Mend a Small Hole

What you will learn

• Darning
• Weaving thread
• Reinforcing a hole

Materials and tools

• The garment
• Darning needle or sharps, size 6
• Thread or yarn matched to the fabric
• Darning mushroom, jar lid or wooden egg
• Fusible interfacing or iron-on mending tape (optional)
• Small sharp scissors
• Iron

Before you start

• Trim any loose threads at the hole with small scissors.
• If the fabric is thin, iron a small square of fusible interfacing to the wrong side. Test the heat on a hidden spot first.

1. Place the darning mushroom or jar lid under the hole so the fabric is smooth and supported.
2. Thread the needle with 18 in (45 cm) of thread. Leave a 2 in (5 cm) tail on the surface and do not knot.
3. Sew rows of running stitch across the hole. Start 1/4 in (6 mm) from one edge of the hole and finish 1/4 in (6 mm) beyond the opposite edge. Make rows close together, about 1/16 in (1.5 mm) apart.

4. At each turn leave a small loop of slack thread, so that the darn does not pull the fabric.
5. Turn the work 90 degrees. Weave rows across the first rows, going over one thread and under the next. Alternate the pattern on each row.

6. Keep weaving until the hole is covered and the patch feels firm. Keep the threads close, but do not pull tight.
7. Trim the tails to 1/4 in (6 mm) on the right side, or secure them with a small stitch on the back.
8. Press the area from the wrong side with a press cloth. Match the heat to the care label.

Tips for a neat result

• Use matching thread for a less visible mend.
• Contrasting thread makes a decorative darn.
• Start the rows well beyond the hole.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• The hole is closed with a flat, firm woven patch.
• The fabric does not gape or tear when stretched gently.