Don’t worry if a hole shows up in your favorite clothes. You don’t have to be a sewing expert to fix them! This technique is great for small holes because it prevents obvious stitches. With a bit of practice, you can mend these annoying pinpricks in just a few minutes.
What Causes Holes in Clothing?
Moths are commonly blamed for those small holes, but they’re not the sole culprits. These frustrating holes can also be caused by regular use, snags from everyday objects, and accessories. Here are a few common causes:
- Zippers
- Bras
- Belts
- Your washing machine
- Chlorine bleach
- Snags on rough surfaces
Tips to Prevent Holes
The position of the holes can provide hints about their cause. For instance, if you see holes at the bottom of your shirts, it may be because belt buckles are rubbing against the fabric. To avoid this, you can try not wearing a belt, frequently adjust its position, or use sandpaper to make any rough edges smoother.
If you put your shirts inside jeans, the zipper might cause holes. Zippers can also harm clothes in the washing machine. To avoid this, remember to zip up your jeans, hoodies, and any other clothes before washing them. It’s also a good suggestion to fasten bras before washing to prevent metal clasps from catching onto other garments. Another option is to use a washing bag to keep bras separate, especially if they often unclasp.
To prevent snags, don’t overload the washing machine. Turn clothes with beads or buttons inside out before washing. Separate delicate fabrics like cotton and silk from sturdy items like sheets and towels. Use a gentle spin cycle for delicate items.
Use caution when using chlorine bleach to avoid damaging clothing. Try using eco-friendly options such as vinegar, citric acid, or baking soda instead.
Moths are known for creating holes in materials such as wool, silk, and leather. They can also damage other fabrics. To get rid of male moths, use pheromone traps. To keep moths away, use dried lavender in mesh bags or essential oils like mint or lavender. If you have a serious moth problem, wash your clothes in warm water and clean your closet with vinegar.
Watch out for rough surfaces such as brick, nails, wood, and stone. Coming into contact with these surfaces can lead to snags and holes in your clothes. Think about smoothing or covering them to prevent accidental tearing.
How to Repair Clothes Without Sewing
Before you get started, gather the following items:
- Clothes with holes measuring 5 mm or less
- An Iron
- Fusible bonding web
- A large piece of wax paper
Follow these simple directions:
- Turn the damaged article of clothing inside out and place it on the ironing board, with the hole facing outwards.
Cut a small piece of fusible bonding web, slightly larger than the hole you’re trying to repair.
Carefully press the edges of the hole together to conceal it. Lay the fusible bonding web on top of the hole, followed by the wax paper. You can purchase fusible bonding web at Walmart, fabric or craft stores, and also on Amazon.
Adjust your iron to the “wool” setting and place it on the wax paper. Keep it still for around 10 seconds. Gently lift the iron off.
After turning the clothing right-side-in, check the hole. If it’s still open, use your fingers to close it like in step two. Keep ironing until the clothing looks brand new. It might take a few tries to get it right, but you’ll see the hole disappear.
You can now fix clothing holes easily without sewing. Watch the video below to see how it’s done.
