There are few worse feelings than discovering damage to your favourite wool sweater, whether you caught a snag on something or have no clue how it happened. While it’s frustrating and disheartening, we’ll show you how to fix a hole in a wool sweater.

Wait - can you fix a hole in a wool sweater? It’s certainly possible if you have the right mindset and are passionate about repairing your wool sweater! We’ll share a few different ways you can close the hole, from darning to needle felting and even patching.

But if you find that fixing a hole in wool sweaters isn’t possible for your specific case, don’t despair. Stunning replacement Irish wool sweaters that will last a lifetime are just a few clicks away at Aran Sweater Market.

Take a look at our collection of 100% wool sweaters and see what catches your eye, and join more than a million customers who trust us for authentic Irish knitwear!

“I have fallen in love with my new sweater. Excellent quality, perfect fit. Great value for the money. Honestly, I would not be able to buy a 100% woollen sweater for that price in my country. Will definitely shop again.” - Ivana

“Sweater is gorgeous! High quality product!” - Donna

“First of all, the shipping was amazing! Ordered on a Thursday and received the package on Monday morning by 9AM. The sweaters were packaged very well, and the sweaters are soft, beautiful, warm, and durable! Definitely worth the money!” - Jonathan

Common Causes of Holes in a Wool Sweater

Sometimes you know you messed up. You took a corner too sharply and felt your sweater snag on something. In other cases, you pull your sweater out of the wardrobe and are appalled to find a gaping hole - how did this happen? Here are some common causes of holes in wool sweaters. 

Moths and Fabric Pests

Clothes moths are the most common culprit. Their larvae feed on natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and alpaca, especially when the material has traces of body oils or food residue.

These pests prefer dark, undisturbed storage areas - AKA your closet or drawer where you’re probably keeping your wool sweater when not in use! They chew through small, irregular holes that often go unnoticed until the next season.

Your best defence here is to always store clean sweaters in breathable cotton bags with cedar or lavender sachets. Avoid plastic storage if possible, as this material traps moisture and attracts pests instead of deterring them.

Friction and Everyday Wear

Repeated rubbing weakens fibres and eventually causes thinning or small tears. Common stress points include underarms, cuffs, elbows, and where shoulder straps or bags rest.

Coarse outerwear or rough seat belts can also wear down surface fibres. Rotating your sweaters and wearing them over smooth layers goes a long way in minimising this effect. 

We have a thorough guide on how to remove pilling from sweater that we encourage you to read. A sweater comb is the smarter, safer approach rather than pulling the pills out by hand.

Improper Washing or Drying

Hot water, harsh detergents, or machine agitation can shrink and distort wool fibres as well. The friction from washing cycles breaks down the delicate scales that give wool its natural elasticity. This leaves behind weak spots that later become holes.

Always hand-wash in cold or lukewarm water with mild wool detergent. Don’t twist or wring as you wash. Reshape the garment flat on a towel to dry.

Snags, Pulls, or Accidental Tears

Then there’s the obvious causes. Wool fibres can easily catch on jewelry, zippers, or rough furniture. A single snag can unravel stitches if you don’t address it. Secure a pull from the inside with a small knot or use a crochet hook to pull the loop back through.

Can You Fix a Hole in a Wool Sweater?

Now, let’s set your expectations before getting into how to fix a hole in a wool sweater. Is it really possible? Can you fix a hole in a wool sweater? In most cases, the answer is yes.

Small or medium-sized holes caused by moths, snags, or friction are often repairable at home using basic tools like a darning needle, matching yarn, or a felting kit. You’ll just need to stabilise the area and rebuild the weave so it blends naturally with the original knit.

But you do need to be realistic with yourself about the extent of the damage. Larger, more complex damage might call for professional repair. That said, acting quickly still prevents small holes from expanding.

In general, wool fibres respond well to mending because they naturally interlock so repairs can hold together more securely. If you do it right, what was once an ugly, gaping hole will be nearly invisible. So, let’s get into how to repair a wool sweater below! 

How to Repair a Hole in a Wool Sweater

Repairing a hole in a wool sweater might sound intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but it’s way easier than you may have assumed with patience and the right approach. 

We talk a lot about how important it is to care for wool properly. And that’s true. However, it’s a pretty forgiving fibre in reality! It responds well to gentle manipulation, and its structure lets new yarn or fibres bind securely with the old. Here’s how to fix a hole in a wool sweater. 

Gather the Right Supplies

Start by clearing a well-lit workspace and gathering everything you need:

• A darning needle or small tapestry needle.
• Matching yarn or wool thread - ideally from the same or a similar garment.
• A darning mushroom, small bowl, or lightbulb to stretch the fabric smoothly.
• Sharp scissors for trimming loose fibres.
• Optional tools: a felting needle and loose wool fibres if you plan to felt, or a small knitted patch for larger repairs.

Having everything ready prevents the sweater from stretching or fraying as you work. Then, the real fun begins! 

