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Sweater Repair by Nikki Willhite Sweaters are versatile, and great for the frugal wardrobe.  You can wear them for fashion, or to keep warm.  You can wear them over or under other pieces of clothing. Sweaters range from lightweight to bulky knits.  One thing sweaters all share, however, is that they are knitted.  If they get a hole or tear, they will unravel.  The yarn is also less stable than fabric, which is weaved.  It may stretch or shrink, altering the size of your garment. Here are some common problems you may encounter with all knitted items, and what you can do to fix them.  -  If your sweater gets fuzz balls, you can shave them off with a razor. -   If you get a hole in your sweater, you can fix it with an appliqué.  The first thing you need to do is stabilize the yarn, so that it won't continue to unravel.  Put a piece of fabric under the hole, and sew on the garment around the hole.  Then sew a decorative piece of fabric or other decorative item on top of the hole.  Use a zig-zag or satin stitch to attach it. Suede usually looks good on knits.  You often see holes in elbows covered with suede patches.  Suede does not ravel, so you can cut into shapes, like hearts. How well the sweater looks after you repair it will depend on what you use to cover the hole, and where it is located. -  If your sweater is made with man-made fibers, or a combination of man-made and natural fibers, it may be very easy to care for.  However, if it is made from nothing but cotton or wool, it will shrink if you put it in the dryer and may loose it's shape after washing. These sweaters need to be "blocked."  After washing, lay them on a towel flat on the floor, and using a tape measure, stretch them to the appropriate size.  Do not move them until they are dry.  If your sweater becomes very small,  you have two alternatives.  If the yarn is heavy, you can unravel the sweater and use it to make another item.  Or you can try boiling the sweater in a big pot of water for 25 minutes.  You will need to add vinegar to the water, and a lot of it.  (2 parts water to 1 part vinegar).  After boiling, gently rinse it, and then block it on a towel and let it dry. To save time and money, never put anything that is knitted and made of all natural fibers in the dryer.  Also, avoid buying items that do not have a combination of fibers for stability and easy care. Choose your sweaters carefully, and they will last longer and serve you well. About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!

 

 

 

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