How To Fix A Tear Without Sewing

Whenever fabric is involved — with clothing, furniture and household goods — tears that weaken the fabric and look unsightly are a risk. Tears can often be repaired by sewing; however, not everyone is handy with a needle and thread. If you are one of those people, finding a no-sew method to repair tears is a better option. Consider different no-sew options to repair tears, depending on the location of the tear and its accessibility.

Step 1

Cut a thin strip of self-sticking garment tape just long enough to cover the tear. Press the garment tape onto one edge of the tear and pull the other edge of the tear over the garment tape strip. Peel off the protective covering from the other side of the garment tape and press the tear together to ensure the garment tape sticks well.

Step 2

Cut a thin piece of heat-activated hemming tape to the length of the tear. Position the tape along one side of the tear and overlap the other side of the tear over the tape. Set your clothes iron to a low setting without steam. Press the clothes iron to the tape area for about three to five seconds all along the tear.

Step 3

Select or cut a patch that is slightly larger than the tear you must repair. Place the patch over the tear, either from the front or the back depending on the accessibility. A patch in the back will not be seen, but the tear will still be visible. A patch in the front will be visible, but will hide the tear. Apply fabric glue around the edges of the patch and press the patch into place. If you use a heat-activated patch, iron the patch into place on a low setting with slow strokes.

Step 4

Apply a thin line of fabric glue along one edge of the tear. Overlap the other edge of the tear and press it into place. Hold it in place until the glue begins to set and dry.