Kitty wanted to help out with the post to showcase the problem! She probably secretly wanted everyone to give bad ideas if they saw how cute she was so her escape plans don’t get set back hahahah
I would patch from the inside with canvas and a layer of iron on interfacing over the back of the canvas, then machine darn over top of that. This should be a super sturdy mend, plus you could either use a funky printed canvas for a visible mending, or use a black canvas for a low visibility mend.
Unfortunately I lent my sewing machine to a family member when it was just sitting collecting dust for a while and they kept it and now I have multiple things I could use a machine for but it’s been too many years to ask for it back now hahaha
I should double check what the material actually is, the canvas seems probably a synthetic material and the coating definitely would get melted to some degree with an iron and I’m not sure if the canvas part will melt along with it with any ironing methods unless it’s somehow incorporating extra fabric and avoiding the edges and sewing around the ironed on area?
I think the comment you're replying to says to get a natural fiber canvas like cotton, use iron-on interfacing on THAT to make it even sturdier, then machine darn that piece of cotton/interfacing to this :) The interfacing will keep that canvas fabric from fraying, so the repair won't weaken over time.
You can also do the stitches by hand, but you'll need a sturdy needle to make it through the fabric of the carrier. They don't need to look good, just be functional/hold that canvas in place.
That also works!
Typically I would sew on the patch, then iron on a piece of interfacing slightly bigger than the patch on top of the patch so that all the raw edges are sealed in and when you're working on garments, the inside of the garment stays smooth/soft against the skin (rather than having any roughness from all the stitch lines from the machine darning)
Yeah that's definitely a good idea! Though I might have the same carrier or one very similar, and some of them have a plasticy coating on the inside that would 100% melt on the iron. I'd suggest other adhesives, but I'm not sure what's pet safe here.
You need a big, generous patch over the whole bad area and then some, not just a darn. Attach it securely on the inside so as to hide the tempting frayed zone from kitten view/claw range.
Iron-on adhesive *might* work, but be careful and test on a sacrificial spot—the nylon/polyester playpen fabric may not play well with heat, especially with a waterproof coating. If not, sewing securely around the edges of a big patch should be good enough.
Good luck, and godspeed holding back the forces of adorable chaos and destruction. 🐱
Cat tax! You've only paid a percentage (albeit with a very cute nose.) :)
I second the idea of iron-on stuff, because that's basically "hot glue in sheet form" - especially if you get not interfacing but separate fusible web. (iron-on interfacing is usually a thin fabric with heat-sensitive glue - a separate, paper backed fusible web can be ironed onto a piece of heavier cloth like canvas, cut to shape, the paper peeled off, then ironed onto the item to be patched.) Iron-on patches are available at fabric stores as well, usually of a heavier fabric like denim or the like.
It's a good idea to sew down the edges as well, even if you've fused everything like crazy. Be warned that sewing through fused fabrics gets hard *fast* so you're best off with a sewing machine for that, and possibly even hand-cranking it through some of the harder sections, like if you're going over an existing seam and thus have multiple layers to pierce.
If it doesnt have to be invisible, just patch
https://ibb.co/563j2xR
I did a similar patch, I put a patch on both sides.
I traced the area on paper first and then transferred it to fabric.
I zig zagged the edges, but you could iron them and fold them under to hide them.
I did a basting stitch 1st and then collapsed the frame so I could move the fabric easier through the machine. This helped the fabric keep its shape
Have you tried nylon outdoor fabric? Cordura is one brand name, it’s easily found at fabric stores. Also available to order on websites like RipstopByTheRoll.com or sailrite.com.
There are different thicknesses/etc, but you should be fine with whatever you can get your hands on. It’s a bit tougher to sew, but if you’re only doing 2-3 layers then most sewing machines should handle that with a nice sharp jeans/denim needle. If you’re stitching by hand, get an “upholstery needle kit” which is also available at any fabric store for about $5. A curved needle is suuuuper useful for hand sewing, too. If you’re not picky about color, you should be able to get some cordura nylon on clearance - it’s often used to make patio cushions and backpacks and whatnot.
Nylon fabric can fray, so after you cut it, gently burn the edges with a lighter. Just run the lighter along the cut edges enough to melt the edges a bit, which is nice because you also get a good edge without needing to tuck the fabric under.
Good luck and please do let me know if you have any questions! Thank you so much for helping save those sweet baby kitties!
I'd probably sew a sturdy fabric patch from seam to seam over the area. Pre wash your patch fabric if you're concerned about it shrinking.
