How to Fix a Hole in a Sweater

Learn how to fix a hole in a sweater with just some thread and a hand needle. This quick and easy fix doesn’t need a sewing machine.

I love wearing warm, snuggly sweaters in crisp, cold weather. But what do you do if your sweater gets a snag or a hole? I love knowing how to fix a hole in a sweater, so I can keep wearing all my favorite sweaters!

This is one of the sewing and alterations you can do yourself!

Mending a hole in a sweater is a simple sewing project. It takes less than half an hour, but it’s like getting a whole new sweater. I’ve mended a open knit sweater and a tightly knit sweater, and it works on both.

If you are looking for a free and easy gift, this would be a good one. Secretly mend the sweater of a family member and then give it to them again. They would love having a fixed sweater!

I thrifted this sweater recently with the hole and all. I loved the subtle stripes and colors, and the lace applique on the sleeves and shoulders are so pretty. It reminds me of this refashioned sweater I made a couple of years ago.

If you find a sweater that’s too long, here’s how to shorten a sweater.

What is a sweater?

A sweater is an item of clothing with long sleeves that is made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. It’s knitted or crocheted yarns or threads.

I’ve done this sewing technique on a sweater with yarns that were tightly knitted, and it worked well. I’ve done this on a cardigan, and it worked well. I’ve also done this on a sweater with yarns that were loosely knitted, and it worked well.

How to Fix a Hole in a Sweater

Supplies

• Sweater with a hole
• Matching thread
• Hand needle
• Scissors

When picking a thread you need to get a color that matches the closest. I like to pull multiple strings in different colors over the item I’m working on. Then I squint my eyes to see which one blends the best.

I chose the off-white thread because it blended in the best with the sweater yarn.

Watch the video to see how to mend with thread and a hand needle.

Thread the thread onto the needle to make a double thread. Tie a knot at the end.

Pull the thread through the sweater about 1/4 inch below where the hole starts. If your knot pulls through the sweater’s yarn, then tie the end of the thread onto the inside of the sweater just below the hole.

Start pushing and pulling the needle up and down through the sweater starting on one side of the hole and ending on the other side of the hole about 1/4 inch away.

Work your way up the hole slowly pulling the yarns together and closing the hole.

Sew up 1/4 inch past the hole, and tie a knot to keep the thread in place. Cut the thread off.

Press the mended hole to pull everything together and soften it.

The knitting looks slightly different where it’s mended, but you have to look really close to see it. The mending blends in really well.

If you mend a sweater using this tutorial, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!