How to Repair Holes in Cashmere

Why Cashmere Gets Holes

Before you pick up a needle, it helps to know what caused the hole. The cause determines the best repair method and whether prevention can stop it from happening again.

Moths. The most common culprit. Clothes moth larvae eat keratin — the protein in animal fibers — and cashmere is their favorite meal. Moth holes are usually small (2-5mm), round, and appear in clusters. You will often find them in areas where the sweater was folded during storage, because larvae prefer dark, undisturbed spots.

Snags. Jewelry, rough surfaces, velcro, and pet claws all catch cashmere fibers and pull them out of the knit structure. Snag holes tend to be irregular in shape with a pulled thread visible nearby.

Friction wear. Elbows, underarms, and areas where a bag strap sits thin out over time. These holes develop gradually — you will notice the fabric becoming sheer before a hole actually opens.

Pilling damage. Aggressive pilling removal — especially with a fabric shaver set too close — can cut through the knit and create small holes. Use a cashmere comb instead of a shaver to avoid this.

Assess the Damage First

Not every hole needs the same fix. Check these three things before choosing a method:

• Size: Measure the hole at its widest point. Under 5mm, 5-15mm, and over 15mm each call for different approaches.
• Location: Holes on visible areas (chest, front body) need invisible repairs. Holes in hidden areas (underarms, inside seams) can use simpler patches.
• Fabric condition: If the surrounding fabric is thin or worn, a localized repair may not hold. The surrounding fibers need to be strong enough to anchor the repair yarn.

Hole Size	Best Method	Skill Level	Cost
Under 5mm	Swiss darning (duplicate stitch)	Beginner	Under $5
5-15mm	Traditional darning	Beginner to intermediate	Under $10
15-25mm	Felted patch or darning	Intermediate	$5-15
Over 25mm	Professional reweaving	Professional	$30-75+

Method 1: Swiss Darning (Duplicate Stitch)

Best for holes under 5mm — especially moth holes. This technique mimics the knit structure so the repair is nearly invisible when done with matching yarn.

What You Need

• Blunt-tip tapestry needle (size 18-22)
• Matching cashmere or fine merino yarn — match both color and weight
• Small scissors
• Good lighting and reading glasses if needed

Steps

1. Turn the sweater inside out and identify the hole area
2. Thread your needle with a length of matching yarn about 12 inches long
3. Starting about 5mm away from the hole, bring the needle up through the base of a knit stitch
4. Follow the path of the existing V-shaped knit stitch — go under the two legs of the stitch above, then back down where you started
5. Continue this pattern across and around the hole, covering the gap with stitches that duplicate the knit pattern
6. Weave the tail ends into the surrounding fabric on the wrong side for at least 1 inch

The key is tension. Match the tension of the surrounding knit — too tight pulls the fabric, too loose leaves a visible bump.

Method 2: Traditional Darning

Works for holes 5-15mm. Creates a woven patch that fills the hole with a grid of interlocking threads.

Steps

1. Place a darning egg or smooth round object under the hole to create a gentle curve
2. Using matching yarn and a blunt needle, sew a series of parallel horizontal lines across the hole, extending about 5mm into sound fabric on each side
3. Turn the work 90 degrees. Weave vertical lines over and under the horizontal threads in an alternating pattern
4. Keep the weave tension even — snug enough to close the hole but not so tight that the area puckers
5. Secure the thread ends by weaving them into the back of the surrounding fabric

Traditional darning is visible up close but blends well from normal viewing distance when the yarn color matches. It creates a sturdy repair that holds up to repeated washing.

Method 3: Felted Patch

Best for holes 15-25mm or for areas where invisible repair is not critical (inside of sleeves, underarms). This method uses a small piece of felted cashmere to cover the hole.

Steps

1. Cut a piece of matching cashmere fabric (from a scrap or the inside of a seam allowance) about 10mm larger than the hole on all sides
2. Place the patch over the hole on the wrong side of the sweater
3. Using a felting needle, repeatedly poke through both layers. The barbed needle tangles the fibers together, bonding the patch to the sweater without thread
4. Work from the edges inward, ensuring the patch lies flat with no puckering
5. Turn right-side out and felt from the front to smooth the surface fibers over the repair

A felting needle costs about $3-5 and is reusable. The patch is permanent and machine-wash safe (on a wool cycle). The repair will be slightly thicker than the surrounding fabric but lies flat.

When to Use a Professional Reweaver

Professional reweaving is worth the cost when:

• The hole is larger than 25mm
• The hole is in a highly visible location on an expensive sweater
• The surrounding fabric is thin and cannot anchor a DIY repair
• You need a truly invisible result for a special garment

Professional reweaving costs $30 to $75 for a single hole, with larger repairs running higher. Search for "invisible mending" or "reweaving service" in your area. High-end dry cleaners often have referral contacts. Mail-in services are available if no local option exists.

For a deeper comparison of DIY vs professional repair, see our cashmere repair decision guide.

Preventing Future Holes

Prevention is cheaper than any repair method:

• Always wash before storing. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue on fibers. A clean sweater stored properly is far less likely to get moth damage.
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Both are natural moth deterrents. Replace cedar blocks when they lose their scent (sand lightly to refresh).
• Store in breathable garment bags. Sealed plastic traps moisture; breathable cotton or canvas bags protect while allowing airflow.
• Use a cashmere comb, not a shaver. Combs remove pills gently without cutting into the knit structure.
• Remove jewelry before putting on cashmere. Rings, bracelets, and watches are the most common source of snag holes.

For complete storage and care instructions, check our cashmere care guide.