How to Repair a Crocheted Bedspread
A crocheted bedspread can be a wonderful heirloom to hand down for generations. However, crocheted bedspreads can be delicate and prone to damage, so if you actually use your bedspread, there will most likely come a time when you will need to repair it. Repairing a crocheted bedspread may be a bit challenging, but there are some steps to make it easier.
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Things You'll Need
- Original crochet pattern (if available)
- Crochet hook
- Matching yarn or thread
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Instructions
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Determine the original pattern of the crocheted bedspread. Refer to the original pattern if you have it or can get it from the person who originally crocheted the bedspread. Study the bedspread to determine the pattern if the original is not available. Post pictures of the bedspread from afar and close up on online crochet forums to see if anyone recognizes the pattern or can help you figure it out.
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Determine the original type of thread or yarn. Consider the blanket's appearance: A very lacy or airy blanket likely uses thread. Examine the fiber's structure. Crochet thread is smoother than yarn and does not separate into plies. Count the double crochet stitches in a 4-inch-wide solidly crocheted row. If you come up with 32 to 42 double crochet stitches, your bedspread likely contains size 10 crochet thread--this is the most popular size.
If your bedspread is made of yarn, also count the single crochet stitches in a 4-inch-wide solidly stitched row. If your count equals 11 to 14 single crochet stitches, your bedspread is most likely size four yarn, the most common bedspread yarn. Other names for size four yarn include worsted, afghan and medium weight.
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Clip a small length of the fiber from the damaged area. Take this length to a local craft or yarn store to match up the color and type (if you were unable to determine it from counting stitches). Visit multiple stores if you can not find an exact match, as fiber dye lots may vary. You may find only close matches at one store but a perfect match at another. Purchase the fiber that is as close to your sample piece as you can get.
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Crochet a test swatch with the new fiber. Try to get as close to the gauge of the original stitches in your bedspread as possible. Change your crochet hook to adjust the gauge; using a larger hook results in larger stitches, and a smaller hook yields smaller stitches.
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Unravel a small area on either side of the damage. Turn the blanket so the wrong side faces you and work left to right, crocheting to follow the original pattern. Join the new fiber to the right side of the damage with a slip stitch. Finish off and weave all loose ends in on the wrong side of the blanket with a yarn needle.
If the repair is in the middle of the blanket, use the needle and a new length of fiber to sew the top of the repaired area to the row above it. Trim any visible ends left after weaving.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the yarn label whenever you crochet a bedspread or give it to the recipient if the bedspread is a gift. Write the pattern name on the label. This way, all the information needed for future repairs is readily available.
Keep leftover yarn from crocheted blankets for future repairs.
