How to Repair a Comforter
A favorite comforter is not something that can be discarded easily. If it cannot be repaired, it will likely be folded and placed in a drawer to be forgotten. There are a few alternatives that will either return the comforter to nightly use or at least allow it to be placed in a location that will show it off and remind you of all the joy and comfort it has brought.
Required Materials
- matching fiber/fabric
- fabric glue/paste
Required Tools
- needles
- thread
- sewing machine
- iron
- scissors
Instructions
- Types of Damage – There are several types of damage that a comforter can experience. From a stain to a tear, each can be repaired to a degree.
- Tear Repair Preparation – Begin the repair process by cutting out any stray fibers that are hanging from the tear site. If you need to take a few rows out and enlarge the tear, this is acceptable. If you feel particularly confident, leave some of the longer yarns hanging and loosen several more rows (there need to be quite a few longer yarns for the more advanced reweaving process.) Now take another piece of fabric (of approximately the same size as the tear) and pull/loosen several yarns from it. Interweave the yarns and the tear will appear to be repaired.
- Patch Repair – Gently remove the stitching at the ends of the comforter cell. Cut the face of the cell from the comforter and remove. Turn the cell fabric over and iron flat, making sure not to stretch the fabric. Using a treated fabric, such as Fine Fuse, cover the tear and iron the patch in place. Repeat the process around the edges of the comforter cell and stitch it back into the comforter.
- Corner Repair – In some instances, the tear may be in a corner cell. You may wish to try step three or you may choose to sew a new cell and replace the existing one. This will present the issue of matching the fabric for color, wear and texture, but it is the more effective of the two methods.
- Stains – Many dry cleaning companies will insist that a comforter needs to be dry cleaned regularly or when a stain is found. This is not necessarily true. Most stains can be removed with an enzyme-based cleaning solvent. The real trick is to pre-soak for an adequate amount of time before washing at a cold temperature. After the wash, make sure to tumble dry. If you hang dry the comforter, the fiber padding in the individual cells will tend to bunch. Another option is to put a firm item such as a tennis ball or a clean sneaker into the dryer and dry the comforter on a cool permanent press cycle.
