How to Repair a Moth Hole

Co-authored by Alterations Express

Last Updated: May 1, 2024 References

If you ever see tiny holes in your clothing, it could be from pesky moths in your closet. Luckily, moth holes may be easier to repair than you think. If the holes are particularly small, about 5 millimetres (0.20 in) wide or less, you can use fusible bonding web to close the hole. Just cut a piece of bonding slightly larger than the hole and iron the bonding over the hole to close it. If the moth holes are larger, you can darn it, which means to mend a fabric hole by interweaving with a needle and thread. If you follow these steps to cover your moth holes, no one will ever be able to tell they were there!

Repairing Moth Holes with Fusible Bonding Web

Cut a piece of fusible bonding web that's about 1/4 inch larger than the size of the hole and cover the hole with it. Set your iron to the wool setting, cover the fabric and bonding with a damp cloth, and press the garment with the iron for 10 seconds per side.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Bonding Webs on Tiny Moth Holes

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1
Turn the garment inside-out and place it on an ironing board lined with parchment paper. Before you repair the moth hole, you’ll need to turn the garment inside out. Bonding paper will be placed on the hole, and you want to put it on the inside of the material so it doesn’t show when you wear it. Then, place your fabric on an ironing board. You’ll need to place a sheet of parchment paper between your fabric and the ironing board, so the bonding web doesn’t stick to the ironing board cover.^{[1]
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- If you don’t have an ironing board, place your garment and parchment paper on another iron-safe surface, such as a table or floor lined with cloth. Never iron directly on a wood or stone surface, as the high heat can ruin their surfaces.
2
Heat up the iron and press it on the hole for a few seconds. Turn on your iron and set the temperature to a setting that best matches your fabric, then place it on the hole. For example, if you’re using a t-shirt, put the iron on the cotton setting. Don’t move it back and forth, just set it on the fabric for a few seconds. This allows the garment to heat up and prepare for the bonding fabric.^{[2]
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- Do not leave the iron on the fabric for more than a few seconds. If you do, you may end up scorching the fabric, which can leave a burn mark that is very difficult to remove.
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3
Use your fingers to press the hole together as much as you can. While the fabric is slightly warm from the iron, but not too hot, use your index fingers to gently push the hole closed. This makes the hole a little bit smaller, which will help when you make your repair.^{[3]
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- Be gentle when closing the hole. Don’t stretch the fabric too much or create a fold.
4
Cut a small square of fusible bonding web and place it on top of the hole. Fusible bonding web is a manmade fiber that melts when heated. It is used to bond two fabrics together when placed between them. This material can be found at most craft stores. Cut a square about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) wide, and place it over the hole.^{[4]
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- Bonding paper is available in various weights. Choose one that matches the fabric you’re repairing. For example, use a lightweight fusible bonding web for lightweight fabrics such as a cotton blouse. If you’re using heavier fabrics, such as denim or canvas, use heavyweight bonding web.
- Make sure that your clothing is still on top of the parchment paper. You do not want the bonding web to fuse with the ironing board cover after you complete this repair.
5
Place a piece of lightweight fabric sew-in stabilizer over the bonding web. Fabric stabilizer is used to stabilize the fabric of your garment to prevent it from stretching or sagging. Cut a square piece of the stabilizer that is slightly larger than the bonding web, about 1 inch (2.5 cm), and place it on top of the hole.^{[5]
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- You can purchase fabric sew-in stabilizer at most fabric stores.
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Place a pressing cloth on top of the fabric and dampen it with water. The pressing cloth is used as a barrier to protect the iron from the bonding web and stabilizer. Place it on top of your garment, then use a spray bottle to spray some water on the cloth where the hole is located underneath. Do not drench the fabric with the spray bottle, instead, make sure it is just slightly damp. The dampness will improve the fusing of the bonding web.^{[6]
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- If you have an old cotton bed sheet you can use that as your pressing cloth, or you can buy some from your local fabric store.
- When you place the cloth on the fabric, be careful not to shift the bonding web or stabilizer underneath. If they move, the hole will not be closed when you complete the repair.
Make sure your iron is on the wool setting so your garment will properly attach to the bonding web. When you place it on the cloth, don’t move the iron at all to avoid shifting everything underneath. Leave the hot iron on the fabric for no more than 10 seconds, then remove it and put it to the side.^{[7]
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Flip the garment over and push the hole together with your fingers. You might still see a tiny hole in your garment when you turn it over to the front. If you do, once again use your index fingers to shape and close the hole. It should start to bond together while you do this, thanks to the bonding web and stabilizer. Continue to use your fingers to shape the hole until it is completely closed.^{[8]
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- Make sure to work quickly during this step. Shaping and closing the hole works best when the fabric is still warm.
9
Press the garment with the iron to completely close the hole. Staying on the right side of the clothing item, use the iron to press the hole one last time. Since you are on the other side of the garment, you do not need to iron on top of the pressing cloth. You can just iron directly on top of the hole. Your hole should be completed closed up at this point.^{[9]
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- Only put the hot iron on the fabric 5-10 seconds to avoid scorching.
Katrina Rodabaugh, Textile Conservation Expert

