Repair stitches for holes in sweaters, by DIY Clothing Repairs on YouTube. 2 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn the sweater inside out and lay the hole flat over a darning mushroom or a smooth rounded object so the knit sits stretched but not pulled tight.
Trim any loose, frayed threads around the hole with small scissors, but leave short ends that still hold the fabric in place.
Thread the needle with yarn close to the sweater colour and knot the end, or leave a short tail to weave in later.
Work small running stitches around the edge of the hole to gather the loose loops and stop the hole from growing.
Fill the gap with rows of stitches across the hole, running parallel to the knit rows and catching the fabric on both sides.
Add a second set of stitches crossing the first at a right angle, like a woven patch, until the hole is covered.
Keep the stitches loose enough that the knit can still stretch, then fasten off on the inside and weave the tail into the fabric.
Turn the sweater right side out, press the repair gently with your hand and check that the patch sits flat.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a blunt needle so you push between the knit stitches instead of splitting the yarn.
Match the yarn weight to the sweater, as thick yarn makes a lumpy patch on fine knit.
Do not pull the stitches tight or the repair will pucker and the sweater will not stretch.
Wash the sweater inside out on a gentle cycle after the repair to soften the new yarn.
Questions
Can I fix a hole in a sweater without a darning mushroom?
Yes. A smooth rounded object like a jar, a ball or the back of a bowl works just as well to hold the fabric stretched while you stitch.
What if the hole is bigger than a coin?
Large holes are harder to close with stitches alone. You may need to place a small patch of similar knit fabric behind the hole and stitch it in place.
Do I have to use the same yarn as the sweater?
It looks best if you do, but any yarn of similar thickness and colour will work. Slightly darker yarn often hides better than a bright mismatch.
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.