Choose Your Repair Method

The best technique depends on the size and type of hole. There are three strategies we’ve used ourselves in different situations:

• Darning works well for small to medium holes and creates a woven patch that closely mimics the original knit.
• Needle felting is perfect for very small holes or fine wool fabrics where traditional stitching might look bulky.
• Reinforcing or patching is ideal for larger areas or weakened sections that need extra support. It works particularly well on elbows, cuffs, or other areas exposed to friction.

Each method strengthens the fabric differently, so choose one that matches the size and visibility of the damage. We’ll show you how to fix a wool sweater with each of these strategies below.

Step-by-Step: How to Darn a Wool Sweater

1. Prepare the area. Turn the sweater inside out and stretch the damaged section gently over your darning mushroom or bowl to keep tension even.
2. Thread your needle. Use yarn as close in colour and thickness to the original as possible.
3. Create the base threads. Start slightly outside the hole and weave vertical threads across the gap. Make sure you anchor into solid fabric on both sides.
4. Weave the cross-threads. NOW, turn your work 90 degrees and weave horizontally, alternating over and under the vertical strands to build a small woven patch.
5. Finish and trim. Secure the end by weaving into existing stitches and trimming excess yarn. You’re left with a flexible, reinforced patch that blends naturally into the knit and prevents further unraveling.

Step-by-Step: How to Needle Felt a Wool Sweater

1. Place a backing. Lay a foam pad or folded towel under the hole for support.
2. Add loose fibres. Pull off a little matching wool roving and lay it gently over the hole.
3. Start felting. Using a felting needle, poke repeatedly into the fibres, moving around the edges to bond the new wool with the old.
4. Layer and blend. Add more fibres as needed, continuing until the surface feels smooth and stable. The finished mend becomes nearly invisible once you brush it lightly to match the sweater’s texture.

Note: Felting works best on fuzzy, dense wool. 

Step-by-Step: How to Reinforce or Patch Larger Holes

1. Cut a patch. Use a piece of wool fabric or knit patch slightly larger than the hole.
2. Position it carefully. Place the patch behind the hole and align the knit’s pattern/grain if possible.
3. Stitch around the edges. Use small whip stitches or blanket stitches to secure the patch evenly. Take care to avoid tension that could distort the fabric.
4. Blend the surface. On the outside, lightly felt or weave a few matching fibres to conceal the join and strengthen weak edges.

Final Finishing Touches

Most of the hard work is done at this point. Simply reshape the sweater and lay it flat to rest after repairing the hole. If the area still feels stiff, press it gently with a steam iron on low heat, using a damp pressing cloth to protect the wool. This will help the fibres relax and blend seamlessly with the surrounding knit. 

Inspect your work one more time for any remaining weak spots or loose threads. Your mend should be durable, flexible, and nearly invisible if you followed our tips on how to fix a hole in a wool sweater. But how can you prevent this issue going forward? 

Tips to Prevent Future Holes in Wool Sweaters

A few simple habits can keep your wool sweaters looking and feeling new for years. These steps help protect fibres from pests, friction, and wear:

• Smart storage: Keep sweaters clean and folded in breathable cotton bags or boxes. Add cedar or lavender sachets to naturally deter moths.
• Rotate regularly: Wearing the same sweater too often increases friction in high-contact areas like elbows and cuffs. Give garments time to rest between wears.
• Handle gently: Avoid pulling the sweater by the collar or sleeves as you take it off. Lay it flat instead of hanging to maintain its shape.
• Clean with care: Spot-clean when possible. If you need a full wash, use cold water, a mild wool detergent, and avoid agitation.
• Inspect before storage: You can find thinning areas or small snags at the end of the season and mend them early, before they snowball into bigger holes.

Even with careful maintenance, though, some wear is unavoidable. The good news is that if your favourite sweater is too far gone, you’ll find an authentic, beautifully crafted replacement waiting for you at Aran Sweater Market!

If Repairing Your Wool Sweater Hole Doesn’t Work, Spoil Yourself With a New One at Aran Sweater Market!

Every wool sweater for men and wool sweater for women at Aran Sweater Market is handcrafted in Ireland using 100% natural wool and traditional Aran stitches. Each carries its own story of heritage, hope, and connection.

We often use merino wool specifically. Is merino wool itchy, though? Not at all! These sweaters are super soft and comfy, even directly against your skin. They’ll hold their shape and character for years.

You’ll find timeless cable knits, modern zip styles, and elegant cardigans in colours inspired by Ireland’s landscape - from deep ocean blues to heather greys. Each reflects generations of craftsmanship and care. 

Treat yourself to a new favourite today and experience why Aran Sweater Market remains The Home of Aran - where quality, authenticity, and Irish tradition come together in every stitch.

Final Words on How to Fix a Hole in a Wool Sweater

That wraps up our guide on how to fix a hole in a wool sweater. It just takes a little patience, care, and understanding how wool behaves. Small repairs done early can save a favourite piece, while proper washing and storage keep new damage from forming.

But remember, all good things come to an end. When a sweater has reached the end of its life, it’s simply a chance to start fresh with something made to last. Whether you’re looking for a crochet vs knit sweater, take a look at Aran Sweater Market and see what catches your eye. 

Discover authentic Irish wool sweaters built to stand the test of time at Aran Sweater Market!