Hi All I picked up a 1970s (probably) dress online which - despite being told it has no tears etc - when it arrived has a visible fray/pull/hole by the armpit on the front side. I don’t want to just throw it away (not least because I love the pattern), but I have no idea whether it’s possible to mend it or how to do it that will make it least noticeable. Options I have thought of include a random dart (which I’d need to replicate on the other side), moving the sleeve in (which would be a big job and ditto) or some kind of internal patch? I’ve included photos but any advice would be super appreciated! with thanks Impey
Does photo 3 show the fray or your proposed dart? Can you provide a good photo of the fray and where it is in relation to the seam.
Hi Claire thanks for your reply. Photo 3 is the fray (I’ve not tried anything yet) and hopefully a better photo below. Just about every seam on the dress needs reseeding, which is a bit annoying but doable. It’s just the fray I’m really stumped by. help much appreciated!
My first impulse would be one you mentioned - a narrow dart to enclose it with a matching one under the other arm. The problem is that you will end up with a pucker on the other side of the armhole seam.
Thanks Maggie - I think the reality is that any mend will be imperfect, but it’s better than the ‘run’! And you are entirely right - that is exactly what it looks like - a run in a pair of tights!