Get an inexpensive throw rug for the area. And a large magnet that looks like a roller(to pick up the pins). The carpet is trashed already with that large loopy stuff. Sorry. As long as you run vacuum at the end of the day you should be ok. Landlords only worry about filthy and pet urine soaked carpets..

I've purchased larger pieces of bound carpet and the interlocking foam mats at Big Lots. Very affordable.

I use chairmats under my machines, which helps.

I wholeheartedly agree .. a rug ..

Men! There's just no way you could "trash" the carpet with threads, bits of fabric or a dollop or two of water soluble glue such as Elmer's. If you vacuum carefully once a week you should have no problem. It's not like you're working on cars!

Maybe putting down a colored sheet would help as well.

I would go to a local flooring store where you could pick up a remnant and have it bound for very little money. As others have suggested, you could put that carpet over the other, plus I might consider having one of those floor saver plastic doohickees that they sell in office supply stores so any pins that go missing could be found easily and not destroy the landlords "gorgeous" carpet. What were they thinking, anyway???

I have the same problem when I'm quilting a large quilt. I have to do it in my family room which has heavy carpeting. I've tried several different things but what has worked awesomely well is a 2 x 8 sheet of 3/4" plywood. I set my machine on a "personal" table (available at Office Max / Walmart or wherever). I use a roller "secretary's chair" and just have a wastebasket immediately handy. Works super well. When I'm done with the large quilting project I just take the plywood back out to the garage. If you want something "prettier" you could get laminate flooring that snaps together and your hubby (or you) could build a frame around it if your setup for sewing is to be more permanent. Good luck!!

I bought some that look like wood from Amazon, low price too!