your rug with the same patience we give our own — museum-aware care, in-house, insured, and documented.

What We Block / Is Stretchable

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Persian/Oriental, tribal, fine city weaves

Flatweaves & Kilims

excellent response; re-square and lay-flat

Silk (pure & blends)

silk-safe parameters, close dye/fiber monitoring

What blocking corrects well

Rectangles, runners, and squares with skewed corners, rippled borders, or edge curl. We restore true geometry and calm the field to lie flat.

Round/oval rugs

We can re-tension and set the original circumference if it’s gone wavy.
(Blocking will not turn a rectangle into a round — that’s Resizing.)

Complex layouts (L-shapes, stair landings)

Blocking restores lay-flat but doesn’t create new shapes. For shape changes or size adjustments, see Rug Resizing.

Our Process

Consultation & Intake

Photos at pickup; on-site tagging and documentation for insured chain-of-custody.

Specialist Assessment

Fiber ID, weave structure, dye tests, warp/weft imbalance notes, edge integrity check.

Conservation Wash (as needed)

Dry soil removal and hand wash to relax fibers and eliminate residues that resist reshaping.nges get digital mock-ups for approval.

Humidify & Relax

Silk/wool-safe conditioning prepares fibers for safe adjustment without dye shock.

Blocking Table Alignment

We align to true geometry; tension is applied gradually and evenly, never forced.

Re-Tension & Squaring

Correct skew and border undulation; support weak sections to avoid stress.

Edge Stabilization

Optional hand overcasting/binding or fringe work to help edges remain flat and strong.

Dry-Down & Set

Flat, airflow-controlled drying with periodic checks to lock the corrected form.

Final Groom & Photos

Pile set, corners verified, before/after documentation, and at-home care guidance.

Rug Blocking & Re-Tensioning — Restore True Shape | Ahmadi Rug Chicago