What to do with a destroyed sweater

My favorite sweater died today. It was a navy merino sweater with a second layer of orange coming up in the collar (making it look layered without being actually layered...great for me since I get too hot). It was made by Italtempo and while it wasnt the nicest sweater in the world, I liked how it looked.

I gave all of my non-cotton sweaters a handwash today in preparation for colder weather and upon laying this one out to dry I found 2 dime-sized holes, one in the front and one in the back but about 3 inches apart. I hadn't seen them before (almost wore it yesterday and didnt see them) but it is possible that they were small and got opened up more in the process of washing them. I see no evidence of moths so I have no idea...maybe a mouse chewed through it last night (it ended up on the floor between my bed and the wall before washing)...who knows

My real question is what can I do with it? It isn't worth trying to repair (filenes basement special) but it is still a big chunk of navy merino... do I:
-cut the sleeves short and use it as a bike jersey?
-drop it off at goodwill and see if anyone can appreciate it despite the damage
or my current favorite:
-cut up into strips and try to turn into some sort of a scarf. I am not sure exactly how to go about this but it might be doable

Since I hate to throw things away, I think this is a good question. I might patch the sweater and wear it casually.

Sounds like the holes aren't too big, so you might take the sweater to a re-weavers. Still, it probably won't be cheap.

Perhaps you cut some more holes in your sweater and donate it to Eric Glennie; it could serve as a creative follow-up to his latest endeavor.

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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Sounds like the holes aren't too big, so you might take the sweater to a re-weavers. Still, it probably won't be cheap.


The last time I checked, my local re-weaver charged $40.00 per hole. Usually if I find a hole from a moth or similar creature there is more than one so it is seldom worth doing.

Cheers, Jim.

Originally Posted by otc

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My favorite sweater died today. It was a navy merino sweater with a second layer of orange coming up in the collar (making it look layered without being actually layered...great for me since I get too hot). It was made by Italtempo and while it wasnt the nicest sweater in the world, I liked how it looked.

I gave all of my non-cotton sweaters a handwash today in preparation for colder weather and upon laying this one out to dry I found 2 dime-sized holes, one in the front and one in the back but about 3 inches apart. I hadn't seen them before (almost wore it yesterday and didnt see them) but it is possible that they were small and got opened up more in the process of washing them. I see no evidence of moths so I have no idea...maybe a mouse chewed through it last night (it ended up on the floor between my bed and the wall before washing)...who knows

My real question is what can I do with it? It isn't worth trying to repair (filenes basement special) but it is still a big chunk of navy merino... do I:
-cut the sleeves short and use it as a bike jersey?
-drop it off at goodwill and see if anyone can appreciate it despite the damage
or my current favorite:
-cut up into strips and try to turn into some sort of a scarf. I am not sure exactly how to go about this but it might be doable

I have a couple of moth damaged wool sweaters that I use to wear under my bike jersey in cool weather. I still need the regular jersey for the pockets.

I have another sweater that I just sewed the hole shut and it looks fine. It helps that the hole was in the pit area and it's a ribbed knit.

They could be turned into gloves or mittens.

I'd just get some navy thread and patch it up. The material will pull together easily. I see nothing wrong with this for a casual sweater. In fact, RL would charge a premium for a sweater created to look like this.

Originally Posted by Thurston

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I'd just get some navy thread and patch it up. The material will pull together easily. I see nothing wrong with this for a casual sweater. In fact, RL would charge a premium for a sweater created to look like this.
I agree, patch it up. I've done this before, and it works fine. Besides, the sweater will now have a bit more character.

Patch it or (my solution) cut off the sleeves and stuff your dress shoes in them when you travel

Or you could just wear it as is.

I have a couple of wool sweaters that I wear casually that have small holes here and there on the cuffs and on the neck; they're some of my favorite sweaters because I've obviously worn the hell out of them.

One of my friends wore out huge holes at the elbows of his favorite sweater -- we're talking 3-4 inches in diameter. You could see his shirt material under the holes, and all in all it was a cool, careless look for a cool, careless guy.