Learn How To Repair a Ripped Seam in A Knit Garment, by Needlepointers on YouTube. 4 min 32 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 32 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn the garment inside out so the raw seam edges face you. Find the full length of the split, including any loose stitches just past the visible tear.
Pin the two seam edges back together, matching the original seam line and keeping the fabric flat. Clip or pin every 2 to 3 inches so nothing shifts.
Set your machine to a narrow zigzag or a stretch stitch. Use a short stitch length and loosen the top tension slightly if the fabric puckers.
Place the seam under the needle and start a few stitches before the tear. Sew slowly along the old seam line, catching both edges.
Overlap the start and end of the repair by about half an inch so the new stitches lock into the intact seam. Backstitch briefly at each end.
Sewing by hand instead? Use a small backstitch or whipstitch with a slight stretch, and keep the stitches loose enough not to pucker.
Trim loose thread tails and any frayed bits. Turn the garment right side out and gently stretch the seam to check it holds.
Press the seam with a cool iron, or use a pressing cloth on synthetic knits, to flatten the repair without melting the fibers.
Tips and common mistakes
Never use a plain straight stitch on a knit seam, because it will snap the next time the fabric stretches.
Test the zigzag width and length on a scrap of similar knit before sewing the real seam.
Match your thread to the fabric content, and use polyester thread on stretchy knits for extra give.
Questions
Can I fix a ripped knit seam without a sewing machine?
Yes. Hand sew with a small backstitch or whipstitch and leave the stitches slightly loose so the seam can stretch. It takes longer but holds well on small tears.
What stitch should I use on a knit seam?
Use a narrow zigzag or the stretch stitch built into most machines. Both flex with the fabric, while a straight stitch will break under stretch.
Do I need special thread for knit fabric?
All-purpose polyester thread works for most jersey repairs. Avoid cotton thread on very stretchy knits because it has less give.
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.
