A small cigarette burn doesn’t have to mean the end of your favorite sweater. Whether it’s a cherished cashmere piece, a high-end wool garment, or an everyday knit, burns leave behind more than just a hole—they weaken the fabric, disrupt the texture, and create an eyesore. At AlterKnit, we specialize in expert cigarette burn repair, restoring damaged knitwear with precision, care, and an understanding of what makes each piece special.
How Cigarette Burns Affect Knitwear
Burns are different from standard wear and tear. The intense heat scorches fibers, leaving behind hardened, brittle edges that don’t unravel like a simple snag. Unlike a moth hole or pulled thread, a burn mark melts and shrinks the surrounding fibers, making restoration more complex. Cashmere, merino wool, and other fine knits are particularly vulnerable—without proper care, a small burn can become a larger, more noticeable flaw over time.
Can a Cigarette Burn Be Fixed?
Absolutely. While a burn alters the structure of the knit, expert restoration can bring it back to life. Unlike at-home fixes that leave visible patches or stiff, mismatched fabric, professional repair ensures your knitwear remains soft, wearable, and as close to its original condition as possible.
Can You Repair a Cigarette Burn at Home?
Many people attempt DIY fixes for cigarette burns, but these often result in visible patches, uneven texture, or fabric distortion. Techniques like sewing, ironing on fabric patches, or using adhesives may temporarily cover the hole, but they don’t restore the structure of the knit. Professional knitwear repair ensures a seamless blend with the surrounding fabric, preventing further damage.
Why Choose AlterKnit for Cigarette Burn Repair?
At AlterKnit, we bring over 50 years of expertise in restoring damaged knitwear with precision and care. Our New York-based specialists are highly trained in invisible mending and reweaving, ensuring each repair seamlessly blends into the original fabric for a flawless finish. With a deep understanding of luxury fabrics like cashmere, wool, and fine knits, we handle every garment with the attention it deserves. Whether you’re sending your knitwear from across the country or internationally, our complimentary* shipping process makes expert restoration easily accessible. Plus, our dedicated customer service team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Our Repair Process
- Damage Assessment – We examine the burn’s severity and fabric type to determine the best repair method.
- Fabric Matching – We take fiber from the original piece to ensure the original material in color, texture, and density remains the same.
- Reweaving & Mending – Using precision reweaving and invisible mending techniques, we seamlessly restore the damaged section.
- Strengthening & Finishing – The repaired area is reinforced to prevent future unraveling, followed by professional depilling and cleaning for a flawless finish.