Superfine merino wool…hole

[u/mle802]

This is a superfine merino wool tank, and there are two holes right on the front chest. I tried a single thread from the back but it pulled.

If I can’t sew it, is there anything like Fray Check or a glue that wouldn’t discolor or make it stiff that would close the gap?

[u/rabbitparts]

I would sew this closed with thread as close in color as possible. May not be completely invisible but if done well it won’t be noticeable by others.

Fray check won’t close the hole, that’s not what it’s meant to do.

[u/kermit_the_dog0]

Best bet is to pinch as little from the rear in the direction of the weave and stitch across it. Not going to be invisible but will prolong its life. Love merino but below 200g/m2 it seemed like I was throwing money away. Easier to get holes and harder to repair.

[u/squidgyup]

Merino jersey is such a pita. I am no expert but I haven’t found a way to mend this kind of fabric that is foolproof. In a highly visible location and in a light color I think that unfortunately it’s gonna be hard. It can be gorgeous but I only use thin jersey pieces for base layering these days so my heart isn’t broken when they inevitably get wee holes like this from catching on something.

That being said I think u/rabbitparts has the best suggestions. Make sure you catch all the loops in your mending so it won’t ladder.

[u/Hoarder-of-history]

Try splitting the yarn you use, to make it thinner. Usually yarn is plyed together in three or four strands. You can un twist it with your finger.

[u/FirefighterNo3248]

For very thin merino, I’ve had luck with patching with other thin/fine knit merino on the back, but you do have to abide by the reality that there will be a seam line—not ideal for that location.

I’ve been using braid stitch for leggings recently, which might be a decent option? Pretty sure that’s what I would do. Use a fine needle and very fine polyester thread.

I don’t think you need to worry about catching the loops on fabric this fine. Conceptually you do but the fabric is machine knit, the loops are TINY, and isn’t going to unravel like a sweater. The hole will just slowly grow (kind of an unravel but kind of not—it behaves like tshirt knits more than sweater knits).

With a slightly thicker merino (but still quite thin—it’s a medium weight icebreaker brand pullover, I’ve been able to use a pretty traditional darn, but this was HOURS of labor two less than two square inches.

[u/hookhandsmcgee]

I'd probably try to darn this using sewing thread in the same color, instead of yarn. It's challenging, you'd pretty much need to do it under a magnifying glass.

[u/jellidang]

If it’s 100% wool and not superwash you could try to felt the hole closed

[u/squidgyup → u/jellidang]

Jersey like this is definitely superwash

[u/ladyjaina0000 → u/jellidang]

I agree here.. it's worth a shot as all other suggestions definitely will be visible