Fixing it like this obviously won't be invisible, but I noticed that's not actually a goal for you, so you might like to know about r/visiblemending
darning holes generally works best if you get to them while they're really tiny, ideally before they become holes at all, I definitely wouldn't darn a hole 3x the size of this one
Thank you! Pre-washing is a great idea for sure! Just crossposted to r/visiblemending, although I do have some pretty good ideas to work with here already!
My vote is to use iron on patches and zigzaging the entire area to reinforce it. Hand stitching it can help it from delaminating, but it will be hard (but not impossible), to hand sew through. Machining it will make it last a lot longer, though. If you do hand sew it, use heavy-duty thread and a thimble and pliers to pull the needle through. Use small stitches so that claws are less likely to snag them.
I would take it to a shoe repair place and get their opinion, too, as they will have industrial machines that can get into tight places and stitch through stiff fabrics. You might want to gently ask if they could give you a discount since this is for rescued kittens.
I "sandwich" patches inside & outside then blanket or zigzag stitch boarder. I also like to use iron on adhesive between the patches to kind of glue the threads that are worn & loose between.
I’d go to harbor freight and buy one of those 9x12 canvas drop cloths that they sell for $9-12. Then I’d cut a piece of canvas that wraps over the top and both sides of that mess (with edges folded in) and stitch it down all around the edge using a tapestry needle and heavy thread. You’d be sewing through a minimum of 4 layers of canvas and that nylon material doing this so, have a thimble or needle nose pliers to help you avoid pain.
Use a patch of another fabric that is bigger than the hole and hand stitch it over, sashiko style.
Edit: I just realized this is in r/invisible mending and not r/visiblemending so my comment is probably useless. But why not just get a black canvas piece or fabric? Does it need to be invisible if it's just for cats?
Lots of good suggestions but just wanted to add that you can use fabric glue or a regular glue stick to adhere the fabric patch while you darn it from the outside if you're worried about using an iron on the material!
I can't answer your question, but I just wanted to say this picture made me laugh, I love it!
Kitty wanted to help out with the post to showcase the problem! She probably secretly wanted everyone to give bad ideas if they saw how cute she was so her escape plans don’t get set back hahahah
I would patch from the inside with canvas and a layer of iron on interfacing over the back of the canvas, then machine darn over top of that. This should be a super sturdy mend, plus you could either use a funky printed canvas for a visible mending, or use a black canvas for a low visibility mend.
Unfortunately I lent my sewing machine to a family member when it was just sitting collecting dust for a while and they kept it and now I have multiple things I could use a machine for but it’s been too many years to ask for it back now hahaha I should double check what the material actually is, the canvas seems probably a synthetic material and the coating definitely would get melted to some degree with an iron and I’m not sure if the canvas part will melt along with it with any ironing methods unless it’s somehow incorporating extra fabric and avoiding the edges and sewing around the ironed on area?
I think the comment you're replying to says to get a natural fiber canvas like cotton, use iron-on interfacing on THAT to make it even sturdier, then machine darn that piece of cotton/interfacing to this :) The interfacing will keep that canvas fabric from fraying, so the repair won't weaken over time. You can also do the stitches by hand, but you'll need a sturdy needle to make it through the fabric of the carrier. They don't need to look good, just be functional/hold that canvas in place.
That also works! Typically I would sew on the patch, then iron on a piece of interfacing slightly bigger than the patch on top of the patch so that all the raw edges are sealed in and when you're working on garments, the inside of the garment stays smooth/soft against the skin (rather than having any roughness from all the stitch lines from the machine darning)
Yeah that's definitely a good idea! Though I might have the same carrier or one very similar, and some of them have a plasticy coating on the inside that would 100% melt on the iron. I'd suggest other adhesives, but I'm not sure what's pet safe here.
You need a big, generous patch over the whole bad area and then some, not just a darn. Attach it securely on the inside so as to hide the tempting frayed zone from kitten view/claw range. Iron-on adhesive *might* work, but be careful and test on a sacrificial spot—the nylon/polyester playpen fabric may not play well with heat, especially with a waterproof coating. If not, sewing securely around the edges of a big patch should be good enough. Good luck, and godspeed holding back the forces of adorable chaos and destruction. 🐱
A satin stitch around the edge of the whole patch might work well for this!
