The simplest way to repair a torn knitted sweater, by Sunny TV on YouTube. 3 min 34 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 34 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn the sweater inside out and trim any loose, frayed threads around the hole with small scissors. Leave the edges tidy but do not cut into good stitches.
Slide a darning mushroom, light bulb or smooth cup under the hole so the fabric sits flat and slightly stretched. This keeps you from sewing the front and back together.
Thread the blunt needle with yarn matched to the sweater colour. Use a single strand for thin knits and two strands for thicker wool.
Anchor the yarn on the inside of the fabric a few centimetres from the hole. Make a small stitch and leave a short tail rather than a knot.
Work rows of straight stitches across the hole, from one solid edge to the other. Keep the lines parallel and about 3 mm apart.
Turn the work and stitch across those lines at right angles, weaving over and under them. This builds a small woven patch that fills the gap.
Keep the new stitches slightly loose so the patch can stretch with the knit. Tight stitches will pucker the sweater.
Finish on the inside with two small backstitches, then trim the yarn close to the fabric. Do not tie a bulky knot.
Turn the sweater right side out and gently stretch the repaired area. Press it lightly under a damp cloth if the patch looks uneven.
Tips and common mistakes
Always use yarn the same colour as the sweater. Bright contrast wool is only for showing the method.
Do not pull the yarn tight. The repair should stretch with the knit, or it will pucker and pull loose.
For a large hole, darn in one direction first, then weave the cross threads, rather than trying to close it in one pass.
Wash the sweater gently by hand after repairing and let it dry flat so the patch settles.
Questions
Can I fix a hole in a knit without a darning mushroom?
Yes. A smooth light bulb, a small jar or a rounded cup works just as well. Anything firm and round keeps the fabric flat while you stitch.
What yarn should I use for the repair?
Use wool or yarn in the same colour and roughly the same thickness as the sweater. A close match makes the darn almost invisible.
Will the repair show?
A neat darn in matching yarn is barely visible from a distance. Up close you will see the woven patch, but it holds the hole closed and stops it spreading.
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.
