How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand

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Introduction

Repair ripped seams on your liquid knit garments. Liquid knit is slightly different from other, more common knit fabrics, and as such must be handled in its own way. This guide aims to help people with no sewing knowledge fix their clothes with relative ease and minimal, cost-effective supplies. The estimated time required for the guide varies widely depending on the length of the seam to be mended.

What you need

Step 1 How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand, How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand, How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 1, image 2 of 3

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand, How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 1, image 3 of 3

Measure the thread.
While thread length is optional, longer thread tangles more easily. Measure the thread no longer than an arm's length.
Thread the needle. Keep length ratio of either side of the thread to about 2:1.
The final image demonstrates how to hold the needle. Holding the side of the eye against the finger better prevents the thread from pulling out.

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Step 2

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 2, image 3 of 3

Pinch both sides of the fabric together and run the needle through with a 1inch length stitch and pull the thread loosely through, keeping the edges of the fabric straight.
Be sure to insert the needle gently into the fabric to avoid piercing the fibres. The needle should pass between the threads, not cut them.
Repeat the previous step until the stitch runs the length of the ripped seam.
Snip the excess thread.
This stitch is called a basting stitch. A basting stitch is just a loose, straight stitch meant to hold fabric together while sewing. It will be removed after the seam is repaired.

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Step 3

Run the needle through the cloth at about a 1/16inch length. Do this in an area unlikely to be seen, like along the line of where the stable part of the seam ends, just before the rip.
Pull the thread through the fabric just to the end, so that it has about 1/8inch left before it would pull out completely.
Repeat the stitch over itself by running the needle through in the same point, at the same size, and pulling the thread through.
Do the previous step a total of three times.
Tug firmly to ensure the thread cannot pull out. This secures the thread for the main stitch.

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Step 4

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 4, image 3 of 3

Run the needle straight through both sides of the cloth like on the basting stitch and pull the thread through. This should be about a 1/4inch long.
To keep the thread from twisting and knotting while pulling thread through, put a finger through the loop.
Put the needle half-again back and repeat the previous step from there, so that the new stitch goes through halfway behind the previous stitch and comes out halfway ahead.
Repeat the previous step until the seam is fully closed.
If the thread is too short to close the entire seam, simply tie off as seen in Step 5 and start again at Step 3.
This stitch is called the backstitch, or more specifically a loose backstitch. This is the best hand stitch for liquid knit garments, as it is secure while allowing the fabric to pull and stretch.

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Step 5

Once the length of the ripped seam is fully sewn shut, repeat Step 3 to tie off the thread.
Snip the excess close to the fabric.
Don't worry about cutting the thread too close to the fabric and having it unravel. As long as the thread was tied off as instructed, it will hold well.

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Step 6

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 6, image 3 of 3

Gently remove the basting thread.

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Step 7

How to Repair Ripped Seams on a Liquid Knit Garment by Hand: step 7, image 3 of 3

Make sure the seam is straight, or otherwise follows the curve of the garment.
Gently but firmly test the strength of the seam. It should be able to withstand fairly strong tugging without gaps or rippling.
Test the drape. The garment should drape with a smooth, pucker-free seam.
If there are gaps, the stitches are too loose. If there is puckering, the stitches are either too tight or uneven.