Mend a small open seam by hand
Mend a split seam on a woven garment by hand. Align the original stitch line and overlap the intact stitches with a short row of backstitch.
- Estimated time
- 25 min
- Skill level
- Beginner
Before you start
Check the split from the inside of the garment. This method works when the old stitches have broken and there is enough sound fabric on both sides to sew through. Match thread to the garment and remove only the loose threads that get in the way.
Tools and materials
- Needle
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Sewing clips
Step-by-step instructions
Inspect the split
Turn the garment inside out and check that the fabric on both sides of the old stitch line is intact.
Line up the edges
Match the original seam lines and clip the layers together. Start a few stitches before the opening so the new thread overlaps the intact seam.
Backstitch along the old line
Take a small first stitch through both layers. Bring the needle up a stitch length ahead, then go back down through the hole at the end of the previous stitch. Repeat so the visible stitches meet end to end. Keep the tension even so the cloth does not gather.
Finish past the split
Sew a few stitches into the intact seam at the far end, knot the thread on the inside and trim it. Gently pull across the repair to check for gaps.
Check the result
Turn the garment right side out and look along the seam. Gently pull either side of the repair. The stitches should stay closed and the fabric should lie in the same line as the original seam.
Troubleshooting
If the cloth has ripped away from the seam, a small patch may be needed to give the stitches sound fabric to hold.