How to Fix a Hole in a Sweater
This post may contain affiliate links.
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.
How to Fix a Hole in a Sweater
Instead of throwing away a sweater that has a hole in it, you can easily mend it! It's an easy fix to give a new life to any sweater!
Materials
- Sweater with a hole
- Matching thread
Tools
- Hand sewing needle
- Scissors
Instructions
- When picking a thread out you will 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.
- 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!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather
I have a lightweight sweater that has been the staple garment in my wardrobe for years. Seriously, you have no idea how much I love this sweater. Naturally, though, it got snagged and developed a hole right in the front. I’m excited to have found your post. Gonna get on this today. Thank you!
That is awesome! I’m so glad you can save your favorite sweater!
my question is a lot of sites don’t mention what type of thread? I have a Cashmere sweater and need to repair the little holes in it. I found, cotton,polyester, silk and nylon… so which do I use
For cashmere I would use silk or all-purpose thread
I’m sure this is probably a great tutorial but I don’t know because you have whit thread a white sweater on a white background so I can’t hardly see any of it and your font is so light I can’t hardly read it sorry just a little hint for help with a little older folks that can’t see like a 20 year old anymore if you could fix that I would love to subscribe to your page
Thank You
Kayla
Thank-you for the tutorial. I can now be more open to those cashmere sweaters at the thrift store with one hole! My only suggestion would be to use a dark background for the white sweater to make it easier to see. Still a great and easy tut- Thank-you.