Machine Sew Binding

• 1). Purchase twill binding tape that's 1/2 inch or wider, heavy-duty nylon thread and a sewing machine needle meant for use with heavy fabrics such as brocade or denim.
  
  
• 2). Attach the thread and needle to the sewing machine. Use a piece of scrap carpet to adjust the tension, and choose a stitch type.
  
  
• 3). Fold the tape over the edge of the carpet remnant, and stitch it to the carpet. This solution works best on thin profile carpets that's 1/8 inch or less.
  
  

Stitch by Hand Binding

• 1). Purchase a carpet sewing needle — carpet needles curve for easier use — and heavy-duty nylon thread.
  
  
• 2). Locate the middle of one side of the remnant, and place the needle in the backing about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the edge of the carpet. Push the needle up through the carpet from the backing side, and pull it through the remnant.
  
  
• 3). Wrap the thread over the edge, and bring it up again through the backing. Place each stitch in front of the stitch before, and continue the process until all the edges are covered. The wrapping stitch mimics the same stitching professional carpet binders produce.
  
  

Iron-On Binding

• 1). Purchase iron-on binding tape. Iron-on binding tape can be found through fabric and sundry retailers and carpet suppliers.
  
  
• 2). Fold the tape over the edges of the rug, and iron it into place. Start in one direction, and move around the carpet edges, ironing the tape into place. Overlap the last section of the tape about an inch on top of the starting point to secure the binding.
  
  
• 3). Add a dab of white glue along the end of the exposed tape to keep it from raveling.
  
  

Premade Adhesive Cord

• 1). Purchase a premade adhesive cord tape. The tape is a combination of sticky tape and decorative cord designed to attach to the back of the remnant.
  
  
• 2). Adhere the sticky tape to the backing on all four sides of the remnant. Make sure the attached cord butts against the edge of the carpet.
  
  
• 3). Secure the cord to the carpet edge. Use a small line of hot glue between the cord and the edge of the carpet to seal the cord permanently. Work in increments of 3 to 4 inches, pressing the cord and carpet together firmly for best results.
  
  

Lip Cord

• 1). Select a lip cord. A lip cord is a cord trim with fabric tape already attached. The tape is sold at fabric stores and upholstery supply houses.
  
  
• 2). Purchase some double-stick tape, and apply it to the fabric tape. Place the double-stick tape on the fabric tape alongside the cord. Keep the paper backing attached.
  
  
• 3). Attach the tape to the backing using the double-stick tape. Peel back the paper backing, and attach the tape along the underside of the carpet remnant. Make sure the cord butts against the carpet edge snugly as the tape is applied to the backing.
  
  
• 4). Attach the cord to the remnant edges using a thin bead of hot glue. Place the glue between the cord and the remnant edge. Work in 3- to 4-inch increments, and press the cord and carpet together for a tight fit.
  
  

Homemade Lip Cord

• 1). Purchase a wide twill tape, a favorite cord trim without attached tape and double-stick tape. Assemble the items to recreate a premade adhesive cord tape.
  
  
• 2). Glue the cord to the twill tape. Use white glue or a tiny bead of glue from a glue gun to attach the cord to the tape. Place the cord along one edge of the tape so you can use the width of the tape for attaching to the carpet backing.
  
  
• 3). Apply double-stick tape to the twill tape. Place the tape on the twill material alongside the cord you just attached. Leave the paper backing on the top of the double-stick tape.
  
  
• 4). Apply the cord tape to the carpet remnant the same way the premade adhesive binding cord is applied. Peel away the protective backing from the double-stick tape, and attach the twill tape along the underside of the carpet edges. Make sure the cord butts against the edge of the carpet remnant as you stick the tape to the carpet backing.
  
  
• 5). Attach the cord to the carpet edge using a bead of hot glue. Place the glue between the cord and the edge of the carpet, and press the two surface together. Work in 3- to 4-inch increments until all sides are glued.