A hole in a jumper is the worst thing that can happen to your favourite piece of knitwear, especially if it’s a thick cabled super-cosy wool sweater. But fear not, there are a couple of creative and simple methods for stitching it back together again so you can continue to wear it and love it.

The quickest way to mend a hole is to create a patch from yarn that is the same color as the garment. This works for holes up to about 1 in (2.5 cm) wide, as sewing wider holes would cause the fabric to pucker. To begin, thread a needle with yarn or embroidery floss thread and knot the end. Then, take a stitch through the backside of the garment close to where the hole is, pulling it tight but not so tight that you are pulling out the original thread. Repeat this stitch over and under the vertical rows of stitches, weaving the yarn into the fabric so that you recreate the knit’s original weave.

This method is called darning and was something everyone knew how to do a generation ago. It’s easy, quick and if done right, is invisible from the outside of your garment. This method can be used on both woven and knitted fabrics, but it’s particularly good for repairing socks and sweater elbows, since these are usually worn through in the same area.

Another way to mend a hole is to use a technique known as chain stitching. This method requires a little bit of skill and patience, but it’s worth it for an excellent result. Start by taking a stitch through the backside of the sweater close to where the hole is, then pass the needle up through all of the topmost bits of fabric and catch them in a knot. Next, move on to the other side of the hole and do the same, only this time you’ll be catching the strands from the inside of the sweater and stitching them to one another, creating a woven effect that covers the old hole.

For larger holes, you can also try using a technique called “darning.” This is an older method of mending that involves creating a woven patch from the same thread you are using to stitch the hole back together. It requires a little practice, but once you’re comfortable with it, you’ll find that it can work very well on both woven and knitted fabrics.

Finally, you can also try a product called Bo-Nash, which is a sort of mending powder that you iron onto your damaged sweater. It is very simple to use, but some reviewers have found that it leaves melted smears around the edges of the repair. If you do decide to try this, make sure to follow the instructions carefully!