Hand Sewing Tips, by DIY Clothing Repairs on YouTube. 2 min 10 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 10 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn the jumper inside out and look at the hole. Trim any loose, frayed threads with small scissors, but leave the edges of the hole intact.
Find yarn that matches the jumper in colour and thickness. Thread about 40 cm through the darning needle and knot the end.
Push a darning mushroom or a smooth rounded object under the hole so the fabric sits flat and slightly stretched.
Work small stitches around the edge of the hole to gather the loose loops. Keep the stitches close together so the edge does not unravel further.
Run rows of straight stitches across the hole, from one side to the other, following the direction of the knit. Keep the rows evenly spaced.
Weave a second set of stitches across the first rows at right angles, passing over and under them like a small woven patch.
Pull the yarn gently so the woven area sits level with the rest of the knit. Do not pull tight or the repair will pucker.
Finish on the inside with two small backstitches, then trim the yarn close to the fabric.
Turn the jumper right side out and press the repair lightly with your hand. Wash it gently by hand the first time.
Tips and common mistakes
Match the yarn weight to the jumper, because thick yarn makes a bulky lump on thin knit.
Work on a rounded surface so you do not sew the front of the jumper to the back.
Keep the stitches loose enough that the repair can stretch with the knit.
Fix small holes early, before the edges fray and the hole grows.
Questions
Can I fix a hole in a jumper without matching wool?
Yes. Use any yarn of similar thickness in a close colour, or take a strand from an inside seam if the jumper has one. A slightly different shade is less visible than a patch.
Do I need a darning mushroom?
No. A smooth rounded object such as a jar, a small bowl or an orange works just as well to hold the fabric flat while you sew.
Will the repair show?
A small darned hole blends in if the yarn matches and the stitches follow the knit. Larger holes will always be slightly visible, but the jumper stays wearable.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
