To mend a uniform or not-your opinion.

[Petr]

Hi collectors,
I would like to hear your point of view if you mend a uniform you get or not.If yes can you tell us which way a wool material and which way a duck.Which way a moth holes and how tears?Can you show us any example of original mending please ?
Thanks Petr.

[wh014d4394]

lets be having a look then. post pic my good sir

[Petr]

Hi Jimmy,
a question was ment generally.
Nice day Petr.

[CWP]

I wouldn't mend moth holes. I have only mended tears when the material has become fragile due to age and I felt that the tear might get worse if not repaired. I try to make the repairs as inconspicuous as possible, of course.

[Petr]

Is there any good method how to repair moth holes? I reckon it is not nice to have a clothing with holes .Why not to mend it if you know how and the result is good.Just my opinion.
Bye Petr.

[W.Unland]

Hello,

Repairing moth holes is a difficult procedure. Sewing them closed is NOT an accepted method of conservation. In some cases a distracting hole can be "plugged" if a suitable amount of matching material can be found. This works on a wool with some nap, and not a tricot or smooth finished material. I have taken small snips of material from inside pocket seams and such. After inserting a small piece of gauze inside the hole the "plug can be cut to just slightly larger than the hole. The "plug" is then inserted into the hole and very carefully held in place with fine stitches.

This is the method used by museums to conserve textiles.

This takes some sewing skills, but can make a considerable difference in appearance when there is that distracting moth bite right mid chest where it shows on an otherwise good looking tunic.

There is also a method where nap is "shaved from the surface of an item and the resulting "pills" are glued into the moth bites with a fabric adhesive. When done correctly this can be quite convincing. HOWEVER, usually such techniques are poorly executed and end up lookng worse than if just left alone. It depends on the skills and experience of the conservator.

Regards,
William Unland

[Petr]

Thank you very much Willy for your answer! I did it as you wrote.It is not an easy method of doing at all!
Have a nice day Petr.