How to Easily Mend Holes in Knitted Sweaters, by Sunny TV on YouTube. 4 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn the sweater inside out and stretch the hole area over a darning mushroom or a smooth rounded object so the fabric sits flat.
Trim any loose, frayed threads around the hole with small scissors, but leave a short tail on each side to weave in later.
Thread a blunt needle with yarn that matches the sweater in colour and thickness. Knot the end or leave a tail to secure later.
Work small running stitches across the hole in one direction, going from solid fabric on one side to solid fabric on the other. Keep the stitches close and even.
Turn the work and stitch back across the hole in the opposite direction, weaving over and under the first set of threads to build a small woven patch.
Continue until the hole is filled and the new stitches sit level with the surrounding knit. Do not pull the yarn tight or the patch will pucker.
Weave the yarn tail into the back of the knit for a few centimetres, then trim it. Repeat with the starting tail.
Turn the sweater right side out, gently stretch the mended area and check that the patch lies flat and feels soft.
Tips and common mistakes
Use yarn the same colour as the sweater for an invisible repair; the video uses contrasting colours only to show the stitches clearly.
Keep your tension loose so the patch stretches with the knit instead of pulling it out of shape.
Darn soon after you spot a hole, before the edges fray and the hole grows larger.
Wash the sweater gently after mending and dry it flat to protect the new stitches.
Questions
Can I mend a hole without a darning mushroom?
Yes. A smooth rounded object like a jar, a small bowl or a rolled towel works just as well to hold the fabric flat while you stitch.
What if the hole is larger than a coin?
For big holes, place a small patch of similar knit fabric behind the hole and stitch it in place, then darn over the edges to blend it in.
Do I need special darning yarn?
No. Any yarn that matches the sweater's thickness and colour works. Thin sock yarn or embroidery floss can also be used on fine knits.
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.
