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A Creative Sweater Fix

February 27, 2015

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Does your favorite sweater have a hole it in? Don't toss that torn top, get creative and try one of my easy fixes. Sew or no sew, you can repair it in minutes.

Creative Sweater Fix text with photo of torn sweater

A few days ago, I finally had a chance to pick up needle and thread to mend a couple of torn sweaters.

I would like to say that when something is ripped or needs a few stitches, I take care of it immediately, but then I would be a liar.

Truth be told, such pieces usually sit for a long time, before I find the motivation to patch them up. This time, motivation came in the form of a very persistent teenager.

Her sweater fix was easy, a torn sleeve cuff, ripped right across the seam, a convenient mishap. It was was a very simple repair.

Purple sweater with torn sleeve cuff

Unfortunately my sweater had bigger problems and even for a relatively experienced seamstress, it presented quite a problem.

I can knit in a rudimentary kind of way....like in a straight line. So basically, I can make scarves. And only scarves.

I don't crochet either. Frankly, even if I did know how to do these things, I'm not certain they'd be useful.

Because this sweater was a mess.

My Creative Sweater Fix


Cream sweater with torn holes

The two rips on the back were easy fixes. The sweater had an open weave and a delicate crocheted pattern.

I grabbed a large needle and a matching embroidery thread, because of its thickness, and just started sewing the holes up with a basic stitch.

I was careful as I went along, trying to catch and secure any loosed ends that were frayed on the original sweater.

Embroidery Thread To Fix A Sweater

The embroidery thread was a perfect substitute for yarn.

It matched the sweater amazingly well and it was dirt cheap. It was also available at my local drug store. It met all of my criteria.

Long White Cardigan Sweater

The finished product wasn't perfect, but certainly better off than when I started. 

And honestly, you have to look really, really close to notice my stitches. Success.

Now I could move on the the tear in the front.

Fixing A Crocheted Sweater

This hole was more problematic.

It was obviously not on a seam and it wasn't located in the more forgiving open weave area of the sweater.

Plus, it was front and center.

I really liked this sweater, I literally wore it once and I'm not even sure how the damage was done. And while it wasn't expensive (Marshall's), I wasn't ready to toss it.

Ways To Repair A Crocheted Sweater

So I stitched it up the best way I knew how.

I had to close that hole, but leaving that giant Frankenstein scar was not acceptable. So I had to get creative and put my crafty thinking cap on.

Creative Fix For Torn Sweater

I wear a lot of brown...brown boots, brown belts, brown tees and sweaters.

I decided to embellish the sweater with a bit of brown embroidery thread, knowing it would work with my wardrobe. Now, I'm not an accomplished embroiderer, so I opted for a few simple, thick X's over the seam to camouflage it.

They aren't perfect, but they cover that seam well and almost look like they were part of the original design.

Casual Outfit For Over 50

When paired with jeans and brown accessories, it totally works.

The holes have been mended and even if they weren't done the right way, my creative fix sits well with me. It suits my style.

Not your style? That's perfectly fine!

Here are a few alternate suggestions to cover up that hole:

Is it in the center? Turn it into a cardigan sweater.

On the sleeves? Remove them and turn it into a vest.

Stitch up some other pretty pattern over your messy spot. If you can dream it you can stitch it.

Not into stitching? Try a patch ~ there are tons of pretty ones out there.

Add buttons.

Iron on some gems or add feathers. I mean I would not be adding feathers, but it's your sweater.


My point is, don't throw it away. Get creative! What have you got to lose?

Well, besides a big nasty hole.

Do you fix or toss?
Kim Signature


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  1. My projects usually sit i a basket for ages... My first thought on your Frankenstein scar was "that's terrible!" lol! I should have known you would make it work! And it does, quite well. My tendency to make thinf symetrical would probably have required me to make another "scar" on the other side. But it's your sweater. And it looks like it belongs there! Good work!