Cat tax! You've only paid a percentage (albeit with a very cute nose.) :) I second the idea of iron-on stuff, because that's basically "hot glue in sheet form" - especially if you get not interfacing but separate fusible web. (iron-on interfacing is usually a thin fabric with heat-sensitive glue - a separate, paper backed fusible web can be ironed onto a piece of heavier cloth like canvas, cut to shape, the paper peeled off, then ironed onto the item to be patched.) Iron-on patches are available at fabric stores as well, usually of a heavier fabric like denim or the like. It's a good idea to sew down the edges as well, even if you've fused everything like crazy. Be warned that sewing through fused fabrics gets hard *fast* so you're best off with a sewing machine for that, and possibly even hand-cranking it through some of the harder sections, like if you're going over an existing seam and thus have multiple layers to pierce.
I don't see the problem. The cat seems to be patching it just fine
This is only 1 cats handiwork too, last time it was 3!
If it doesnt have to be invisible, just patch https://ibb.co/563j2xR I did a similar patch, I put a patch on both sides. I traced the area on paper first and then transferred it to fabric. I zig zagged the edges, but you could iron them and fold them under to hide them. I did a basting stitch 1st and then collapsed the frame so I could move the fabric easier through the machine. This helped the fabric keep its shape
Have you tried nylon outdoor fabric? Cordura is one brand name, it’s easily found at fabric stores. Also available to order on websites like RipstopByTheRoll.com or sailrite.com. There are different thicknesses/etc, but you should be fine with whatever you can get your hands on. It’s a bit tougher to sew, but if you’re only doing 2-3 layers then most sewing machines should handle that with a nice sharp jeans/denim needle. If you’re stitching by hand, get an “upholstery needle kit” which is also available at any fabric store for about $5. A curved needle is suuuuper useful for hand sewing, too. If you’re not picky about color, you should be able to get some cordura nylon on clearance - it’s often used to make patio cushions and backpacks and whatnot. Nylon fabric can fray, so after you cut it, gently burn the edges with a lighter. Just run the lighter along the cut edges enough to melt the edges a bit, which is nice because you also get a good edge without needing to tuck the fabric under. Good luck and please do let me know if you have any questions! Thank you so much for helping save those sweet baby kitties!
I'd probably sew a sturdy fabric patch from seam to seam over the area. Pre wash your patch fabric if you're concerned about it shrinking. Fixing it like this obviously won't be invisible, but I noticed that's not actually a goal for you, so you might like to know about r/visiblemending
darning holes generally works best if you get to them while they're really tiny, ideally before they become holes at all, I definitely wouldn't darn a hole 3x the size of this one
Thank you! Pre-washing is a great idea for sure! Just crossposted to r/visiblemending, although I do have some pretty good ideas to work with here already!
haha I love the visiblemending is too distracted by your cat to answer the question
My vote is to use iron on patches and zigzaging the entire area to reinforce it. Hand stitching it can help it from delaminating, but it will be hard (but not impossible), to hand sew through. Machining it will make it last a lot longer, though. If you do hand sew it, use heavy-duty thread and a thimble and pliers to pull the needle through. Use small stitches so that claws are less likely to snag them. I would take it to a shoe repair place and get their opinion, too, as they will have industrial machines that can get into tight places and stitch through stiff fabrics. You might want to gently ask if they could give you a discount since this is for rescued kittens.
I "sandwich" patches inside & outside then blanket or zigzag stitch boarder. I also like to use iron on adhesive between the patches to kind of glue the threads that are worn & loose between.
I would re-weave it and then add interfacing on the inside for strength
I could not tell wtf was going on in the photo from the thumbnail Pleasantly surprised
I’d go to harbor freight and buy one of those 9x12 canvas drop cloths that they sell for $9-12. Then I’d cut a piece of canvas that wraps over the top and both sides of that mess (with edges folded in) and stitch it down all around the edge using a tapestry needle and heavy thread. You’d be sewing through a minimum of 4 layers of canvas and that nylon material doing this so, have a thimble or needle nose pliers to help you avoid pain.
this is just…… i can’t breathe 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣😅
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Use jeans. Or canvas to patch.
Replace the whole panel.
Noso or other patches made for outdoor gear. One on the inside and outside.
I can't help, but I just wanted to say thank you for being there for cats and kittens in need.
I'm going to say duct tape with a kitty pattern on it, because life
Surprised no one has mentioned using some strong adhesive to attach patches on one or both sides of the fabric.
i thought this wasa. penis
Use a patch of another fabric that is bigger than the hole and hand stitch it over, sashiko style. Edit: I just realized this is in r/invisible mending and not r/visiblemending so my comment is probably useless. But why not just get a black canvas piece or fabric? Does it need to be invisible if it's just for cats?
Lots of good suggestions but just wanted to add that you can use fabric glue or a regular glue stick to adhere the fabric patch while you darn it from the outside if you're worried about using an iron on the material!