Stitch it, don’t ditch it

I am always a little nervous when I start to “repair” one of my knits. Sometimes my sweaters have ended up with a pleat at the center front when I’ve tried to sew up a moth hole.

I have found that if you have the correct tools and guidance, and then give yourself the time you need, you will most likely end up with clothing you can wear instead of toss.

Here are some resources that I use.

1- The thread. Make sure you have the right thread or yarn, depending on the size of the hole, in the right color before you start. I can recommend www.needlepointjoint.com. It pays to buy a few basic colors to have on hand before the moth strikes or the sock is threadbare. Look at the yarn and clothing in daylight, because sometimes, for example, a black yarn works on navy better than a blue color. Make sure you have the correct needle size, too.

2- Freeze it. Place your sweater in a bag and then put it in the freezer for 48 hours. There’s no point in repairing a hole if there are still larvae in the sweater.

3- Watch and learn. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LaNmVc9Xfs to see how Cheryl Brunette repairs moth holes. She even recommends making a cup of tea before you start, taking a deep breath and think of the mother moth who was just trying to feed her babies!

4- Shrooms. Buy a darning mushroom. It will make life much easier, especially if you are darning socks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093GT24GC/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_5?smid=A3SX3BI9BGU9L0&psc=1

Good luck! Your grandmother would be proud.