Mend a hole in your jumper in 5 easy steps
We all have a beloved jumper we treasure no matter how old it might be. It will get plenty of wear and inevitably some tear, but if you discover a hole it doesn’t have to mean the end. Learn how to mend a hole in a jumper... and you’re not only extending the lifespan of an old favourite, but you’re championing slow fashion and doing your bit towards creating a more sustainable wardrobe. From simple sewing and darning techniques to creative and alternative clothes repair ideas, follow our step-step-guide to fix a hole in a jumper.
Mend a hole in your jumper in 5 easy steps
We all have a beloved jumper we treasure no matter how old it might be. It will get plenty of wear and inevitably some tear, but if you discover a hole it doesn’t have to mean the end.
Learn how to mend a hole in a jumper and you’re not only extending the lifespan of an old favourite, but you’re championing slow fashion and doing your bit towards creating a more sustainable wardrobe. From simple sewing and darning techniques to creative and alternative clothes repair ideas, follow our step-step-guide to fix a hole in a jumper.
Repair holes in your jumper like a pro
Mending a hole in your jumper doesn't have to be daunting. With just a few simple steps, you can mend the damage and extend the life of your cosy garment. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, these easy-to-follow instructions will help you achieve a seamless repair. Let's get started on bringing your favourite jumper back to its former glory!
Step-by-step guide to mend a hole in your jumper
What you’ll need:
● A large-eyed or darning needle
● Small gauge or appropriate size crochet hook
● A needle threader
● Small sharp scissors
● A thimble (optional, but handy)
Step 1: Prepare the Jumper
Turn the jumper inside out to work on the hole from the inside.
Step 1: Prepare the Jumper
Turn the jumper inside out to work on the hole from the inside.
Step 2: Secure the Wool Yarn
Using the crochet hook, carefully pick up and loosen the end chain in the seam. Catch the wool thread loop and pull through the chain stitch on your crochet hook. Once all the wool on the hook is pulled through, snip the wool loop yarn at the opposite end to the seam gap.
Leave enough length of yarn to close and secure this end of the garment with a few back stitches. You should now have a long piece of secure yarn.
Step 3: Start Sewing
Using a needle threader, if needed, thread your needle with the long piece of secure yarn. Secure the start area of your repair with some back stitches. Using a blanket stitch, begin to repair the hole across the length of the seam hole.
Try to follow the original manufacturer's stitching line for an invisible fix. Be careful not to pull the thread too hard to avoid it bunching and the stitch tension being too tight.
Step 4: Secure the Yarn
Once the length of the hole is completely repaired, secure the yarn with backstitching. Carefully draw your needle through 4 or 5 stitches pulling through any excess thread. This will secure the thread. Make sure to snip any remaining thread
Step 2: Secure the Wool Yarn
Using the crochet hook, carefully pick up and loosen the end chain in the seam. Catch the wool thread loop and pull through the chain stitch on your crochet hook. Once all the wool on the hook is pulled through, snip the wool loop yarn at the opposite end to the seam gap.
Leave enough length of yarn to close and secure this end of the garment with a few back stitches. You should now have a long piece of secure yarn.
Step 3: Start Sewing
Using a needle threader, if needed, thread your needle with the long piece of secure yarn. Secure the start area of your repair with some back stitches. Using a blanket stitch, begin to repair the hole across the length of the seam hole.
Try to follow the original manufacturer's stitching line for an invisible fix. Be careful not to pull the thread too hard to avoid it bunching and the stitch tension being too tight.
Step 4: Secure the Yarn
Once the length of the hole is completely repaired, secure the yarn with backstitching. Carefully draw your needle through 4 or 5 stitches pulling through any excess thread. This will secure the thread. Make sure to snip any remaining thread
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Turn the jumper right side out and inspect the repair. The stitching should blend invisibly with the rest of the knitted fabric and be sturdy enough to hold the hole seam closed.
Expert tips & tricks of the trade
Practice makes perfect and the more times you fix a hole in your jumper the better you will get at it. Here are some top tips to help you along the way.
● Fix the hole in your knit as soon as you spot it and do not let it grow even bigger.
● Be very gentle when pulling the loose wool yarn to avoid unravelling the jumper further.
● If the hole is large, you might need to use a darning technique to fix the hole.
● Be gentle with the wool to avoid causing additional damage while stitching.
More Ways To Mend A Hole In A Jumper
Basic Darning
Darning is a traditional technique that invisibly seals a hole with matching yarn, rather than patching or sewing it closed. It’s easy to master and can be used to fix all types of garments, from jumpers to darning a sock.
Visible Mending
Turn a flaw into a fashion statement by using a basic darning technique, but with contrasting coloured yarns or decorative stitches. Instead of concealing the hole, use colourful thread to create an overlay design that turns it into a decorative element. This works especially well for holes in the front or arms of a jumper.
Patchwork
If the hole is too large, consider adding a fabric patch to reinforce and decorate the area. This is a great option for areas that get lots of wear and tear, such as elbows.
If your sewing skills need practice, instead of attempting to fix the hole, try the art of deception. Draw attention away from the hole with a decorative brooch or badge. Perfect for customising your favourite sweater as well as keeping it in your wardrobe for longer.
In a world that often encourages a disposable attitude toward clothing, mending holes in woollen jumpers is a small yet impactful step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious wardrobe. You are not only extending the life of your favourite jumper, but are part of a community that values craftsmanship, creativity and the importance of cherishing what we already have. So, grab your needle and thread, and let's mend our way to a more sustainable and stylish future.