Is There a Way to Repair a Hole in Cycling Shorts?

[lph]

I got this suggestion from another TE'er - Select a pair of "sacrificial" shorts, and cut out patches for your damaged shorts from them. I sewed the patches on the outside of my shorts (for comfort) and held them in place with a tiny zig-zag stitching with my sewing machine. It isn't attractive, but quite serviceable! Good luck! tokie

Hey, this is a good idea. I have a pair of ancient Nike spinning shorts that I just keep 'cos when it's really hot out they're the shortest pair I have. (And earn me some welcome catcalls once in a while ) I have a hole in my Amfib tights, and the Nikes just went sacrificial...

[malkin]

Fray Check, made by Dritz works like nail polish to keep the holes from ripping further, it's a little less stiff than nail polish when it dries, and since it's made for this purpose there may be other reasons why it works.

I'd use Fray Check on the edges of the hole, and if it is small, just stitch it up by hand and then fray check the scar. If the hole is big and needs a patch, the sacrificial fabric is the way to go. I'd consider running a bead of fray check around the edges of the patch before stitching it in too.

You can tell I like the stuff, but maybe that's just because the fumes have gone to my head.

[fidlfreek]

Great option on the fray check!

Instead of sacrificial shorts you could just buy a little lycra at the fabric store. Or look on ebay for used shorts. (There are tons that don't sell for even their initial $1 bid because who wants a used chamois?) Maybe a super crafty local tailor could make the patch on the inside...don't know for sure on that one

[Aggie_Ama]

I have a pair like that, just get a cute cycling wrap. My holey shorts are used for commuting, no one knows they have holes. They also do "under tights" duty. I love those bibs and can't give them the heave-ho for a little hole.

[wackyjacky1]

(There are tons that don't sell for even their initial $1 bid because who wants a used chamois?)

LMAO!

Yup, I think I'll try the Fray Check + patch route. I used to cross stitch, so I'm familiar with the stuff (and I'm pretty sure I still have a bottle tucked away in my cross stitching box).

I have to wonder, though, why she couldn't chew a hole somewhere less embarrassing. Why go straight for the butt-cheek area?!

[spokewench]

Murphy's law!

[RoadRaven]

We have a few holey shorts and jerseys due to crashes.
I can repair the jerseys ok using a zig-zag stitch... but have had no success at all with lycra.
Maybe I need to get an overlocker...?

Our ripped shorts continue to be used... the latest pair is my son's - his first wearing of new shorts, new jersey and almost new gloves and he crashed so well we had to get him a new bike frame! (Carbon doesn't withstand impact well at all!)

So he still wears his shorts on training rides...but I ask him to wear sunscreen under the shorts on his thigh/hip where the road shredded his shorts (and skin).

[malkin]

If the hole is small enough I'm almost always happier with hand stitching than machine. One grandmother taught me to stitch from the inside, but the other granny told me to watch the outside as I worked on a mend so I'd see how it was going to look.