How to Fix the Holes in a Suit From Moths

Moths can wreak havoc on natural fiber garments such as sweaters.

Moth moths usually only eat holes in clothing made of natural fibers, such as wool or cotton. They do this as they grow from larvae to maturation, when the clothing is their only source of food. Repairing holes that moths eat in clothes is accomplished the same way as fixing holes caused by other factors. The repair is much easier if the hole is less than 1/4 inch in diameter, though it's still possible with larger holes.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors
• Patch (optional)
• Knitting needles (optional)
• Yarn (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine the diameter of the hole. If the hole is less than 1/4 inch in diameter, it can be repaired with stitching. If the hole is greater than 1/4 inch, it must be repaired with a patch.

2. Turn the garment inside out.

3. Stitch together the sides of the hole to close it if the hole is small.

4. Cover the hole with a patch and sew it to the garment to cover the hole, if the hole is large.

5. Knit a patch of similar size and color and sew it over the hole if the garment is knitted and a regular fabric patch is undesirable.

Tips & Warnings

• When the hole appears in a multi-colored section of the garment, use several colors in the pattern to match the thread for hole repair.

• For special knitted garments, save the extra garment thread that sometimes comes with store-purchased knitted garments, or save some of the yarn used to make a homemade knitted creation.

References

• Home and Garden Ideas: How to Repair Moth Holes in Cotton
• Knitty: Repairing Knitwear