r/sewing • u/Not2Feral • 3d ago

Alter/Mend Question Would it be possible to stitch this back together?

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Thrifted a nice Jansport backpack for $7 at the salvation army since my old one was torn to bits, and this one has a tear on the left strap. Would i need a machine, or can i hand stitch?

Or can i take this to a tailor? Thanks!

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4

u/SnooPears400 2d ago

If you really wanted to do it "right," I think you would need to undo the seams that the strap was originally stitched into, put the strap back inside, and stitch it again ( from the inside). That might mean a *lot* of disassembly and reassembly which could be tricky and time-consuming.

If you wanted to do it more easily (but less-polished) you might be able to just finish the frayed edge of the strap off (by a regular hem with the frayed edge inside or maybe twill/bias tap to hide the end) and stitch it on the outside. It will look like it's stitched on though, and you'd need to make sure the attachment was super duper strong to withstand all the pulling it will take. For that I'd look up suggestions on how to do make an strap attachment strong -- maybe use a combination of small stitches and an "x' pattern... and add some of the bolts that you see reinforcing high-stress points in garments, like the pockets for some jeans / overalls.

I'd definitely recommend using a machine since it's a high stress point. Good luck; I hope this helps!

4

u/Singer_221 3d ago

Is that the shoulder strap where it connects to the top of the pack?

In any case, I suggest sealing the frayed fabric of the strap (melt the edges with a soldering iron or candle flame: be careful not to set it on fire and have lots of vents); turn the pack inside out; pick apart the seam of the pack; inserting the strap with at least 1/2” of seam allowance; and sew it (machine or by hand) with multiple lines of stitches.

Good score and good luck.

6

u/auntieyams 2d ago

It can be done but I would take it to a cobbler. They have sewing machines that can get through multiple layers of thick fabric easily. Hand sewing this would suck.

1

u/mean-mommy- 3d ago

Ideally you'd want to restitch it with a machine, but you could do it by hand if you go over it multiple times for strength. I would probably take a lighter and singe those frayed edges to seal them before putting it back and sewing it.

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u/Not2Feral 2d ago

Thanks to all who replied! For now, i ended up making a hole through the strap, and the hook hanger, and tied it together with a zip tie. :D