My first grader has ripped a hole in his new nylon-covered winter coat. We just got it and need to make it last. The hole is on the back where it is very visible. The cloth is a nylon, backed with some sort of thin coating. How do I fix it?
Aren't kids amazing? I thought I was destructive until I had kids and met the true masters of the sport!
Take the coat to a fabric store and beg for help. There are patches for nylon fabric. If there's any fabric missing--and possibly if there isn't--remember that the way to secure a nylon edge is the careful use of a candle. The nylon will melt, seal together and then not fray. Don't burn the coat down. That would be counter-productive...lol...anyway, the fabric store angels will direct you to a patch that will work on your fabric. Sometimes you can even find a patch that's "cool" and will look like it was put there intentionally.
Best of luck!
By Cathy C. (Guest Post)
12/18/2008
First of all, don't try to iron any patches on...the nylon will melt! Depending on exactly where in back and how big the tear is, I would repair the tear either by hand or on a machine, and then sew on an applique patch. Or use some contrast fabric to patch it in a shape or design and put more on other parts of the coat (like elbow patches) to tie the color in. A good tailor shop should be able to give you some ideas.