A Stitch in Time Saves Nine - Repairing Torn Stitching in a Glove

Have you ever heard the saying, "A stitch in time, saves nine"? It is usually used to express how negative procrastination can be. If you put off repairing something till later, it could be more costly and more difficult to fix it. The saying literally comes from the fact that it is easier to sew one stitch than it is to sew nine stitches. In this Instructable I will share some simple sewing skills and tips to show you how I repaired a torn stitch in a glove. I used this glove as an example because it is a glove that I use while cycling in the cold. It developed a tear right above the joint of the thumb, where I grip the handle bars. Even high quality products can develop torn stitching.

These skills and tips could be used to repair a torn stitch in anything held together by stitches. Whether it is a glove, a shirt, or a pair of pants. And just like the "Stitch In Time" saying, it is better to make this type of repair sooner than later, before a small repair grows into a larger one.

Step 1: Tools and Supplies

Tools and supplies needed for sewing repairs are not expensive. You just need a needle and thread and something to cut the thread. My eyesight is not what it used to be so I also used a needle threading tool.: https://amzn.to/2Ss80eo

You can get small sewing kits that come with multiple colors of threads, scissors, needles, and other basic supplies for less than ten dollars. Like this one: https://amzn.to/3bsQIGX You aren't going to take on major sewing projects or run a alteration business with a kit like this, but it will have everything you need for most small sewing repairs. You can sometimes get a small complementary sewing kit at the front desk of hotels. (they have these for travelers that need to make repairs to their clothes.)

Step 2: Cut a Piece of Thread

You need enough thread to work with, but not so much that it gets in the way. I used about two feet of thread.

Step 3: Thread the Needle

This sounds simple but can be frustrating. A needle threading tool can save time on this step, especially if you don't have the best eyesight.

Step 4: A Simple Stop Knot

This is a trick to tie a stop knot in the end of a thread. A stop knot is just a knot in the end of a piece of thread that stops the thread from going thru the hole in the fabric, left by the needle.

To make this stop knot you hold the end of the string with your finger and thumb, wrap the string once around your finger, and then twist the thread on itself by spinning it by sliding your finger up your thumb. Once if is twisted up on itself, pinch the loop and pull the string tight. If you have done it right, there should be a knot on the end of the string. If your knot is too small, twist a bit more, likewise if your knot is too big, twist a bit less.

I know this sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of it, this is the easiest way to tie a stop knot.

Step 5: Stitch

I start past the edge of the torn stitching. I make a few back stitches, which are three or four stitches thru the same holes. These create friction on themselves that hold the stitch tight. I then pinch the two sides of the seam together and stitch as close to the edge as I can. Pull the thread tight as you go. I spread my stitches about one sixteenth of an inch apart. Once I get past the other end of the torn stitch, I make a few back stitches and trim off the extra thread.

Step 6: Enjoy Your Repair

Enjoy a job well done and money saved. I think it is always better to repair something than to replace it, especially if the repair is as low cost as a piece of thread.