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    1. I know, Nancy, my gut told me to add a few more X's in random places, but I was lazy and afraid I would compromise the sweater if I tried to add more. The yarn is apparently very delicate. Thanks for having faith that I wouldn't leave that Frankenstein scar! ;)

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  2. Hi Kim the see stress! LOL! I think it's perfect with your brown accessories Kim! I love that sweater so pretty! I try to do mending as best I can too and you did a great job. Have a nice weekend and stay warm.
    Julie

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    1. Thanks Julie! I just couldn’t toss it, it’s too pretty! :)

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  3. Kim,
    You are so clever. I love this. I hate to toss favorite pieces so this is a nice fix for your pretty sweater. What a fabulous idea. Have a great week end.
    Kris

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    1. Thanks Kris! It was a lazy job, creatively speaking, but it works and now I can wear my sweater again without looking like a mess! ;)

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  4. Great job on the sweater! I was also thinking that a flower would be a good "coverup" for the hole in the front, although I liked your take on the brown fix! :)

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    1. A flower would've been a great cover! I can totally picture it! :)

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  5. I am a terrible procrastinator but usually eventually get round to fixing things. I can see why you wanted to fix these....both very beautiful!! Wish you lived near my aunt...she is an incredible knitter and can crochet too. GOOD JOB!!
    Elizabeth

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    1. Elizabeth, I bet your aunt could fix these sweaters up and make them look like brand new! That is a skill I would love to possess!

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  6. I fix, as best I can, like yourself. Good Job!

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    1. Thanks! I kind of figure it as I go. It isn't alway perfect, but I get the job done! ;)

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  7. This was a cute idea, Kim, and worked well for the way you wear the sweater. If I really like an article of clothing, I'll go to the effort to fix it. With all the re-purposing and restyling these days, I see lots of ideas for "saving" items. I love the way people are using old sweaters for wreaths, hearts, pillows. . .all sorts of things I think it's great! xxx ~ Nancy

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    1. I never thought about repurposing it that way, Nancy. I still want to wear it, but now that you have mentioned it, I have seen a number of sweater lampshades that I would love to have! Maybe by the time winter rolls around again, I'll be ready to retire it. I have a feeling those spontaneous tears are going to keep popping up! ;)

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  8. I thought your fix was very clever. I wouldn't have thought of adding the brown. And if you do decide at some point that it needs a few more brown cross stitches they can always be added. When I saw your before picture I was sure that sweater was heading for the trash. It just seemed too much. Glad to see that you are able to keep on wearing it. I tend to be a repairer rather than a tosser if it is at all possible. As a society we seem to see an awful lot of things as disposable. Just sitting her enjoying my hot Meyer lemon water and reading your blog....

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    1. Thank you Lorri! I'm sure I could've been more creative, but it's done now and that was my goal! I agree, too many people toss, my parents were depression era babies. It's in my blood to save what I can! I love that hot water....and I hope you enjoy what you're reading! ;)

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  9. So cute!! Love your creativity! Great job!

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    1. Thank you, Rachel, It was kind of a quick fix, but it got the job done!

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  10. I boxing up some sweaters for you to................kidding! You did a great job with the little brown x's, it looks like it came that way. So cute with your clothes!

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    1. Send them on over, Janet! Just don't look too close when they come back to you. Perfection is not my strong suit! ;)

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  11. That is just the most creative idea! Very nice outfit!

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    1. Thank you, Maria! I really didn't want to toss that sweater. I hope the rest of it holds up! ;)

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  12. Replies
    1. Thanks Vel, I just couldn't throw it away....yet! ;)

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  13. I love it, such great ideas and tips.. I hate it when my favorite sweater suddenly has a hole. Thanks tons for linking ot Inspire Me.

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    1. Thank you, Marty! I just couldn’t toss it or recycle it without trying to repair it! :)

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  14. I'm a fixer.....always!
    You did a great job and made a great save!!
    Crewel thread is also a good item to have in your repair arsenal. When I repair/reweave/recycle fabrics, I like to add a drop of Fray Check to the back of the repair. It keeps any loose threads under control, and is not stiff!
    Blessings to you,
    J

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    1. I have never heard of Fray Check, J. Now I must go and Google it…I am sure that it is something I could use. Thanks for the tip! :)

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  15. Thanks for these ideas! I have a chunky knit sweater that has unraveled a bit near the cuff so I'm going to try one of these tricks.

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    1. Go for it, Melissa! I just winged it and they came out great, I bet yours will too!

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