There I am in the middle of my current project for a workshop at Eternal Maker, when suddenly I realise that I have cut through the largest piece of my project! Accidents happen and while it might be frustrating (the perfectionist in me says buy more material and start again) the realist in me says that its repairable. Ok so not perfect, but then its an opportunity to share a repair technique with you.
I have used it on clothing and it has been surprisingly invisible, one of my favourite gypsy skirts got caught up in the chain of my bicycle and ripped. After repairing it this way, I was able to wear it again and as the fabric was patterned, no-one noticed (or if they did they were too polite to say!).
The important thing is to prevent the ragged edges from fraying.
Thankfully, iron on interfacing includes a heat activated glue that will seal off the edges nicely.
Match your interfacing colour, use black on dark colours and white on light colours.
Cut enough so that the piece has at least a 1cm allowance all around the cut.
Iron the wrong side of the fabric, drawing the edges together as closely as possible.
Lay the interfacing on top, then a pressing cloth (if you prefer your iron to be free from glue)
Press the iron firmly and try not to move it around. (movement will shift the frayed edges).
Allow to cool slightly before moving the item so that the glue can set.
This is the stitch display on my sewing machine, look for something similar.
Stitch 22, 23, or 24 are all forms of darning stitches.
If you don’t have multiple stitches then use a zigzag stitch set to a medium width and short length.
The important thing is to get the right matching thread.
I find it easier to use an appliqué foot
so I can see the edge and ensure the stitches bridge the cut.
If you use a normal foot just make sure the cut edge runs along the front groove guide.
Allow the machine to go at its own pace, it will be slower than a straight stitch.
While this close up shows the stitching its not quite so bad as it looks.
I will post the project later and you will see for yourself.
ttfn x
Fred the Needle 
