How To Repair A Frayed or Stressed Seam

Some fabrics will stress over time when we sit down in our garments. That seam starts to fray over time. So, how do you repair these frayed seams and prevent them from happening again? Watch this video and see how you can make that seam look like new!

[@annalisaromano-mazzani8147]

Oh my! I just found this tutorial to repair a dress I just wore, only to see that beautiful JW sign in the background 😊 Hello my sister from NYS

[@ellabella8506]

Me too :)

[@DH-cz5di]

Very helpful and you made it so even I could understand!!Just learning at 63 yrs. Love the ribbon idea! Thank you so much!!!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@nota-real-person]

Thank you for mentioning the use of both bias tape and ribbon! Hilariously the bias tape is what I need because I am mending a bed sheet so I do want it to have a little bit of give! so that helped so much! I would not have known either way!

[@melissamaxwell2261]

Niler, this is exactly what I was looking for. I knew I’d need to reinforce the ripped are at the seam but didn’t know what to use. Thank you so much for the very clear, concise tutorial. ❤

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching.

[@nadiadoty9387]

Thank you so much for this video! This is EXACTLY what I needed to fix an old costume for my son. I appreciate your work. Thank you and God bless ❤

[@Ash-xx5zd]

A good dress to show us as it has multitude of colors and if someone was watching you with a plain example, they'd be confused with their own more visually complicated textile. Great advise.

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Thank you for the nice comment.

[@mssixty3426]

This is exactly the repair I'm trying to make on. Daughter -in-law's dress! Thank you!

[@globoboboglob3270]

Hey thank you so much I saved a very crucial pair of pants (attending a wedding soon, no time to shop, no money for it anyway), I found a random ribbon that did just the job. I was looking for something like a quick fix just to it holds for the wedding, but I think we still got a few years more out of these pants now with your technique. You saved the day, thank you again for sharing your solution!

[@tanyaerskine7657]

My daughter asked me to repair a dress with the same kind of pulled out seam and I wasn't sure what to do with it. Thank you for this video -- it's exactly what I needed to see.

[@miz1bc]

Wow, this was EXACTLY the help I needed. And such a simple fix, expertly explained and demonstrated! Thank you so very much!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You're welcome! I'm glad my video was helpful and thank you for watching and for your comment.

[@kathleenmcadams7392]

Thank you! My daughter thrifted a 90s straight skirt that she loves and I had no idea where to start to fix this. She will be thrilled!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Kool Beanz! I'm sure she will be thrilled. There's nothing like getting your favorite garment repaired so you can continue to enjoy it. Thank you so much for watching. I hope you subscribed, I'll have more sewing tips coming soon. Happy Sewing!

[@olgavila21]

Thank you so much, Niler! Now I can fix my daughter's favorite shirt...

[@testchannel3456]

This is a terrific video. Thanks! Is the ribbon 1/4"? I need to get some for the repair and want to make sure I have the proper width. Thank you.

[@suecc1234]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have 2 totally ancient frocks, over 10 years old, which are my favourites. Both have a ‘Stressed’ back seam which I now thankfully, can repair thanks to your generous sharing. Sue, Peterborough, England. xxx

[@brettragland618]

Well taught! Thanks for leaving off the part about me avoiding this problem by not gaining 10 pounds. ;)

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

LOL! Thanks for watching.

[@charsasso521]

very informative!! Thank you, what a great idea. Thank you again

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You are so welcome.

[@SueDunn-r2m]

Thank you Niler. I just fixed my daughter's new pants that the dog ripped! Never would have known how without your video xx

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

So happy my video was helpful for you. Thank you so much for your comment and for watching! I hope you subscribed….Happy Sewing!

[@diddlybop]

Thank you i have a satin fabric that has frayed this is perfect

[@reginawilliams226]

Thank you for the helpful tip! I'll be using this from now on. Very well demonstrated video, ma'am.

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You are so welcome and thanks for the nice comment.

[@Pepsi_Please]

You are a GENIUS!! This might actually work! Let me know if you have a different fix for me. It's so hard to find a fix when you don't have the sewing lingo. 😕 Sorry in advance. This is about to be a novel. 😂 I have a large window with heavy drapery over 30 white shear voil panels. They all have a perfect 4" hem and a ¼" double fold where the stitching is. If I change the hem on one panel, it's going to visually throw the entire hem line off. I'm looking to add the ½" back to the damaged panels, vs ripping the hem from all 30 and re-hemming them with a 3" hem. What a drag! The 4" looks SO elegant and custom imo too I hope I'm making sense. The hem had fallen out of 2 shears, and a few more had a slight hem sag. I pulled up a chair to re-hem and found that the hem hadn't come out. It was still intact, but the voil fabric itself had frayed and unraveled past the hem and escaped. Now I have nothing to ¼" double fold and stitch. Do you think that your cool magic ribbon trick would work in my case?

[@tripleecrafterfabricshopgo7352]

Fantastic! What a great way to fix this problem. My daughter just handed me a pair of velvet slacks to repair with this problem. Can't wait to try your solution. You're the best!!! :)

[@lindapesce4316]

I was looking for some info on repairing a child's chair..the seam had frayed and came upon this. Didn't apply to that, but I'm sure I can use the info on something else. That was a beautiful dress you made and thanks so much for your clear directions, Niler. I just subscribed. 🥰

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for subscribing!

[@MS-gu6zc]

Thank you. I was thinking of repairing something this way and glad to hear I was on the right track.

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Glad I could help

[@missraaae]

A lifesaver. I've got a vintage jacket which had started to fray at the seams and this will do the trick. Thank you!

