Clothes can sometimes get holes in them, but don’t throw them away just yet. Even if you don’t know how to sew, you can still fix your favorite outfits. In fact, this method might be better than sewing because it avoids those noticeable, bulky stitches.
Once you start looking, you might be surprised at how many little holes you find. Luckily, fixing each tiny hole only takes a few minutes once you know how to do it.
Why Clothes Get Holes
There are many reasons why clothes can get small holes. It’s easy to blame moths, but they’re not the only culprits. Normal wear and tear or snagging on everyday items can also cause these holes. Common causes include:
- Pull-ons, bras, and belts
- Your laundry sink
- Spots of chlorine bleach
- Rough surfaces
How to Prevent Holes
The location of the holes can give you a clue about the cause. For instance, belt buckles can rub or catch on shirts. To avoid this, skip the belt, adjust it often, or smooth the rough edges with sandpaper.
If you tuck your shirts into your jeans, the zipper might be causing the holes. Make sure to zip up pants and fasten bras before washing to prevent them from snagging other clothes. Using a laundry bag for bras can also help.
Other bad laundry habits can lead to holes. Don’t overload the washing machine, as this increases the chance of snags. Turn clothes with buttons, beads, or embellishments inside out. Separate delicate fabrics like silk and cotton from heavy items like towels.
Use low spin cycles for delicate items. Be cautious with chlorine bleach; too much can cause holes. Consider eco-friendly alternatives like baking soda, vinegar, or citric acid.
Moths are a common cause of holes, especially in fabrics like wool, silk, and leather. Use pheromone traps to catch male moths and repel others with essential oils of mint or lavender, or store dried lavender in mesh bags. For severe infestations, clean the closet with vinegar and wash clothes in warm water.
Pay attention to rough surfaces like stone, wood, exposed nails, and brick. Rubbing against these can cause snags that might not be noticeable at first but can worsen over time. Cover or smooth these surfaces to prevent accidental tears.
How to Mend Clothes Without Sewing
Here’s what you need to fix holes without stitching:
- Clothes with holes 5 mm or smaller
- An iron
- Fusible bonding web
- A large piece of wax paper
Instructions:
1. Turn the damaged clothing inside out, with the hole facing you, and place it on an ironing board.
2. Cut a small piece of fusible web, slightly larger than the hole.
3. Press the sides of the hole together gently to make it look like the hole is gone. Cover the hole with the fusible web, then place wax paper over it.
4. Set your iron to the “wool” setting and press it against the wax paper for about ten seconds without moving it.
5. Turn the clothing right-side-out to check the hole. If it hasn’t closed smoothly, repeat steps 3 and 4 until it looks like new.
After a few tries, you’ll see that the hole disappears quickly and easily.
See the video below for a demonstration!
What do you think of this method? Have you tried it before? Share your thoughts in the comments!
