Ranking of the Most Common Knitwear Damage Requests: Our Top 6 - Tsumugi-kaketsugi

TSUMUGI KAKETSUGI SHOP

Ranking of the Most Common Knitwear Damage Requests: Our Top 6

Here is a ranking of the most frequent types of knitwear damage for which we receive repair requests at our shop.

1st Place: Moth Damage

Condition and Reason:
Holes or thinning in the fabric caused by moths, which are particularly fond of natural fibers like wool and cashmere. Since knitwear often comes into direct contact with the skin, it easily absorbs sweat and oils, making it even more susceptible to moth damage.

Solution:
After wearing, use a special knitwear brush and hang the garment on a thick hanger to air it out and let the moisture evaporate. After a few hours, fold it and store it in a drawer. For small stains, quickly wipe them with a tightly wrung-out towel. For items that can’t be washed at home, professional cleaning is recommended.

Before repair – A hole caused by moths.


After repair – Be cautious, as the fabric might be thinner than it appears. Soft materials like wool tend to blend well and are easier to restore beautifully.


2nd Place: Collar Fray

Condition and Reason:
A frayed collar due to excessive pulling or stress on the seam when wearing or taking off the garment. This often happens at the collar, but cuffs and hems, which also endure stress, are common areas for such issues.

Solution:
When putting on or taking off the garment, avoid stretching the collar or cuffs. Don’t wear your favorite knit every day—give it a rest. If you notice fraying, act quickly, as small frays can easily turn into large holes.

Before repair – A large hole caused by fraying at the collar.


After repair – This kind of damage can usually be fixed beautifully. If you catch the fray early, it can prevent further spreading, so consult a professional quickly.


3rd Place: Snagged Thread

Condition and Reason:
A pulled thread caused by something catching on the knit fabric. Knitwear is inherently prone to snagging due to its woven structure. It’s often caused unknowingly by bags or metal accessories, and the damage can sometimes spread over a wide area.

Solution:
Though it’s difficult to avoid, be mindful of rough materials on bags or sharp objects like stationery. Snagged threads can be very noticeable, but they can often be restored well, so don’t hesitate to consult a professional!

Before repair – A single thread has been snagged on the sleeve, creating a visible line.

After repair – Snags where the thread remains intact can often be restored cleanly. Avoid cutting the loose threads yourself.


4th Place: Dropped Stitch (Eyelet Hole)

Condition and Reason:
A loop in the knit fabric has come undone, leaving a hole. Left unchecked, this can unravel further, creating larger holes. This often happens when the fabric is snagged or pulled. What starts as a small fray can grow quickly, becoming more noticeable.

Solution:
If you notice a dropped stitch, repair it while the hole is still small. Though some may be able to fix it themselves, for delicate knits or those with complex patterns, it’s best to consult a specialist before the damage worsens.

Before repair – A dropped stitch caused by a cut thread.


After repair – Since the yarn itself isn’t usually broken, these types of damages often restore well.


5th Place: Friction Wear

Condition and Reason:
Areas that have worn thin or developed holes due to friction, either from skin contact or external objects. Wool, in particular, is prone to felting under the arms from friction.

Solution:
Rotate your wardrobe to give the fabric time to recover. When wearing thin knitwear, be mindful of how you carry bags or avoid leaning on elbows. If washing at home, use a laundry net and detergent designed for delicate fabrics, which coats the fibers and minimizes damage.

Before repair – A hole caused by excessive friction on the elbow.

After repair – The fabric was worn thin, so a significant repair was necessary. In this case, fabric from the pocket was used for restoration, resulting in a slight color difference due to wear.


6th Place: Burn Hole

Condition and Reason:
A hole caused by exposure to fire, such as from a cigarette, incense, or while cooking.

Solution:
Even everyday activities can involve fire, such as cooking. Wearing an apron or a full-coverage garment like a chef’s coat is recommended. Be cautious of ash or embers from cigarettes or incense. Burn holes are challenging to repair on your own, so consult a specialist.

Before repair – A burn hole in a patterned knit.


After repair – Burn holes often involve significant fabric loss, so the affected area must be reknitted. Though slight pattern irregularities may occur, the restoration is usually very clean.


Conclusion:
Knitwear presents unique challenges, but it can often be beautifully restored. Knit fabrics are worn year-round, and with the rise of soft, comfortable styles that don’t irritate the skin, many people wear them frequently. However, frequent use increases the likelihood of damage. If you notice even a small hole or fray, consult a professional as soon as possible. This will help extend the life of your favorite knitwear.

We hope these examples from our repair requests inspire you to care for your knit garments and keep them looking their best for many seasons to come!

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