r/Visiblemending • u/SpookyVoidCat • 2d ago

Sashiko on T-shirt fabric?

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I’ve got all these holes in my work T-shirts, but I’ve never done mending on stretchy fabric before, only denim or cotton - is there something important I need to do for mending this type of material? Should I use a similar stretchy fabric for the patch or do I use a stable layer like cotton? All advice gratefully appreciated!

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u/junk_rig_respecter 2d ago edited 2d ago

I usually just darn the holes then sashiko over/around them to obscure the repair some. You can patch with another stretchy material but there are some considerations so look into that process specifically. But areas that you do sashiko on can't really stretch anyway so there's no harm in just using a woven patch, on either side depending on the look you want.

And if you regularly get holes in the same spot on several garments figure out what at work is causing it and that may influence your repair choice too. For example I used to get little burn holes in my jeans from sparks, I'd external patch those with wool, since it's a little more burn resistant than cotton. Or like if these are from snags on a rough material that you encounter a lot, sashiko will provide more traction for snags and will not really help. No clear universal answers without knowing your own clothes and what damages them though.

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u/Kitchen-Owl-7323 1d ago

Mine turned out to be zippers in the washer!! Now I always make sure my zip-up hoodies are zipped.