How To Fix Burn Holes In Clothing
Cigarette ashes, campfires, hot irons and other accidents can cause burn holes in clothing. Don't throw out the damaged clothes; instead, you can fix the burn holes in minutes.
Fixing Burn Holes With a Patch
Things Needed
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Ruler
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Fabric-marking pen
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Scissors
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Iron
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Ironing board
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Dressmaker's pins
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Sewing needle and thread
Step 1
Find a spot on the clothing from which you can cut a patch. The backs of pockets and seam allowances, for example, are an ideal spot since they are not visible from the right side of the material.
Tip
If you are unable to find a matching patch that is large enough, consider using an iron-on patch instead.
Step 2
Use a ruler and fabric-marking pen to measure and mark a patch that is 1/2 inch larger than the burn hole on all sides. Cut out the patch.
Step 3
Use scissors to trim away any burn marks and loose threads from the hole.
Step 4
Cut a 1/4-inch diagonal notch at each corner of the hole. Fold the edges toward the wrong side of the clothing and iron them flat on the ironing board.
Step 5
With the clothing still inside-out, place the patch on top of the hole. With dressmaker's sewing pins, pin the patch in place on the right side of the clothing.
Step 6
Using the sewing needle and thread, hand-baste around the entire patch. Keep in mind that basting is temporary and will be removed later. Remove the sewing pins.
Tip
If you do not have a sewing needle and thread on hand, you can also use a heat-bond adhesive to seal the patch to the clothing.
Step 7
Turn the shirt inside-out-once again. Fold back 1/2 inch of the patch to the wrong side, aligning it with the folded edge of the hole.
Step 8
Insert the sewing needle through the folded edge of the patch, then through the folded edge of the shirt. This will join the two fabrics without showing a seam on the right side of the shirt.
Step 9
Repeat Step 8, working your way around the square.
Step 10
Finish the edges of the patch with a cross-stitch using the sewing needle and thread.
Step 11
Cut off the corners of the patch to reduce bulk.
Fixing Burn Holes by Darning
Things Needed
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Sewing needle and thread to match the clothing
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Scissors
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Small rounded object such as a cup (optional)
Step 1
Use scissors to trim away any burn marks and loose threads from the hole.
Step 2
Place the clothing on a flat surface.
Tip
If you are darning something tubular such as a sleeve or a sock, insert a small rounded object inside so that your threads do not catch on the other side of the clothing when you are sewing.
Step 3
Thread the sewing needle. Start 1/2 inch from the side of the hole and 1/2 inch from the bottom of the hole, and sew a running stitch from side to side.
Step 4
Sew another row of running stitches as close as possible to the first row. Continue sewing horizontal rows of running stitches until you reach the burn hole.
Step 5
When you reach the hole, stitch a long thread over it, stitching back and forth until you have covered the entire hole with thread.
Step 6
Once you have covered the hole, continue stitching horizontal rows of running stitches 1/2 inch past the hole.
Step 7
Change direction and stitch vertically, starting 1/2 inch from the bottom and working your way to the top until you reach the hole.
Step 8
When you reach the hole, weave the vertical thread in and out of the horizontal threads, creating a woven patch.
Step 9
Continue stitching vertically until the stitches are 1/2 inch from the top of the hole.
Step 10
Knot the thread on the back of the clothing; then cut the thread.