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We all have a few wool favorites in our drawer that never go out of style. Some woollen garments may even have sentimental value, because they've been part of so many great experiences, and kept us warm for season after season.
The woollen garments we make at Devold are made to last in terms of quality and design. But wool is a sensitive material, and a zipper or velcro caught in it can cause holes, a seam can fray or wear out, and you end up with holes in your favourite garment. But don't worry, repairing holes in your woollen garments doesn't require much more than a needle and thread.
"You should always try to repair the garments you love," says Devold Designer Christine Haralstad-Sindum.
"Find a thread as similar as possible to the colour of the garment. Turn the garment inside out and start there, but although many people recommend sewing from the inside, I always work on the outside. That’s how you get the best result, and it gives you better control over how the repair job will look," says Laila Gaustadnes, Product Developer and sewing expert.
"With wool and other knitted garments, the faster you fix the hole, the faster you can continue to wear it. A small hole will quickly get bigger, and repairing will simply get harder," says Haraldstad-Sindum.
WHAT ABOUT BIG HOLES?
Damage caused by abrasion, or simply failing to make a repair before it's too late, can present bigger problems. But can they be solved?
"Big holes can also be repaired – but it takes a bit longer, and you need to be more careful so that your sewing looks good afterwards. It's all about making the hole and the repair appear as small as possible. If the hole is so big that you can't gather the edges, it may be better to sew on a patch from another woollen garment," says Gaustadnes.
In other words, if your favorite old woollen sweater can't be saved, keep it anyway as part of your repair kit. What you primarily need to repair socks, woollen underwear and knitted sweaters is a needle and thread. Preferably a thin wool thread, but regular sewing thread also works.
HANDS VS. MACHINE
You might ask if you need a sewing machine? The expert’s tip is no. To repair holes in wool garments, sewing by hand is almost always the fastest, easiest and neatest way.
Any tips for beginners to start repairing their clothes themselves?
"Buy needle and thread, take your time and work in good light. A little patience is also a good idea."
And what are the things to look out for? Are there any classical mistakes to avoid?
"Make sure you sew into the stitches of large woollen sweaters, establishing a good hold on the sides of the hole, otherwise the hole will just start to unravel further along," advises Laila, who has created a simple step-by-step guide to make the job easier.
How to fix a woollen top:
1. Find a needle and thread
2. Choose thread in the same colour as the garment.
3. Cut about 40 cm of thread. It mustn't be too long, as that just makes the job harder.
4. Sew with single or double thread, single for the thinnest woollen garments.
5. Knot the end of the thread.
6. Trim the ends so they're even.
7. Attach the thread on the back of one edge of the hole.
8. Pass the needle up through the same point.
9. Place the stitches 2-3 mm above and below the hole.
10. Tighten gently as you go along.
11. Repeat until the end of the hole.
12. Finally, tie off the thread.
How to repair a woollen sweater:
1. Find a needle and thread
2. Choose thread in the same colour as the garment.
3. Cut about 40 cm of thread.
4. Sew with double thread.
5. Tie a knot at the end of the thread and trim the ends so they're even.
6. Attach the thread on the inside of the edge of the hole.
7. Pass the needle up through the same point.
8. Sew the hole from the outside.
9. Ensure you pass the needle through the stitches at the end of the hole.
10. It's important to put a stitch here to stop the hole from running.
11. Pass the needle into one stitch and back up to the next, then move on to the other side of the hole and do the same.
12. Tighten the thread gently as you go.
13. Finally, tie off the thread inside of the sweater.
Enjoy your repaired garment!