How do I repair a wool jumper?

Wool sweaters are a staple in our wardrobes, especially during the colder months. However, despite its durability, wool can wear out over time. Snags, holes or simple signs of wear don't have to spell the end of your favorite sweater. At Tilli, we offer several solutions for effectively repairing your wool sweaters.

Rather than throwing away or replacing a damaged sweater, repairing extends its life and saves you money. What's more, with the Repair Bonus, costs can be considerably reduced, ranging from €6 to €25 depending on the extent of the work involved.

Here are the four main techniques we use at Tilli to restore your wool sweaters and give them a second life.

Mending: A Quick and Affordable Technique for Repairing Small Holes

Wool sweaters, whether merino, cashmere or classic wool, can easily develop holes. This is often due to repeated rubbing, snagging or moth damage. Rather than letting these small holes widen, mending is an effective way to repair them discreetly.

Mending involves gently stitching the wool threads together to close the hole without altering the appearance of the sweater. Our makers use matching yarns to ensure that the repair blends in with the existing fabric. This technique is ideal for small holes that don't require a complete knit reconstruction. Thanks to this method, your sweater retains its original comfort and appearance.

Proper mending is an effective, low-cost repair that prevents the hole from widening, significantly extending the life of your garment.

Re-knitting: Expert know-how to restore knitwear

For larger holes, or for parts of the sweater that are particularly worn, we use the re-knitting technique. Unlike mending, which is a quick solution for small holes, re-knitting is a more complex process that aims to recreate the sweater's missing stitches.

This technique is ideal for sweaters that have suffered large rips / tears or have been badly damaged. Our makers literally recompose the missing fabric, using wool yarns of the same thickness and color for a coherent, almost invisible result. This technique requires specific know-how and enables us to restore the sweater while preserving its original appearance.

Re-knitting is particularly recommended for high-value or emotionally-charged sweaters, as it prolongs their life while preserving their aesthetic appeal. Re-knitting can also be used to repair small holes if a totally invisible result is desired.

Fitting Elbow Pads: To strengthen the elbow area and customise your jumper

Elbows are often the first area to wear out on a sweater, especially if it's worn regularly. Rather than letting the fabric wear further, elbow pads are a practical and stylish solution.

At Tilli, we offer elbow pads in suede, leather or other matching materials to not only repair, but also reinforce this sensitive area. The elbow pad can be discreet, in tones similar to the sweater, or on the contrary, a stylish element, with contrasting colors or original patterns.

This technique helps prevent future snags while adding a touch of personality to your sweater. Elbow pads not only repair, they also give a second life to your garment, making it unique and more resistant.

Creative embroidery: Adding a personal touch

For those wishing not only to repair but also to personalize their sweater, creative embroidery is a particularly interesting option. Rather than simply camouflaging holes or damaged areas, embroidery adds a decorative element to the sweater and makes it unique.

Our makers can cover a rip / tear or a hole with tailor-made embroidery to match your style and desires. Whether floral, geometric or initials, creative embroidery can transform a damaged sweater into a truly unique and artistic piece.

This technique is particularly appreciated for children's sweaters or for pieces to which you want to add an original touch. Not only does it repair the garment, it also gives it a new aesthetic lease of life.

Why choose to repair your wool jumper instead of replacing it?

Preserving the quality of your garments
Wool sweaters, especially if they're of good quality or hand-knitted, often have emotional or financial value. Replacing them isn't always the best option, especially as repairing them preserves their warmth, comfort and timeless allure.

Reduce environmental impact
Repairing a garment instead of replacing it reduces textile waste. Every repaired sweater is another step towards more sustainable consumption. What's more, wool is a noble material that deserves to be preserved.

An economical and ecological gesture
By repairing a wool sweater, you avoid buying a new garment while helping to reduce textile waste. The savings are also not negligible, especially with the Repair Bonus, which reduces costs by up to €25 depending on the type of repair carried out.

Our prices and the Repair Bonus

As a Bonus Réparation approved repairer, Tilli gives you a discount on the cost of your repairs! Discover the rates for our services and the Repair Bonus discount on our price list. This financial support makes repairs more accessible, allowing you to enjoy quality services at a lower cost.

Repairing a wool sweater has never been easier or more cost-effective. Whether mending a hole, re-knitting a damaged sweater, fitting elbow pads or adding creative embroidery, Tilli offers tailor-made solutions to extend the life of your garments. Don't let your favorite sweaters deteriorate any further. Entrust them to our qualified makers and take advantage of the Repair Bonus to give them a second life.

No time to start sewing?

CheckRencontrez un artisan couturier chez vous
Checkwho can advise and help you recycle and personalise your dressing room
Checkcarries out transformations in its workshop
Checkand delivers the garment to you

logo Tilli

Get Inspired

Instagram page of Tilli, an at-home alteration service