One thing I didn’t need as I rushed to get dressed for work was the horrible ripping sound as I shoved my arm too quickly into my sweater. Not only would I need to find another outfit (and be actually late) but I’d have to say goodbye to my favorite sweater – or would I?
Just because something’s ripped, I reasoned, doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed. And what I discovered was that not only could I fix my unfortunate clothing, but that visible repairs can be quite fashionable. These four techniques make patching clothes an artful experiment rather than a chore.
The Rip: Sweater elbows
The Fix: Needle felting
One key to repair is to be sure that the hole underneath is slightly mended to avoid further tearing. For needle felting, you’ll need a mat, wool roving, a needle felting tool , a wool sweater, and an iron for the final touches. You can get creative with your repairs by choosing to felt in patterns or shapes. This tutorial featuring a heart-shaped patch is especially helpful.