Take it from me its not a good idea to use your bed as a cutting table! I sometimes sit on my bed while playing around with small craft and decor projects, and recently, I made the mistake of cutting some fabric while doing just that. Was I ever horrified when I realized that, while cutting out the pattern, I had nipped the sheet with the shears! My favorite set of sheets was ruined! It seemed a shame to throw them out when the cut was so small. As a matter of fact, I simply couldnt bear the thought of throwing away the nearly new sheets. Instead, I decided to repair the tear.
If you are a person who loves crafts you may already have a bottle of fabric glue lying around. The glue can also be found at your local craft supply store. Since different kinds of fabric adhesives will be available there read the label to make sure the glue you choose will hold up through laundering. The glue is not expensive, and after youve repaired the sheet, you can use it to mend hems and do other odd fabric fix-its around the house.
To use the fabric glue on the sheets youll first need to cut a piece of cloth slightly larger than the actual tear. The cloth you choose is important. Ideally, bed sheet material is the choice, but if you dont have sheet material use a scrap of something lightweight. The piece should also be similar in color to the ripped sheets. Although you can probably use solid colors to patch striped or pattern sheets dont do the reverse. For example, dont pick striped or patterned fabric swatches to patch white or other light-colored solids. Apply fabric glue to the right side of the fabric swatch. Affix it to the underside of the sheet, completely covering the tear. Smooth the swatch and wipe away any oozing adhesive. Allow the patch to set for the recommended amount of time according to the adhesive instructions. After it has set launder it as usual. The glue holds well but, if applied to certain areas of the sheet, could be bothersome. The dried glue has a slightly stiff feeling. If you sew, and have a machine, use it to repair the torn sheet. Position the tear in front of the presser foot and set the dial for a zig-zag stitch. The stitch should be wide and close together. Keep the presser foot aligned with the tear itself and allow the zig-zag to catch each side of the rip. After stitching the entire tear, turn the sheet around, and stitch over the original zig-zag stitch. Zig-zag at least twice across the rip. To ensure that the zig-zag stitch will hold its a good idea to cut a piece of fabric that will be attached to the backside of the sheet. Pin the fabric scrap to the back of the rip. Zig-zag down the tear, turn around, and zig-zag back across the rip. Back-tack and trim away the excess thread. Turn the sheet over and trim around the fabric patch. When patching the tear use lightweight thread to prevent bulkiness. At stores that sell sewing supplies there is a product called fusible webbing. The webbing is actually a piece of cloth-type material that can easily be affixed to most any fabric. Cut a piece of the webbing a little larger than the length and width of the tear. Position it over the rip and iron. The webbing, when heated, attaches itself to the fabric. Since there is no glue or stitches the sheet feels - and looks - almost as good as new. Read the instructions on the fusing product you purchase so youll know how hot to have the iron and other important information. Be sure the type of sheets you have are fusible by checking the product package. After fusing the webbing to the sheets you can launder them as normal. If youve ever accidentally put a tear in a favorite sheet dont throw it in the trash or cut it up for crafts! You can easily repair it and use the sheets for years to come. Choose the method thats best for you and youll still love your favorite set of sheets!
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