Q&A for How to Mend a Torn Seam

You will need the following items iron, a pair of small very sharp scissors, pins, and a cutting surface. The first step would be to place your fabric with the wrong sides facing each other you are sewing your first seam on the outside of the garment. Sew your seams together as usual. Then take your scissors and cut away the seam allowance, leaving about ⅛” of the material left. Next, fold your fabric together at the seam so that what you just sewed is sandwiched between the two layers of fabric. (your right sides should be together now). Press with the iron along that seam line. Pin if needed to keep the seam nice and straight. Next, sew along that seam line again, using your normal seam allowance. When you are done, press along the seam with the iron. This is a difficult process, therefore I recommend practicing before you cut your actual fabric.

Hot glue may or may not work, depending on the hot glue and fabric. It may discolor the fabric. It will leave a glue residue that may be hard, sharp or uncomfortable against the skin. It also may be a temporary fix.

Repairing a large hole requires the same process as a small one, but may require more finesse. Instead of hand-stitching, use a sewing machine to repair a large hole, as the stitches on a sewing machine will be easier to keep uniform and small. To use a machine, turn your fabric inside-out, align the torn area, and run your sewing needle over the hole. Finish up by going back over the final 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) of the mend to close the stitch.

Chiffon is extremely delicate and fussy to work with. You may be able to clip off the shredded part, and sew the seam back together. The seam will not be in the exact same position, however, because much of it has been removed.

First, turn your jacket inside-out. Using a simple backstitch or running stitch, stitch up the hole, holding the fabric taut and keeping your stitches small. Finish off with a sturdy knot.

Because most car seats are made of vinyl or leather, sewing is not the most effective means of repair. Instead, you can purchase glue intended for either vinyl or leather, and place the glue on the underside of the fabric on either side of the tear, press the tear together, and press down to help the glue adhere.