The most successful mending is to replace worn warps and to reweave the weft threads. An easier method is to attach a patch to the back and darn the hole. A serious drawback to this is that the patch is likely to shrink or pull if the tapestry is washed. Moths and mildew are tapestries' two worst enemies. A moist atmosphere can cause deterioration of fibers and is responsible for fading of colors.
Strong light can have a disastrous effect on tapestries.
There are many types of antique rugs. Some are woven much like tapestries and should be treated similarly. For those woven with a cut pile, small repairs can be made at home by matching the yarn and filling in the holes with the aid of a carpet needle. Professional repairs to old rugs can be expensive, but are well-justified if the rug is valuable. Consult a carpet man for directions and materials for repair jobs.