How to close a hole in a t-shirt
Short answer: Sew the hole closed from the inside with small stitches and place a thin piece of fabric behind it. Never pull the edges together without reinforcement, because the strain simply moves into the fabric next to it. A small patch on the inside makes the repair last far longer.
Why sewing the edges together is not enough
Knitted fabric is made of loops, and the loops pull every time you move. If you only draw the edges of the hole together, all the strain gathers in the seam. The fabric beside it gives way, and the hole reopens a few millimetres away, often within a month. That is why something must sit behind it.
Look at the hole before you start
Lay the garment flat and see where the hole sits and how big it is. A hole of a few millimetres is easy to close, while a larger one takes more work. Check the fabric around it too. If it is dense and whole, repair it. If it is worn thin, no seam will hold.
Choose the right piece of fabric
Use a thin fabric that is not stiffer than the garment itself. A piece from an old t-shirt in roughly the same material is ideal, because it stretches the same way. Avoid thick or stiff fabric, since it pulls on the loops around it and makes a hard edge that you can feel against the skin.
Cut the patch to size
Cut the piece two centimetres larger than the hole all the way around. Rounded corners are better than sharp ones, because they cannot catch or fold up in the wash. If you have no single piece, place two smaller pieces side by side, as long as both cover the edge.
Place the patch on the inside
Turn the garment inside out and lay the patch over the hole, so the right side of the patch faces the wrong side of the garment. Smooth the edges gently so they lie flat and do not fold. Hold everything with a few pins before you sew, so nothing shifts.
Sew with small stitches
Sew through both layers with small stitches, and start and finish a little way into the intact fabric. Use a thread about as fine as the fabric, and do not pull it too tight. Knitted fabric needs to move, so a thread with a little slack lasts longer than a taut seam.
Where the repair works best
A hole under the arm or at the side becomes almost invisible, because the fabric there is often plain and hidden once the garment is worn. This is where the work pays off most. Have a look at our bamboo nightgowns for women and bamboo undershirt for women if you want something soft for everyday.
Where it does not work
A hole in the middle of the chest is always seen, however carefully you sew. The patch shows on the inside as a faint shadow, and the seam can be felt from outside. If the garment is otherwise in good shape, keep it for home or under other clothes. Otherwise, browse the offers for men.
How to make the repair last longer
Wash the repaired spot on a gentle cycle, and avoid hanging the garment by the repaired area. Check the seam after the first few washes. If it has not shifted, the repair is in place. If it loosens, sew again with a new patch. That is quicker than repairing a new, larger hole later.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use fabric glue instead
For a small hole yes, but glue will not survive as many washes as stitches. If you use it, choose one made for fabric, apply it inside and let it dry fully before washing.
Which stitch should you use
A small zigzag or small hand stitches with a little slack between them. Straight stitches with no slack turn stiff in knitted fabric and snap when the garment stretches.
What if the fabric around it is thin
Then the repair will not hold, because stitches and patch pull on fabric that is already worn. Use the garment for something else, such as a cleaning cloth or home wear.
See our range of bamboo t shirts for men.