Mending brings an item back to life and gives it new purpose. It transforms something broken into something beautiful again through stitches made with care and attention. In our disposable culture, mending reminds us to cherish our belongings and the resources used to make them.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Darning Woven and Knitted Fabrics

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1
Turn your fabric inside out and place a darning mushroom under the hole. Make sure your fabric is turned inside out before you start sewing, so you don’t see the stitches on the outside when you’re finished. Then, place a darning mushroom under the hole. A darning mushroom is a wooden mushroom-shaped sewing tool used to hold the fabric in place while darning. The curvature of the mushroom allows the fabric to retain its natural shape and stretch.^{[10]
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- If you don’t have a darning mushroom, you can use another curved object, such as a light bulb or small bowl.
2
Thread your needle. Before you get started with your sewing, you’ll need to thread your needle. To do this, cut a piece of thread long enough to cover your moth hole. To stay on the safe side, cut a piece at least 24 inches (61 cm) in length. Moisten the thread and squeeze the tip so you can fit it through the hole at the top of the needle.^{[11]
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- Make sure you use thread that is close to the color of your affected fabric.
Sew a running stitch around the hole. If you need to, use a fabric pen to draw a circle around the hole so you know where to sew. Make sure you are ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) away from the edge of the hole to ensure the hole is well covered. This running stitch will prevent the hole from stretching and getting worse while you are mending it.^{[12]
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Sew horizontal stitches across the hole. Make sure the stitches are evenly spaced, and start and end close to your circle of running stitches.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Alterations Express
Alteration, Tailoring, and Dry Cleaning Specialists

Expert Interview. 15 September 2021.} If you do this correctly, your hole will be completely covered in horizontal lines about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) beyond the hole on both sides.
- Do not pull the thread to tighten the stitches, as this can cause puckering. The goal is to use your darning mushroom or another curved object as a guide to ensure that the darning will blend with the rest of the fabric.
5
Weave stitches perpendicular to the horizontal stitches across the hole. After you have covered the entire hole, you will need to weave stitches perpendicular to the horizontal stitches. To do this, use your needle to work the thread over and under the previous stitches. This will create a net over the moth hole.^{[14]
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- Try to create the same weave tightness as the garment you are darning. For example, if you are darning a loose-knit, then the stitches will need to be somewhat spaced out. If you are darning a tight-knit, then the stitches will need to be tight.
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Weave the thread a few times to secure the stitching. When you’re finished with your horizontal and perpendicular weaving, leave a long end on the thread. Then, weave through the clothing item a few more times to ensure that the thread stays in place when you’re finished. When you turn your fabric around, the moth hole should be completely closed. Make sure the thread is secure so the stitching stays in place when you wear your item.^{[15]
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- You can also tie a knot in the last stitch to secure the thread.
- Even if you match the knit, you may still notice the blemish on the garment when you're finished.^{[16]
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  Alterations Express
  Alteration, Tailoring, and Dry Cleaning Specialists
  
  Expert Interview. 15 September 2021.}

Common Questions: DIY Repair for Moth Holes

What is the best way to repair moth holes?

If the hole is smaller than 5 mm, the best way to repair it is with a piece of fusible bonding web. This technique is super fast, easy to do, and requires no sewing! For a hole larger than 5 mm, the best option is to use a darning technique to close the hole with needle and thread.^{[17]
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Can a dry cleaner fix moth holes?

Many dry cleaners are able and willing to fix small moth holes for you. Be sure to mark the holes or point them out so your dry cleaner doesn't miss them. Some tailors may also be willing to repair garments with moth holes.^{[18]
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Should you throw away clothes with moth holes?

If the holes are smaller than 5 mm, you can easily repair them yourself. If the hole is larger than 5 mm and the fibers of the garment are starting to pull apart, it's best to go ahead and throw it away.^{[19]
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