Q&A for How to Sew Up Holes

All needles have a label on the packaging that will tell you the specific kind of fabric they work best on. Needles are also sized based on the gauge of the needle—the larger the gauge, the smaller the needle. Lighter fabrics need a smaller needle, and heavier wovens need a larger needle.

If you don't mind the stitches being visible, you can use the above method about sewing smaller holes, and start sewing on the outside of the stuffed animal. Is the hole is large, remove the stuffing and add a patch to the interior, then replace the stuffing.

Tuck the hem into the leg by about an inch, then use a running stitch all the way around the hem to secure it.

You are using a regular sewing needle for fabric, you need a needle specially designed for leather. These sorts of specialty needles are called glover's needles or leather needles and they usually come in packages with curved needles and sack needles and other specialty household needles. They can also be ordered online at taxidermy supply outlets.

You may be able to machine sew it up from the inside, or zig-zag stitch it from the outside. A patch also might work.

It might be coming out because your knot isn't big enough. Try knotting the thread a few times in the same spot once you've made the repair. You could also sew over it twice to reinforce it.

Wool sweaters, socks, and similar things should be darned rather than sewn. With darning, you are essentially rebuilding the tear by "weaving" new yarn over the damaged area. There are many tutorials that explain how to do this. It's not difficult, but it takes a little bit of time and patience. The most important thing is to find or use a yarn that's as close to the color and texture of the item as you can find, and to work carefully - taking care not to stretch or pull the area as you work. You may still see the repair, but it's much better than seeing a hole, and if you get a close match on the yarn, the repair won't be so obvious.

Look for options to choose from. You can sew a random button there, or use cutouts from a lace to cover the hole. Use a fabric ribbon or a zipper to be stitched over the hole. Depending upon the look of your sweater, you can go with something to cover it with. Merely sewing the hole will show it.

Try ribbons of the type you like or that goes with the material of your bedspread. Satin ribbons, for instance, can be easily stitched on a hole or a slit. You can spread a long ribbon of desired thickness to go from end to end on your bedspread, placed in a fashion that makes it look like a design. Use small floral, woven fabric designs to sew on the holes, if you like.

If you are stitching the sides that don't have to stretch a lot, a regular cotton thread should be fine. Where it has to stretch, there you can use a stretchable thread.