A tear, even a small one, can visually ruin a comforter. You might think that buying a new one is the easiest solution, but it can take less time to fix a torn comforter than to shop around for another one that you like. One of several relatively simple methods to fix a torn comforter is likely to fit your skill level — and can possibly result in a new look for your bedding.
Mending is one of the most common methods to fix a tear in a comforter. By sewing the torn edges together with like-colored thread and small, neat slip-stitches, the hole is barely visible, similar to a scar. Tuck or turn under only enough of each torn edge to conceal the tears fray or roughness. Align the folded fabric evenly together, and lift it up just enough to keep the stitches from catching the comforter filling or innards, while you sew.
If you lack sewing skill, fabric glue can replace needle and thread. Fabric glue allows you to fix fabrics by placing the torn areas together and gluing them. The comforter covers looseness should allow you to overlap the tears edges slightly, but if not, tuck a piece of lightweight cotton under the tear on which to glue the edges back together. The tears joined edges leave only a faint “scar,” but the material may pucker in the area.
Drape the comforter over an outdoor clothesline on a day full of sunlight but low in humidity. Leave it in the sun for an hour or two. A good bake in the sun dries out any moisture thats trapped inside the comforter and freshens it up. Trapped moisture causes comforter filling to clump, and drying it out helps make the lumps easier to remove. After its sun soak, lay your comforter on a clean, smooth surface, such as a hardwood floor, and smooth it with your hands. Run your hands over the fabric in various directions to break up any clumps you feel. Flip the comforter over and repeat the process.
Grab one end of the comforter and shake it firmly a few times to redistribute its filling. Start at the end that feels the most clumped or bunched up, grabbing the comforters outer fabric without grasping the filling inside, so it can move freely. Move to the opposite side of the comforter and shake it again. Repeat the process until youve shaken the fabric from all four sides. Perform this ritual every day when making your bed to keep the filling loft as high as possible. Doing so makes the bedding feel warmer and more comfortable as your body warms the air between the fibers, down or feather. Once youve fluffed your comforter, avoid sitting or lying on top of it as this may crush the filling over time.
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After washing, shake the comforter out to loosen any clumps and then place it in a large-capacity dryer — ideally a commercial dryer — along with two tennis or dryer balls. Use the lowest dryer setting possible and check the comforters progress every 30 minutes. Verify that its not too hot and refluff its filling. If it feels too hot in some areas, select a lower heat setting. Do not store the comforter or place it back on the bed until its completely dry. Drying a comforter is time-consuming but important, especially if the comforter contains down or feathers that cling tightly to dampness. When the comforter is completely dry, keep it in good shape by sliding it into a duvet cover for extra protection against dirt and moisture.
Fluffy filling in a comforter keeps you warm on even the coldest of nights. Unfortunately, time and improper care both create clumps in the inner material, making the bedding lumpy in some areas and too thin in others. Whether the filling is down, a down alternative or other material, a daily shake-down quickly realigns you comforters stuffing to keep it feeling plush and cozy. If the comforter is machine washable, dry it with dryer balls or tennis balls to keep the stuffing loose.
Patch in a Pinch
A fabric patch can cover a small torn spot or hole in your comforter. An iron-on or glue-on patch is easier to apply than one that requires sewing. Iron-on patches come in a variety of colors. Pick one that is similar in color and texture to your comforter, so that the tear is not noticeable. Alternatively, apply numerous patches in contrasting or complementary colors for an overall polka-dot effect. Launder the comforter before applying an iron-on patch, so that the patch adheres properly.
Appliques offer a way to hide a tear. Some appliques come ready to iron on, while others may require sewing or glue to attach. They may be embroidered butterflies, flowers, birds or a variety of other available designs. You can relatively easily achieve a custom look by applying your own appliques, using lengths of trim to camouflage a long or winding tear, or fabric remnants, such as lace or an unused embroidered tablecloth. Apply appliques in a pattern across the tear area, from one side of the comforter to the other for an interesting new look.
The easiest temporary “fix” or solution for a tear in the comforters top is to flip over the comforter. Often the back side is in the dominant color from the front, and some comforters are double-sided. Until you get around to mending or covering your comforters tear, at least you wont have to look at it.
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How To Re-Fluff Your Comforter
FAQ
How do you fix a messed up comforter?
How do you fix a lumpy comforter after drying it?
How do you fix a discolored comforter?
How do you fix a torn comforter?
Tuck or turn under only enough of each torn edge to conceal the tear’s fray or roughness. Align the folded fabric evenly together, and lift it up just enough to keep the stitches from catching the comforter filling or innards, while you sew. If you lack sewing skill, fabric glue can replace needle and thread.
How do you reshape a comforter?
Grab one end of the comforter and shake it firmly a few times to redistribute its filling. Start at the end that feels the most clumped or bunched up, grabbing the comforter’s outer fabric without grasping the filling inside, so it can move freely. Move to the opposite side of the comforter and shake it again.
How do you fix a rip in a comforter?
Cut a 12-inch length of thread and thread the needle. Tie a tiny knot in the end of the thread. Align the edges of the tear in the comforter. If the comforter tore at a seam, you will have seam allowances to help you fix the rip. If the comforter tore in the fabric, pull the rip together to create a 1/4-inch seam allowance on each side of the tear.
How do you fix a clumping comforter?
The shake and fluff technique isn’t going to work in the case of serious clumping but it’s definitely worth a try. Grab the two sides of the comforter’s bottom edge. Raise it up and give the item a big shake. If the comforter is a larger one, you may need an assistant to get the job done. Now hold the comforter from the side and repeat.