[@jodienichols2002]

Thank you Niler for sharing your knowledge. Love the intro music and you have a very soothing voice.

[@angelabergman3772]

Thank you so much!! Used this to repair a custom shirt I got for my mom!! Worked great!!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Glad it helped!

[@SiR2Dean]

Thankyou, I run a holiday let and you tips have over yrs saved me hundreds of ££s in new bedding 🛌 😀

[@marieknipfer6982]

Thank you. The first video that addressed fixing the stressed fabric in the seam.

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Kool! You are welcome. I hope you subscribed! I have more sewing videos coming soon. Happy Sewing!

[@apappl07]

Thank you so much!! I so grateful to you for making this video and for your clear, easy to follow instructions and how you share your experience when talking about using a bias tape and why you prefer a ribbon. I never would have thought of that!

[@moonchild845]

Thank you so much. Your video is very helpful. I hand sewed the seam of my viscose dress a few months back. Unfortunately, the fraying expanded out almost passed the seam I sewed. It's a form fitted dress so the tension just made more fraying then. I was so upset thinking there was no hope for my dress, but will definitely try this! I think the ribbon reinforcement is just what it needs. Thanks again 🙏

[@sueowen8947]

This is very helpful. My tear is at the edge of a sleeve seam. I’m going to give it a try. Thank you.

[@Psammead21]

Thank you, Niler. I'd never thought of using ribbon before. I've been looking for a fix for a much loved pair of pyjama trousers of mine. They're brushed cotton but still thinking the ribbon technique you've demonstrated might work. The tear looks exactly like that in your dress (beautiful, by the way) but it's on one of the legs. I'm guessing I'll have to sew the other leg to match, depending on what it looks like once I've done the first one 😕 Oh well, I'll try it and see what happens. Thank you so much for your clear tutorial, though. I'll give it a bash and hope for the best xx ☺

[@meerabakshi2676]

Thanks for showing how to mend the stressed seam. Thanks,

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@DDs878]

Thanks! Just what I needed! I tried it on a pair of pants!

[@valt2306]

This is awesome. Thank you for this wonderful demonstration. It was very helpful

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You're welcome.

[@snookiedoo]

Great tip!I will be doing this very soon.Thanks

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LynneHembey]

Very helpful. ❤

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

I'm so glad!

[@sharonmiller4275]

Thank you! This was just what I needed today. My daughter in love, has a dress she sent last night that needed exactly this kind of repair. I'm getting out the ribbon now! 🧵🪡♥

[@trishpope601]

I found your tutorial very helpful. Very clear instructions. Thank you

[@m.b.ortega544]

Thanks so much for this great tip! I am definitely going to use this.

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You are so welcome!

[@letacarr6121]

Thank you, Niler! Very helpful!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.

[@rebeshirley4276]

Thank you so much! This exactly what I was looking for. I have a jacket for a friend to repair and it has a stress pull at the front where it buttons. 😮 I'm going to try this. Onward to JoAnns to get ribbon to match jacket! 😊

[@koriceleste8911]

Your videos are always so helpful, I really appreciate your channel!

[@KimBuchanan]

Thanks! You wonder why they don't make them this way to reinforce them. Very helpful, just subscribed!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

I know right! It just doesn't hold up to excessive wear... we are at the mercy of the clothes and fabric that we purchase. We just have to find ways to make it work. Thank you so much for your comment and for watching! I hope you subscribed….Happy Sewing!

[@hjrwhyNOT]

You are SO Skilled! Thank You for the instructions

[@angelinai6978]

This is a great technique and I am excited to try it on a repair I am doing for my friend. By the way I love how the dress looks on you and was thrilled when I saw the meeting you were attending. Take care sis🥰

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Kool Beanz Sis. Thanks for watching.

[@shantenamaste]

Love the hot tip with the tape! Thank you.

[@rebeccamcconnell6694]

This was super easy to understand! Thank you!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

I'm so glad! Thanks for watching.

[@shawnaallison7793]

Thanks. I really needed this. Daughter called and said, mom I bought a dress for someone’s wedding tomorrow and it has a 3. 1/2 inch rip in the back seam. It’s a silk like material, just like what ribbons are made of. She called me a few min ago, 11pm, and she has to leave for the wedding by 3pm tomorrow. I’m surprised there’s no stabilizer. Thanks again I hope it works for me ❤

[@charlottekarn5396]

You’re a great mom for helping her it’s so lovely to see

[@Queenread82]

Great tip Niler, thank you! I had a “peachskin” skirt that frayed even when the seams were serged. I wonder if this would have helped. I still have some of that fabric (it feels so nice) but I’ve been afraid to use it. I guess it owns me. 😅

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

I'd try this as well, but you might want to try doing a french seam on your garment.

[@Queenread82]

@@NilerTaylor-relindesigns i will when I get around to making something with it. It is so prone to fray it needs all of the precautions.

[@tmuhammad717]

i will try it today, thank you!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You're welcome.

[@robinmaddox8641]

Thanks for the helpful info

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You are welcome.

[@makeda6530]

That’s really cool! Thank you so much!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

No problem!

[@angelamccullagh4323]

Amazing! Thank you ☺️

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You're so welcome!

[@antiegonz6007]

Thx!

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

You're welcome. thanks for watching.

[@stephaniecanales1148]

I have a sewing machine and I dont even know how to use it. I would love to make somethings with it.

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

What do you have in mind?

[@NilerTaylor-relindesigns]

Kool Beanz! You should check out my beginners sewing series. I have plans to update it to a new version, but the older one is still great info.