reweave

Reweave is a textile repair technique in which damaged or missing portions of a woven fabric are replaced by weaving new threads into the existing fabric to recreate the original structure and pattern. It is used in textile conservation, garment restoration, and fabric repair when preserving the fabric's integrity and appearance is preferred over removing damaged areas. Reweaving aims to be as invisible as possible by matching fiber content, weave structure, color, and thread density.

Technique and process: Reweaving can be performed by hand or with a small loom or specialized frame. The repair begins with a careful assessment of the damage and the surrounding weave. Replacement yarns are selected to match the original fiber and weight. The weaver interlaces the new threads with the surrounding fabric, reconstructing the damaged area by following the original weave pattern, often using a ladder-like setup and then filling in with forward and backward interlacings until the area is integrated. In conservation, materials are chosen for reversibility and compatibility with the original textile.

Applications and limitations: Reweave is commonly used for antique textiles, tapestries, garments, and upholstery where visible repairs would be undesirable. It can be time-consuming and requires skilled craftsmanship. Highly damaged or chemically degraded fabrics may not be suitable, and color or weave mismatches can be noticeable. In many cases, reweaving is complemented by other methods such as darning, patching, or backing to stabilize the fabric.

See also: textile conservation, textile repair, weaving, darning, tapestry restoration.