Check to see if you already have any thread that matches your shirt. If you don’t, take your shirt with you to a fabric store and find the thread that most closely matches your shirt. If you can’t find an exact match, go with a darker thread rather than a lighter one. A darker color that is still similar to the shirt’s color is likely to blend in and not be noticeable. Use a matte thread and avoid thread that is reflective or shiny. Matte thread will be less noticeable.
Look on the packaging of the needles to ensure you choose one that’s right for the fabric you’re using. The smaller the gauge, the larger the number. 8 gauge needles are very thick, so they’re best for heavy-weight woven garments, whereas 16 gauge needles are very thin, making them great for delicate, lightweight fabrics. [3] X Expert Source Andrea BeaulieuProfessional Tailor & Fashion Designer Expert Interview. 1 May 2020. Try dampening the tip of the thread by placing it on the tip of your tongue briefly if you’re having trouble getting it through the needle hole.
Keep pulling the needle up through the fabric until the knot you made at the end of the thread catches on the fabric.
The goal is to make close stitches that pull the sides of the hole back together.
Remember, after each stitch keep pulling the needle up until the thread is tight. Stop sewing once you reach the bottom point of the hole and it’s completely sewn together.
Repeat to create more knots. Having multiple knots will ensure that the stitches stay in place.
Cut the thread close to the knot, rather than close to the needle, so you won’t have to worry about trimming the thread again. [8] X Expert Source Andrea BeaulieuProfessional Tailor & Fashion Designer Expert Interview. 1 May 2020. Your shirt is now ready to wear!
You can get fabric at your local fabric store, or you can use fabric from an old garment you don’t wear anymore. If your shirt has a pocket on it, you can cut a piece of the inside of the pocket that will perfectly match the shirt. However, you will then need to patch the inside of the pocket with another piece of fabric. [10] X Research source Make sure the texture and weight of the fabric you use are similar to the fabric your shirt is made out of.
You can find fusible bonding web online or at your local fabric store.
When you are done cutting, you should keep the outer piece of webbing. It should have at least . 25 inches (0. 64 cm) of bonding web on each side of the hole. The circle that you cut out of the center can be thrown away or used for a future project.
Read the instructions that came with your fusible bonding web for specific heating and timing instructions. In general, use a heat setting for bonding that is a little higher than the heat you would normally use for the fabric of your shirt. After you iron on the patch and bonding web, turn your shirt right side out and the hole should be covered!
You can also put an applique over the hole. Putting a decorative patch over the hole, instead of trying to match the existing fabric, can add a bit of fun to an otherwise subdued shirt.
Go to your local craft or sewing store and look for products made to glue fabric to fabric. Depending on the product that you use, it may discolor the area you are gluing. It may also make the area less soft and flexible. Follow the directions that come on the glue you buy when fixing your shirt. Different glues have different drying times and techniques for application, so it’s important to follow your product’s specific instructions.
If you really love a shirt because of its fabric or because of sentimental reasons, consider using the shirt’s fabric to make a quilt or other keepsake item. That way the fabric can continue to be used, just in a different form.
When you take your shirt in to be repaired, talk to the person about your expectations and ask them what they think they can do for you. Giving the person sewing your shirt clear instructions and getting a clear understanding of what kind of fixes are possible will help you to manage your expectations for the repair. A business that does tailoring or alteration should be able to help you. If you don’t know of one in your area, do an internet search to find businesses near you.
