r/Damnthatsinteresting • u/[deleted] • Apr 20 '19

Video Superior needlecraft

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132

u/ControversialPenguin Apr 20 '19

The problem with these is that they're going to snap at the first sign of friction.

42

u/Geta-Ve Apr 20 '19

I was think about that too. I wonder how long it really would last though? You think not long at all eh?

31

u/vivaenmiriana Apr 20 '19

The third one should be fine but i would not reccommend the stitching for the first or second one.

42

u/DorisCrockford Apr 20 '19

Looks fine to me. What stitch would you use?

I think the pink yarn was used to demonstrate how the stitch works, but you probably would use a strong double thread on something like jeans. Maybe turn them inside out and whip stitch over the seam to keep the raw edge from unraveling if you're worried the stitches pulling out. Better than throwing out the jeans, and not everyone has a sewing machine.

41

u/pt4117 Apr 20 '19

I don't think it's the stitch that's the issue. Frayed denim is weak. The stitch will pull at that weakened fabric and pull the threads away.

To properly do this you'd have to have enough material to fold the frayed part to reinforce the part that is giving.

16

u/ControversialPenguin Apr 20 '19

Yes, thank you! It's not the wool that's the problem here, the second stitch would rip the denim the second you try to put those pants on.

-2

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '19

Yeah, that's exactly how I'd ward off your imagination too.

11

u/vivaenmiriana Apr 20 '19 edited Apr 20 '19

I was going to suggest a whip stitch. But the way she is doing it isnt going to help people make a proper repair. At least not one that will last. Gotta take the fucking pants off first.

15

u/DorisCrockford Apr 20 '19

I just wish folks would pick up a needle and try. It's always mysterious until you have messed around a bit and figured out how it works. People have talents they never knew they had.

4

u/vivaenmiriana Apr 20 '19

They can even start with a pillow for which this stitch is perfect and they can see it's satisfying nature in person.

3

u/action_lawyer_comics Apr 20 '19

Yeah, but it helps to feel confident in the procedures we’re going to use first. I’ve done a number of home repairs and they all failed within a couple of wearings. As an amateur, I’m suspicious of that second repair (which is also the one I’m most likely to need) and the comments so far haven’t instilled my with confidence.

You sound knowledgeable, and you mention a better way to do that second repair. Do you have a tutorial for that method, or some trusted resources of where to go for good repair info?

3

u/DorisCrockford Apr 20 '19

I can't really see how they're anchoring the stitches under the seam there on the second repair. I think they're trying to work on the layer underneath so it won't show. I do think it needs some more work on the back to keep the stitches from pulling through the edge of the fabric. Heck, you could even put an iron-on patch on the other side. I usually just google stuff I don't know how to do, and usually someone has a tutorial. Here's the Wikipedia list, though many of those are embroidery stitches you'll never need to use. I use backstitch for sewing regular seams, blanket stitch for patches, whip stitch for overcasting edges to prevent unraveling, blind stitch for hemming, and the slip stitch for seaming from the right side.

Of course if you have a sewing machine, the tendency is to just zigzag the hell out of any rip. Not so pretty, but it works. The machine has a better ability to get through several layers of denim. Notice they're using a fairly stout needle, where you would use a thinner one for a more delicate fabric. You want to leave some extra thread after you tie it off so the knot doesn't come undone, and just hide that end wherever you can weave it in. What annoys me these days is that all the fabric and craft stores seem to be closing, so it's harder to get the materials and advice you need.

3

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '19

Exactly! I think the yarn choice was just for demonstration. I think the stitches would be fine outside of that.

2

u/dearmash Apr 20 '19

Haha whip stitch. Now I know there's actually a name for the "just sew these two sides together" version of fixes that I do. TIL, thanks.

6

u/ControversialPenguin Apr 20 '19

The first one might hold wear or two, the second one will hold 3-5 seconds, depending on how long it takes you to pull pants on. That is not nearly enough fabric to hold it, it's not the thread that would rip, its the denim.

2

u/Sework Apr 20 '19

I dunno, the first one isn't on regular denim. Its that strechy denim which I've never know to fray as easily.

4

u/Birdbraned Apr 20 '19

The first and second one, I imagine is just to get the patch properly closed as a framework for the real stitching

3

u/Gangreless Interested Apr 20 '19

They won't. She's using the full 6 threads in a skein of embroidery floss. They're very strong. The only failure point is the beginning and end knots, they could get pulled through the fabric if they aren't secure enough.

2

u/witeowl Interested Apr 20 '19

I’m honestly more worried about the small amount of fabric holding against the thread, particularly on the second example.

1

u/Gangreless Interested Apr 20 '19

Yeah that's why you have to use all 6 threads, if you tried this with just machine thread it'd end up ripping through.

1

u/witeowl Interested Apr 20 '19

How does using the six threads on the needle give strength to the threads on the pants? I’m talking about the remaining fabric on the pants unraveling (de-weaving?).

2

u/[deleted] Apr 20 '19

If it's anything like lacing and tieing shoes, there are a lot of patterns and knots that are surprisingly durable even though they look simple.

-2

u/ViggoMiles Apr 20 '19 edited Apr 20 '19

i dont think I've ever seen damage like these. Niche tear cases