I don't think Fray Check will be strong enough to do the job. When you vacuum at the edge, you risk snagging a carpet fiber and having it pull.

Depending on the type of carpet, the canvas duck border may work. But if the carpet has any sort of 'plushness' to it, it won't hold well with iron on adhesive.

If it's a really low pile carpet, you could probably get away with the canvas duck edging and a good fabric glue. I just used some on a project I did and was amazed at how strong that stuff is. But still, don't expect it to hold up forever.

As for the sew on binding, it's certainly worth checking to see if they'll do it on your remnant - you may be surprised. But you'd still be paying middleman costs - the carpet seller usually has an agreement with a place to do binding - all parties want a profit. See if you can get to the binder directly. Check you local classified ads for carpet installers - many work independently from carpet stores. That would be the first place I'd check for a lead - ask who does binding.

I can't see the fray check working either.

Years ago my mom had some carpet left over from having their dining room and living room re-carpeted. In my parents home there is a very large sunroom which is just off the dining room. Mom made another eating area in that room along with one end being a seating area and she had a beautiful rug made from her carpet "leftovers". She had a circular rug made to go under the table in the sunroom (sunroom floor is tile). She had the rug bound and also they put in a design with another color (this was when rose and blue were big). She was really quite surprised with how reasonably priced this was. I would call around and ask about having a rug bound. It may be cheaper than you think. And as suggested above, check with independent installers. That is what we did for our hardwood installation.

tina

A few years ago I had a large rug bound and it wasn't teribly expensive. The rug was approximately 25X18. It wasn't a remnant, I had purchased the piece to go in our living room which is 30X20. I believe it was $125 for the binding. It might be worth at least checking to see what their pick up / delivery charge would be.

Thanks guys. I don't know what I was thinking with the canvas around the edge. I'd say the fibers are too big to try that.
{{!gwi}}

I'll have to call around and see about the binding. However, when I talked to DH today about using this as the area rug he scrunched up his face, didn't seem excited, and said he wanted a different (same color) carpet for that room. ... :) So for now I'll roll it up and back to the attic it will go!

If you look online, there is a place that sells binding that you're supposed to be able to do yourself. Sorry I don't have the link any more, but you should be able to find it.

Gracie - Oh, thanks! After doing a quick search I found Instabind. Watched a video and the few reviews I saw looked promising.

You're very welcome! Let me know if you try it.