How to Mend Tears in Clothing – Step by Step

Last Updated on November 12, 2023

Hi there, Teresia here from The Sewing Stuffs. Today, I’ve got a simple yet effective tutorial for you on mending those pesky tears and rips in your favorite clothing. So, how to mend tears in clothing?

We all have that one cherished item with an unfortunate rip, and instead of saying goodbye, let’s fix it up together. 

Highlights:

How to mend tears in Clothing

Use lightweight fusible interfacing, a triple zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, and a touch of patience for a seamless fix that breathes new life into your favorite garments.

Here, I’ll be using a jumper with a rip in the arm as an example, guiding you through the process step by step.

Step by Step Tutorial

So, let’s gather our materials and get started!

Materials Needed

1. Clothing with a tear (in this case, a jumper with a rip in the arm)
2. Matching thread
3. Lightweight fusible interfacing
4. Iron
5. Scissors
6. Sewing machine

Step 1: Prep Work with the Iron

Begin by giving the torn area a gentle press with the iron. This helps flatten the threads and prepares the fabric for the mending process.

Step 2: Turn Inside Out

Turn your garment inside out to access the torn area more easily.

Step 3: Apply Fusible Interfacing

Cut a small piece of lightweight fusible interfacing and place it, fusible side down, over the rip. Cover it with a scrap piece of fabric to prevent the interfacing from sticking to the iron. Press the area to fuse the interfacing in place.

Step 4: Set Up the Sewing Machine

Ensure your sewing machine is ready with matching thread in both the top and bobbin. Select the triple zig-zag stitch on your machine and set the stitch width to 2.5 or 2, depending on the size of the rip.

Step 5: Stitching the Tear

Convert your sewing machine into a free arm for easier maneuverability, especially if you’re working on sleeves. Position the garment on the machine, aligning the rip with the needle. Secure the starting point with a few backward stitches.

For an L-shaped rip, use the needle-down position, pivot the garment, and continue stitching until the tear is fully covered.

Step 6: Check and Reinforce

After stitching, inspect the mended area. If any parts of the tear are missed, simply reposition the garment on the machine and stitch over the remaining section.

Step 7: Admire Your Mended Clothing

Turn your garment right side out, and there you have it – a beautifully mended piece of clothing ready to be worn again.

Conclusion

I hope you found this tutorial helpful in rescuing your beloved garments from the fate of the trash bin. Mending tears in clothing can be a simple and rewarding process, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to revive many more pieces in your wardrobe.

Tersia Jager

I Like to write and read on fashion, may be that’s why “Fashion says “me too” style says “only me”