How to Repair Small Holes in Your Underwear and Clothing

Quick answer

To repair a small hole, turn the garment inside out, place a scrap of similar fabric behind the hole, and stitch around the edges using a simple running stitch or whip stitch. Match the thread to the fabric colour and use small, even stitches. This method works for cotton, drill, and most knit fabrics, and takes about five to ten minutes per hole.

Small holes in your favourite underwear or clothing don't mean the end of the garment. A little time with a needle and thread can add months or even years of wear. Whether it's a tiny tear in your kids' tights or a worn spot in your everyday tee, mending at home is a practical skill that saves money and keeps textiles out of landfill.

This guide walks you through a straightforward repair process you can do with basic supplies. We'll cover how to repair underwear holes, fix small holes in clothing, and share tips to make your mend last. You'll also see how choosing well-made, repairable pieces from the start makes a difference.

Gather your supplies

Before you start, collect a needle, thread that matches your fabric, small scissors, and a scrap of similar fabric for patching. For stretchy knits like underwear, use a ballpoint needle and polyester thread so the mend moves with the fabric. For woven cotton drill, a standard needle and cotton thread work well.

A thimble can help push through thicker fabrics, and a small embroidery hoop keeps the area taut while you work. If you don't have matching thread, choose a slightly darker shade rather than lighter—it blends better.

• Use a needle appropriate for the fabric weight.
• Keep a small repair kit with neutral threads for quick fixes.

Prepare the hole and surrounding area

Turn the garment inside out and trim any frayed threads around the hole. If the edges are very ragged, trim them neatly with small scissors. Place a scrap of fabric behind the hole, slightly larger than the opening, and pin it in place. This backing gives your stitches something to anchor into and prevents the hole from stretching.

For very small holes, you may not need a backing patch—just stitch the edges together. But for anything larger than a pea, a backing adds durability.

• Work on a flat, well-lit surface.
• Pin the backing fabric so it doesn't shift while sewing.

Stitch the hole closed

Thread your needle and knot the end. Starting from the inside, bring the needle up through the fabric just outside the hole. Use a running stitch or whip stitch to bring the edges together, working around the hole in a circle. Keep stitches small and even—about 2–3 mm apart. Don't pull too tight or the fabric will pucker.

For knit fabrics, use a zigzag or loop stitch that allows stretch. For woven fabrics, a simple running stitch is fine. Once you've gone all the way around, knot the thread on the inside and trim the tail.

• Test the stretch of the fabric before choosing your stitch.
• Avoid pulling the thread tight enough to distort the shape.

Finish and check your work

Turn the garment right side out and inspect the repair. The patch should lie flat and the hole should be closed. If you can see the backing fabric, you can trim it closer to the stitches. Gently stretch the area to ensure the mend holds and doesn't pucker.

Wash the garment as usual, but for the first wash after repair, use a gentle cycle or hand wash to avoid stressing the new stitches. With time, the repair will blend in and become part of the garment's story.

• Trim excess backing fabric for a neater finish.
• Wash gently the first time after mending.

Your step-by-step repair sequence

1. Turn inside out and trim: Turn the garment inside out. Trim any loose threads around the hole with small scissors, but don't cut into the fabric itself. Checkpoint: the hole edges should be clean and free of fraying.
2. Add a backing patch: Place a scrap of similar fabric behind the hole, slightly larger than the opening. Pin it in place so it doesn't shift. Common mistake: using a patch that's too thick, which creates a bump.
3. Stitch around the hole: Thread your needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up just outside the hole and stitch around the edges using a running or whip stitch. Keep stitches small and even. Checkpoint: the hole should close without pulling the fabric tight.
4. Knot and trim: Once you've gone all the way around, knot the thread on the inside and trim the tail. Turn right side out and check the repair. Common mistake: knotting too tightly, which can cause puckering.
5. Wash gently: Wash the garment on a gentle cycle or by hand for the first wash after repair to avoid stressing the new stitches. Next step: repeat the process for other small holes to keep your wardrobe in rotation.

Products that are worth mending

• Kids Tights Horses: New improved self banded long tights - these hard wearing tights have extra height in the back and a wider band than before. The wider band and extra height mean these tights stay up and are less likely to develop holes at the waistband, making them a good candidate for repair if small holes appear.
• Shaped LS Tee Black: This tee has shaping through the body giving it hips and curves. The shaped fit means the fabric follows your body, so a small hole can be mended without affecting the overall silhouette, helping you extend the life of a favourite piece.

Mending small holes is a simple way to keep your favourite Thunderpants pieces going strong. With a few basic supplies and a little patience, you can fix small holes in clothing and underwear at home, saving money and reducing waste. Start with one garment today and see how easy it is to extend its life.