<p>My S recently “inherited” a fine wool cardigan with soft leather elbow patches. After he wore it for 2 days, we discovered three small holes that I could swear were not there before. (I think these happened when he was at a friend’s house one evening–possibly their dog or cat or something else, but that’s neither here nor there.)</p>
<p>Since this is a gorgeous sweater, I would really like to get these holes mended in some fashion so that they are a) reasonably inconspicuous and b) do not spread. </p>
<p>Anyone had experience with this? Any advice? I plan to call the tailor we’ve used, and of course I could ask at the dry cleaner.</p>
<p>That sounds like clothing my mother bought for me when I was a teenager. I still remember all the issues with moths, pilling and snagging. I don’t think there is a good solution for any of those problems.</p>
<p>Small holes like what you described are usually caused by moths. They seem to prefer cashmere to other types of wool. A good dry cleaner can send it out to have it rewoven, not repaired. Make sure that you are clear that it be rewoven.</p>
<p>There used to be a small needlework store in the next town that would reweave sweaters but unfortunately the owner retired and they closed down. You could see if there is anything like that near you.</p>
<p>If it’s a thin, cashmere-style sweater, you are going to have to have it rewoven by a pro. However, if it is a heavy sweater with thick yarns–for instance, an Irish fisherman’s sweater–and the holes aren’t large, you can fix it yourself with a needle and thread. Use thread that is the same color as the wool, or clear nylon thread. Pull any loose loops toward the inside and sew them down so the sweater won’t ravel further. Then make a little circle of stiches around the hole and gently draw it closed. Once the hole is closed, I usually sew over it on the inside so it won’t break open again.</p>
<p>I would call a tailor, not a drycleaner. I might also inquire at an upscale department store if they have someone they recommend / use for these types of repairs.</p>
<p>This is starting to sound like a work of art that needs to be restored. …And then hidden away in moth balls until no one has any interest and then it can be donated to charity so the wool can be recycled.</p>
<p>Is there a yarn store near you? The owner probably is an experienced knitter and might have some advice.</p>
<p>If the sweater has sentimental value, you might not care whether the patches are totally invisible. Last winter I gave my son a classic Pendleton wool shirt that had been one of his grandfather’s favorites. My dad died 25 years ago, so my son never knew him. You can see the neatly patched holes if you look closely, but it warms my heart to see my son happily wearing this very special shirt.</p>
<p>It’s a nice Ralph Lauren cardigan that belonged to my recently-deceased father. S adores it. It is a very fine Italian weave, probably merino. I’m willing to spend some money fixing it, if need be.</p>
<p>I think I am going to take it to the local fine knitting/yarn shop and see what they suggest. Thanks for the advice. :)</p>
<p>As a knitter, I’d say that if the holes are very small and not in obvious places, just sewing them closed gently with matching thread will probably not show. If it’s merino, you can probably fluff it up a little and cover the patch. </p>
<p>I think reweaving shows more than simply sewing the hole shut, but YMMV.</p>
<p>You might want to use embroidery thread (Micheals or JoAnn Fabrics) rather than thread. I’ve mended several sweaters for my dad, the embroidery thread works well and the color usually matches very well. Just follow the directions from a PP, it should be fine.</p>
<p>My daughter (arty type + holds on to her money with a tight fist) wears almost all vintage clothes. We have bought many many beautiful sweaters for a few dollars because of those little pesky holes. I’m now an expert at sewing them closed. YOU CAN DO IT!</p>
<p>My husband has had a number of things rewoven. Our experience is that the work is very good, very expensive and takes a long time to get back. You have to keep checking that the reweaver hasn’t died, because they tend to be in their 80’s and very old-world. Young people don’t go into that business.</p>
<p>I am very good at repairing clothing by hand, and I have sewn up many tiny holes in clothing, including sweaters. I don’t think you need to have it rewoven, you just need someone who is good at hand sewing. Get the closest match in thread you can. I usually use regular thread. Take the sweater to the store to pick out the thread. </p>
<p>If you do the repair yourself, take tiny, tiny stitches. Work from the back side, but keep checking the front side to see how it looks. It isn’t too hard if you know how to hand sew.</p>
<p>Ditto what has been said. Be sure that you understand the direction of the knit and can loop the mending thread back into the fabric of the sweater. It’s kind of an engineering problem.</p>
<p>I took the sweater to the fine knitting store and they were able to fairly closely match the thread with a fine yarn that is used for sock reinforcing. They told me to use a regular sewing needle–or maybe a fine needlepoint needle–and first go back in forth in one direction, then go back and forth in the other direction weaving the thread between the other layer to establish a sort of basket weave.</p>
<p>Oh, and BTW they said they were moth holes. It would appear that moths had attacked the sweater at some point, and when S wore it for 2 days the remaining weak strands parted and voila, holes appeared. (The sweater had never been worn before.)</p>