How to Repair Crochet Thread
Items made from crochet thread can be lovely to have around the home. However, as with most items made from thread, crocheted items may get holes in them, through accidents or even normal wear and tear. Fixing the item can be a challenge, but it can be done.
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Instructions
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Determine the pattern of the item that is damaged. If the pattern is not available, try to go to the person who created it. If that does not work and the owner has the skills, it is still possible to repair the item.
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Determine the correct color of the item. This can be done by trimming a small section of loose thread from the damaged area and taking it to a craft shop. If the crocheter knows the weight and the approximate color, it is possible to determine the correct dye lot and weight by comparing the trimmed piece with thread that is in the store. If the owner of the item is not sure of the color, ask a clerk in the store if they can determine the color and weight of the thread. Go to a few craft stores to get opinions and to compare dye lot and weight of the thread. After determining the dye lot and weight of the yarn, purchase it for the repair.
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Crochet a sample swatch with the new thread. It may take several swatches before the correct gauge will be found. Large crochet hooks will create large stitches, and smaller hooks will create smaller stitches. After determining the correct size hook, the repair can be started.
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Face the fabric so the back side is up. Attach the new thread to one edge of the item and, matching the pattern, stitch in the damaged area. When the other side of the damage is reached, attach the thread with a slip stitch. Fasten off the new thread. If needed, use the needle to sew the new section to the bottom of the damaged area. Weave in any loose ends of threads and make sure any loose ends that may unravel are tied off.
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Tips & Warnings
Any area with a chain stitch will usually be the weak areas of a crocheted item.
Repairs are easier if done by the person who created the item in the first place. The tension of the thread will be easier to match and they may have some of the thread left over.
You may not find an exact color match for a white or ivory on a vintage piece, as the color is often an aged patina, but a close shade should blend over time.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hand crocheted lace with green background image by AardLumens from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I have found through the years that you can age white and ivory items with different strengths of tea, with so many different kinds of tea out these days this can range from a very light color to a dark color. I have found that on a piece that was once white, you can age the thread by using a light strength of white tea, sponge it over the new pieces let set in then wash in gentle soap, rinse and dry. The color will match much better than waiting for the new thread to age on it's own.
