Why wool gets holes
Wool is durable, but it is not indestructible. Holes in woolen clothes usually come from one of three things: clothes moth larvae, friction, or harsh washing.
- Moths and similar pests. Wool is an animal fiber, and the larvae of clothes moths feed on it. They are generally more drawn to garments that have not been cleaned, since body oils and food residue can make fabric more appealing.
- Friction. Places that rub against belts, bag straps, seatbelts, or zips (cuffs, elbows, the waistline) can thin out over time and eventually wear through.
- Washing damage. Wool can be weakened by aggressive detergents or bleach, and by rough handling. Check the care label and use a wool-appropriate product.
How to tell moth holes from wear
The pattern of damage gives useful clues. Friction damage tends to appear where the garment rubs against something, and the area often looks thin or fuzzy before it breaks. Moth damage is more likely to show up as small, scattered holes in places that do not get rubbed, sometimes with fine webbing or tiny casings nearby. Adult clothes moths are small and pale, not the large moths you see around lights; the larvae do the damage.
If you cannot tell, treat the garment as though moths might be involved before you put it back into storage.
What to do first when you find holes
- Check for pests. Look inside folds, seams, and stored items nearby. Moths can move between garments.
- Clean the garment according to its care label. Many people also freeze sealed items for a couple of days, or wash at the highest temperature the label allows, to deal with larvae. Only do this if the care label permits it, since heat can shrink or felt wool.
- Mend before washing again. Small holes can grow, so repair them soon.
Choosing a repair method
| Problem | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Thin, worn patch with no hole yet | Reinforce with a woven darn or running stitches |
| Small hole in knitwear | Darn with matching yarn or thread |
| Several small holes | Darn each one, or cover with a decorative mend |
| Large hole or worn elbow | Sew on a patch |
Matching the color is not required. Many people choose contrasting thread and treat the repair as a feature, which is the idea behind visible mending.
How to darn a small hole in a wool jumper
Darning rebuilds fabric by weaving thread across the hole.
- Hold the area in shape with a darning mushroom, an egg, or even a smooth jar placed inside the garment.
- Choose yarn or thread of similar weight to the knit. Wool yarn or fine wool thread usually blends best. Our article on using embroidery floss for darning explains when floss works as an alternative.
- With a blunt needle, stitch parallel rows that extend a little beyond the edges of the hole into sound fabric.
- Turn the work and weave across those rows, going over and under each strand.
- Keep the tension even and not too tight, since pulling will pucker the knit.
- Secure the ends on the inside and trim.
Patching larger holes
When a hole is too big to darn, a patch is the usual solution. A patch of felted wool or tightly woven fabric can be stitched onto the inside or outside. Sewing the patch down is generally the safer choice for wool, because heat from fusible adhesives can damage fibers and may not hold on knits. If you are weighing options, see our comparison of iron-on vs sew-on patches.
Visible mending with sashiko
Sashiko-style running stitches are a popular way to reinforce thin areas and hold patches on sturdier woolens. Our sashiko stitching for beginners guide explains the basic stitch, needles, and thread.
Preventing new holes
- Wash or dry-clean wool before storing it for the season.
- Store items in sealed containers or breathable garment bags.
- Check stored clothes periodically.
- Avoid repeated rubbing in the same place, or add a reinforcing patch before a hole forms.
FAQ
What do wool-eating moths look like? Clothes moths are small and often a plain golden or buff color. The larvae are tiny, creamy-white caterpillars, and you are more likely to notice the damage than the insects.
Can a moth-eaten jumper be saved? Often yes, if the holes are few and the surrounding fabric is sound. Darning or patching can extend its life.
Is it worth repairing wool? For a garment you like, usually. Mending is inexpensive and wool takes stitching well.