How to Mend Holes in Sweaters: Four Easy Darning Stitches for Knitwear Repair

Sweaters and other knitwear are wardrobe staples we reach for year after year—but over time, even our favorite pieces can develop thin spots, snags, or holes. Instead of tossing them out, learning how to mend holes in sweaters is a rewarding and straightforward way to extend their life. With just a few stitches and basic tools, you can restore your knitwear, save money, and embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion.

In this guide, I’ll show you four effective techniques for repairing knitwear: the Weaving stitch, Scotch darning stitch, Swiss darning (also called Duplicate stitch), and the Blanket stitch variation – Sun wheel stitch.

Each method has its own strengths, whether you’re aiming for a nearly invisible repair or a bold, decorative patch. Step-by-step photos and a comprehensive video tutorial will guide you through the process, allowing even beginners to feel confident tackling sweater repairs at home.

Tools and materials for sweater repair

To mend holes in your favorite knitwear, you will need basic mending tools, such as a darning needle, thread, and scissors. Additionally, some accessories, such as pins or safety pins, are required for a smooth mending process. Besides that, it’s good to have a base material you can place under the hole and pin the fabric to it. You can use a sponge, a piece of cardboard, or a cork pad. Opt for materials that can be slipped inside the sleeve of the sweater or other narrow spaces.

Read the article “Mending tools and materials. What you need to get started with visible mending” for more tools and materials you might want to use.

Threads for knitwear repairs

The best thread for mending knitwear is the same as the thread used to knit the garment. But let’s be honest, how many sweaters did you knit and have a spare thread left for mending them?

I knit quite a lot, but it’s mostly chunky voluminous knits or colorful socks. My biggest challenge is finding fine wools for mending machine-made fine knits.

First, check inside the sweater. Some knitwear producers add a small bag of thread for repairs, together with a spare button. Also, you can harvest some thread by undoing the seams of the sweater. But what if you need more thread?

Wool embroidery threads of various thicknesses are an excellent option for mending woolen sweaters. Additionally, you can find thin wool and cashmere threads designed explicitly for mending projects.

For the mending tutorial below, I used DMC Eco Vita woolen embroidery threads. It’s a lovely option for mending fine knitwear. It is available on Amazon and Etsy with a variety of color options.

More wool options for mending on Amazon:

Mending wool on Etsy:

Matching vs contrasting yarn

The thickness of the thread is not the only criterion you should consider when choosing mending supplies. The color of the thread is as important as its size.

To make your mending invisible, use the same thread as for knitting. For example, Swiss darning with the same thread will be totally invisible and is the best way to invisibly mend holes in sweaters.

On the other hand, if you want your mending to stand out and be as visible as possible, opt for threads of bright, contrasting colors and create colorful patches using the Weave stitch technique.

Of course, you can choose everything in between these two extremes – make visible mending with calm pastel colors or add the patches with a slightly darker tone threads.

Four easy darning stitches for knitwear repair

There are many hand embroidery and mending techniques you can use for mending knitwear. For this tutorial, I shortlisted four of my favorite techniques that are functional, versatile, and easy to learn.

• Weave stitch. This technique covers the holes and stains by creating a patch above the damaged area. Use it for bold, visible mending.
• Scotch darning stitch. It is an excellent technique for covering the holes and reinforcing thinned knits. I use it to patch the elbows of the sweaters and the heels of the socks.
• Swiss darning. Also known as the Duplicate stitch, it is the best darning technique to invisibly mend holes in sweaters. It perfectly recreates a stockinette stitch and blends seamlessly with knitwear.
• Sun wheel stitch. This variation of Blanket stitch can reinforce the thinned fabric or cover the hole with a circular patch.

Before you start mending, gather the necessary tools and materials, and prepare the knits that require mending. Before you start patching, address pulled threads, remove the pile, and weave in hanging threads on the back of the knit.

Weave stitch tutorial

Scotch darning stitch tutorial

Swiss darning tutorial

Blanket stitch – Sun wheel mending tutorial

Tips for successful sweater mending

Mending knitwear can feel intimidating at first, but a few simple habits will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re repairing your very first hole or improving your technique, these tips will help you get better results every time.

Practice on scrap fabric first

Before you start repairing your favorite sweater, take some time to practice on scrap knit fabric or an old piece of clothing you don’t mind experimenting with. This gives you the chance to get comfortable with the stitches, adjust your tension, and learn how the yarn behaves without the pressure of “ruining” a cherished garment.

Use good lighting and a contrasting yarn when learning

Each stitch is crucial when you mend. If you work with darker or fuzzy knits, get good lighting. Additionally, use a contrasting yarn color when learning darning techniques. It makes it much easier to follow your stitch path and check your progress. Once you feel confident, you can switch to matching yarn for an invisible mend.

Embrace visible mending as a design choice

Not all repairs need to be hidden. Visible mending is a popular way to transform flaws and damage into beautiful, unique details. Choose colorful yarns and bold mending techniques to add character and personality to your knitwear. Mending doesn’t just fix holes—it can also become a form of creative self-expression.

Over to you

Learning how to mend holes in sweaters is a skill that not only saves your favorite garments but also supports a more sustainable and mindful approach to clothing. With the four methods we’ve covered—Weaving stitch, Scotch darning stitch, Swiss darning, and Sun wheel stitch—you now have practical techniques for both invisible repairs and creative visible mending.

Whether you’re patching up a well-loved wool pullover or experimenting with decorative stitches to add personality, mending is a rewarding way to extend the life of your wardrobe. It’s not about perfection—it’s about giving your clothes a second chance and making them uniquely yours.

If you’d like to see these techniques in action, don’t forget to watch the full video tutorial embedded above. And if you try any of these mending methods, I’d love to hear about your experience—share your results in the comments!