When carpets, (especially flat weaves, needlepoint, tapestries, etc.), lose their shape or develop wrinkles as a result of the washing process, it is advisable to gently stretch and block, equalizing tension in the foundation of the rug. Stretching and blocking restores rug symmetry and smoothes out wrinkles and creases, while shearing produces a smooth carpet face and removes excess fuzz. In some cases of high pile rugs showing uneven wear, shearing may be advisable to even off the pile.