Don't Panic! Here's How to Fix a Snagged Thread

Picture this: You're wearing one of your favorite sweaters or knit tops, when you accidentally swipe a sharp object or edge, creating a snag in the fabric. Before immediately thinking you need to toss this beloved item aside, there's a very quick and easy fix to this frustrating problem.

Open weave, loose knit, and lightweight fabrics are more prone to snags, so you should be extra careful when wearing garments made from these types of fabrics. You might also want to exercise caution when wearing jewelry with sharp edges, a common cause of fabric snags. But if you do get one in your garment, there's no need to panic—just grab a sewing needle and thread. The most important thing to remember when dealing with a snag is to not cut it, as this will create a hole in your fabric and make the problem even worse.

Whether the snag in your fabric is small or large, the technique to fix it is the same.

MATERIALS

• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Thread (matched to the color of your fabric)
• Thimble (optional, for those who like a little extra protection)

STEP 1

First, thread your hand sewing needle. There's no need to knot the end.

STEP 2

Next, insert your threaded needle inside the loop of the snag and pull through until the end of the thread is close to the loop. Create a knot around the loop with the end of your thread.

STEP 3

Using your scissors, snip the excess thread from the knot. Make sure not to accidentally cut the loop.

STEP 4

Insert your threaded hand sewing needle right next to the base of the loop. If you don't insert the needle as close to the base as possible.

STEP 5

Pull the thread entirely through to the wrong side of the fabric taking the loop with you. When pulling the thread through, be gentle so the snag doesn't "run" more. Once the thread is fully pulled through to the wrong side, either untie the knot in the thread if possible or trim the thread with your scissors. Be careful not to cut the loop and undo your work.

And voila! Pictured is the fabric from the right side with no visible snag! This technique is so effective and easy to do, you can apply it to all of your snagged garments and fix them simultaneously.

If you're often on-the-go, carry a travel-sized sewing kit with you in your purse for quickly fixing snagged stitches, which will prevent them from getting worse.