Upcoming Sweater Project

Time for a teaser. I currently have a handful of sweaters in need of repair. I would blame it on the sweaters if it were not clear that I am at fault as they all suffer the same injury and there is but one cure. They need elbow patches.
These holes definitely tell a story. The story is about how I sit at my desk. My right hand is holding a mouse 99% of the time. My left elbow resting or rather bracing against my desk. It is interesting how our posture not only effects our body, but also our clothing. I may need to revisit my desk posture to insure that I am doing minimal damage to both.

A quick internet search shows me that adding elbow patches is not a difficult task. However, I have misjudged more than one menswear project in life or maybe just underestimated my disinterest actually doing alterations. Either way I thought that it would be smart if I reached out to see if anyone had any advice. If you have been down this road before please let me know!

oxford cloth button down
Jerrod Swanton is a simple man interested in simple, classic, and traditional style.

7 Comments on "Upcoming Sweater Project"

  1. University Stripe says:

    It is indeed a simple task. If you aren’t comfortable doing it, I’m sure whoever does your alterations would do it for you.

    Those sweaters have many more years in them.

  2. Tim says:

    If you (hand) wash your sweaters, I would suggest patches made of moleskin or corduroy. If you dry clean them, then suede is fine. Hit up your local fabric store or shop online for corduroy fabrics, make sure they’re heavy, less than 100% cotton is fine for just a patch. To be extra protective, darn that hole before sewing a patch on top.

  3. SRS says:

    I look forward to following this project I have the same issue with a few sweaters. Also need to patch some moth holes, any suggestions?

  4. Lennart says:

    Been there done that, suede patches saved a number of my lambswool sweaters. I found the patches on the internet. I also revisited my workplace and how I sit. I got a new type of mouse (not only because of the sweaters though) and started to stand up working a little more frequent. Good luck with the patches, I know you will get a good result there.

  5. BenMN says:

    Hey Jerrod, it’s been a long time (remember me from ask Andy?)

    I have my tailor do this. Working with knit can get dicey, and he does great job. We always use something that can tolerate hand washing. Regular wool, like worsted or flannel, is fine. We have used everything from ultra suede to cavalry twill. I have found that I like a same/ very similar color patch. A contrasted color will dramatically change the feel and style of the sweater. You may or may not want this. I have learned that I do not like it. Best wishes!

    Ben

  6. oxford cloth button down says:

    BenMN – Of course I remember you! Thanks so much for chiming in. Your advice is appreciated.

  7. MonsoonedMalabar says:

    Thank you for the post. I had this problem with two lambswood cardigans that are over a decade old. Three of the elbows were wearing thin and one had developed a hole, which had been darned. I used Prym corduroy elbow patches, which come in a pretty good range of colours and are soft enough to be used on wool. They are iron-on and also have pre-punched holes around the edges so that you can add running stitches. In my view, neither method by itself would be sufficient, so I used both. I am very happy with the results.

    The benefits of pre-cut patches are that you don’t need to bother cutting cloth to the correct size and shape; adhesive is already supplied; holes for stitching are pre-punched. Prym products are widely available in the UK; I am not sure about the US but similar products are likely to be available. I also found a German company called Kleiber, which makes similar products.

    I look forward to seeing what you decide to do with yours.

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