Fringe, ends, selvedges and bindings
On a hand‑knotted rug the fringe is the warp threads continuing past the last row of knots. It is not decoration; it is the structure. Between the fringe and the pile is the end finish, a band of plain weave or overcasting that holds the last knots in place. The selvedge is the wrapped edge along each side. On machine‑made and tufted rugs the equivalents are a sewn‑on fringe and a binding or serged edge.
All of them fail in the same order: the fringe frays and greys, the end finish wears through, the last row of knots loosens, and then the rug loses a row every time it is vacuumed. Selvedges wear at doorways and under chair legs. The repair is cheap early and expensive late, which is why every rug that comes to the plant has its ends and sides checked at inspection.
