Small holes can be closed with a needle and thread without unraveling
A small hole in a knitted sweater—the kind from a snag, a moth, or a catch on something sharp—does not mean the sweater is ruined. If the hole is smaller than a quarter inch and the surrounding stitches are still intact, you can close it from the inside using a technique called ladder stitch (also called mattress stitch when worked on the inside of a finished garment). This method is invisible from the outside and takes about ten minutes.
The process works because knit stitches form vertical columns. When you pull thread through the horizontal bars that connect those columns on the inside of the fabric, the hole closes and the stitches realign. You do not need to remove the sweater from your body or unravel any rows. You will need a tapestry needle, thread that matches the sweater, and scissors.
Key Takeaways
- Holes smaller than a quarter inch can be sewn closed from the inside using the thread that runs between knit stitches, without unraveling the sweater.
- Larger holes or holes where stitches are broken require you to pick up the dropped stitches with a crochet hook and knit them back up the column.
- Holes near seams or in high-stress areas like elbows may need a patch sewn on the inside for durability.
- Moth holes often appear in clusters; if you find one, inspect the whole sweater and treat any others when ready.
Closing a small hole with ladder stitch
Thread your tapestry needle with about 18 inches of yarn or thread that matches your sweater. Tie a small knot at the end. Turn the sweater inside out or pull the inside toward you so you can see the back of the stitches around the hole.
Insert the needle through the inside of the sweater about half an inch away from the hole, and bring it out on the other side of the hole, also about half an inch away. You are now on the inside of the fabric, with the thread running horizontally across the hole. Gently pull the thread snug—not tight enough to pucker the fabric, but tight enough that the hole begins to close.
Now work your way around the hole. Insert the needle back into the fabric on the side you just exited, and bring it out on the opposite side, again about half an inch away. Each pass of the needle should run horizontally across the hole. After three or four passes, gently pull the thread to close the hole further. You will see the stitches draw together. Once the hole is closed, tie off the thread on the inside with a small knot and trim the excess.
Picking up dropped stitches for larger holes
If the hole is larger than a quarter inch, or if the stitches around it are broken or pulled, you will need to pick up the dropped stitches and knit them back up. This requires a crochet hook (one size smaller than the needles you would use for the sweater yarn) and some patience, but it is still faster than unraveling the whole sweater.
Identify the vertical column of stitches on either side of the hole. At the bottom of the hole, you will see a loose loop of yarn—this is the stitch that dropped. Insert your crochet hook through that loop from front to back. Now, working upward, catch the horizontal strand of yarn above the loop and pull it through the loop on your hook. This creates a new stitch one row higher. Repeat this process, moving upward, until you reach the top of the hole. The stitches will realign as you go.
Once all the stitches are picked up, find the top stitch by pulling the yarn through it and tightening it. Weave in any loose ends on the inside of the sweater. If the hole was very large or the stitches were badly damaged, you may want to reinforce the area by sewing a small patch of matching fabric on the inside.
When to use a patch instead of sewing
Some holes are better covered than closed. If the hole is in a high-stress area like an elbow or the underarm, or if it is near a seam where the fabric is already under tension, a patch will last longer than stitching alone. A patch also works well if the hole is irregular or if multiple stitches are damaged.
Cut a square or rectangle of matching fabric (or a piece of the same sweater if you have scraps) about one inch larger than the hole on all sides. Pin it to the inside of the sweater, centered over the hole. Using a needle and thread that matches the sweater, sew around the edges of the patch with a small running stitch or whip stitch. The patch will reinforce the area and prevent the hole from growing.
Preventing holes from spreading
Once you have closed a hole, prevent it from reopening by avoiding further stress on that area. If the hole was caused by a snag, inspect the sweater for any rough seams or loose threads that might catch again. If it was a moth hole, treat the sweater for moths and store it in a sealed container with cedar or lavender to prevent future damage.
If you notice a hole is starting to unravel—meaning the stitches around it are coming loose—stop the unraveling when ready by tying a small knot in the yarn at the edge of the hole, or by securing it with a few stitches. The longer you wait, the larger the hole will become and the harder it will be to repair.
When to call a professional tailor
If the hole is very large, if multiple areas of the sweater are damaged, or if the sweater is expensive or sentimental, a professional tailor or knitwear repair specialist can often do a better job than a home repair. They have access to matching yarn, specialized equipment, and the skill to make repairs nearly invisible. The cost is usually between $25 and $75 depending on the size and location of the hole.
You should also consider professional repair if the sweater is made of delicate yarn like cashmere, merino, or silk, where a mistake in repair can damage the fiber. A tailor can also reinforce weak areas before they become holes, which is especially useful for older sweaters that are starting to wear thin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix a hole if I do not have matching thread?
Yes. If the hole is small and will be hidden (like under an arm or on the back), you can use thread in a neutral color like gray or tan. For visible areas, unravel a small amount of yarn from the inside of a seam or hem of the sweater itself—this will be a perfect match. You only need a few inches.
What if the hole is on a seam?
Holes on seams are trickier because the seam itself is already a line of stress. Do not try to close it with ladder stitch alone. Instead, use a patch on the inside, or take the sweater to a tailor who can reinforce the seam while closing the hole.
How do I know if a hole is from a moth or from wear?
Moth holes are usually small, round, and appear in clusters or groups. Holes from wear or snagging are usually irregular and appear in just one spot. If you find moth holes, inspect the entire sweater and any other wool items in your closet, then store everything in sealed containers.
Can I wash the sweater after I repair it?
Yes, but wait at least 24 hours after the repair so the thread or yarn has time to settle. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and lay flat to dry. Avoid the dryer, which can weaken the repair.
What if the hole keeps getting bigger even after I sew it?
This usually means the surrounding stitches are weak or damaged. Stop trying to close it with thread alone and use a patch instead. If the whole area feels thin or fragile, the sweater may be reaching the end of its life, and a tailor can tell you whether repair is worth the cost.