Invisible repair of sweater - front and back! | save clothes, save money {repairing is caring}, by knit and mend on YouTube. 6 min 47 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 47 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Turn the sweater inside out and look at the hole. Trim any loose, frayed fibres with small scissors, but leave the knitted loops that are still intact.
Find yarn that matches the sweater in colour, thickness and fibre. Cut a length about as long as your forearm and thread it through a blunt darning needle.
Work from the front. Bring the needle up through a stitch next to the hole and follow the path of the original knitted loops, one stitch at a time.
Build a new row of stitches over the gap, matching the size and tension of the surrounding knit. Keep the yarn loose enough that the patch does not pucker.
Fill the hole row by row, working in the same direction as the knit stitches. Check the front as you go so the new stitches sit level with the old ones.
Turn to the back and tidy the loose ends. Weave each tail through a few stitches on the inside and trim it close, so nothing shows on the front.
Press the repaired area gently with a damp cloth and a warm iron. Do not press hard, or the new stitches will flatten and stand out.
Tips and common mistakes
Match the yarn weight closely, because a thicker yarn makes the patch bulge and a thinner one leaves a dip.
Keep your tension slightly loose, since tight stitches pull the hole into a visible pucker.
Work in good light and check the front of the sweater often, not just the back.
Wash the sweater gently after mending and let it dry flat so the repair settles into the knit.
Questions
Can I mend a sweater without matching yarn?
Yes, but the repair will show. Use a yarn of the same thickness and fibre, and choose a shade close to the sweater. A slightly darker shade often hides better than a lighter one.
What is duplicate stitch?
It is a hand sewing method where you follow the path of the existing knitted stitches with new yarn. It adds a second layer over the knit and blends into the pattern, which is why it works for invisible mending.
Will the repair survive washing?
Usually yes if you weave the ends in well and use a yarn of the same fibre as the sweater. Wash on a gentle cycle or by hand and dry flat.
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.
