r/InvisibleMending • u/sorrysadboy • 16d ago
Advice on how to fix ripping on sleeves with limited sewing ability?
2
u/Voc1Vic2 15d ago
Cut across the lower edge of the cuff in a straight line. Fold both cut edges to the inside. Sew the folded edges together using a loose overcast or buttonhole stitch. If it’s too tight, you may break the stitching when your big hand stretches through the buff.
A better repair would be to make a new cuff. Fleece fabric is easy to work with. It does fray.
Get some in a thin weight in a contrasting color. Cut a rectangle of the appropriate size, adding an extra two inches for seam allowances. Fold the rectangle into a tube and sew a straight seam to create a tube.
Cut off the existing cuff. Pull the new cuff over the bottom of the sleeve. The seam allowance should be facing outward, one cut edge should be aligned with the cut edge of the sleeve. The other cut end should be over the sleeve closer to the elbow.
Use a straight stitch to join the sleeve and cuff. Leave a half inch seam allowance, meaning stitch that far above the cut edges.
Turn the sleeve inside out. Fold the cuff in half. Stitch through the cuff and the sleeve together, keeping the cut edges to the inside of the cuff. You could also sew without turning the edge of the fleece under if it is too thick.
1
u/Majestic-Panda2988 16d ago
I’m at enjoy it part for my sweatshirt, remember the years! Mine d similar to yours. I could add a new cuff. If you like a lettuce edge you can stretch and sew several parallel lines around which will stabilize it.
4
u/Wooden-Wishbone7941 16d ago
A non-sewing option is to buy a bottle of something called 'fray check' and dot that all on the edges where it's fraying.
It won't mend it, and it won't save it forever but it might help it not get worse as quickly?
For a sewing option, the easiest thing I can think of is to zig-zag stitch around the cuff to keep it from fraying.
If you want it to look neater you could cut the damage off, tuck the edges inside and then zigzag stitch them together. (Zig zag allows it to stretch, a normal straight stitch doesn't so the threads would rip when you pull it over your hands)