Repairing Torn Waterproof-Breathable Clothing
Waterproof breathable clothing is expensive and it's the pits when you snag and tear a rip in it. It's one of those "Oh, man!" moments. Here's a way to save the expense of buying a new jacket just because it has a small rip.
Equipment:
* Your torn garment, clean and dry.
* A small swatch of waterproof fabric. The patch will not be visible, so colour is not important.
* A urethane-based adhesive like Freesole™ or Seam Seal™.
* If the tear is over two centimetres long, you'll need a thin needle, tough enough to push through several layers of fabric, and some thread.
Tears Less than Two Centimeters
1. Turn the garment inside out and locate the damaged area.
2. Cut a small patch from the fabric swatch.
3. Spread a very thin layer of adhesive on the patch and inside the garment around the tear.
4. Lay the patch smoothly over the tear.
5. Turn the garment over, locate the tear and smooth down the torn edges.
6. Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours.
Tears More than Two Centimeters
1. Turn the garment inside out and locate the damaged area.
2. Thread the needle and tie a knot at one end.
3. Starting from the inside and at one end of the tear, carefully stich together the edges of the tear. Do not pull the thread so tightly that it puckers or wrinkles the garment. Pull just tight enough to "close the wound" by drawing the edges of the damaged area together.
4. Stich the tear from one end to the other, knot and cut the thread.
5. Cut a patch from the fabric swatch.
6. Spread a very thin layer of adhesive on the patch and inside the garment around the tear.
7. Pull the material around the tear tight, fold the freshly stitched area against the inside of the garment, and carefully place the patch over the hole.
8. Ensure the patch is flat and smooth.
9. Turn the garment over, locate the tear and smooth down any bumps or bulges in the glue.
10. Let the glue dry for at least 24 hours.
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