- Repair as you go
- Material-specific repair methods
- Repairing holes in knitted Merino wool products
- Repairing holes in woven fabric products
- Repairing holes in synthetic fiber fabrics
- Repairing holes in backpack fabrics
- Repairing holes in silicone-coated backpack fabric
- Case studies by product
- BACKPACKS
- Rainwear
- Active Insulation
- Bottoms
- Trail shirts
- MERINO WOOL
- Hats
Everyday at Yamatomichi, we handle repairs for many products, but the most common are repairs for holes.
Nevertheless, while we may refer to it simply as “patching holes,” the repair methods vary depending on the material, such as Merino wool, waterproof membranes, and backpack fabrics. In this episode of Yamatomichi repair diary, the theme is “holes.” We introduce repairs on all sorts of materials from past examples.
If your Yamatomichi product develops a hole, please don’t hesitate to contact our repair department. Our staff will do their utmost to fix it!
Written by Ichiro Kitajima
Repair as you go
For some reason, I have love old things. Especially, I have a soft spot for chunks of iron like industrial sewing machines. My journey into the world of craftsmanship began with being drawn to industrial tools.
Even when I first moved to Tokyo and was living in a flat without a bathtub and earning a modest salary, I dedicated my room to a large industrial vacuum ironing board and industrial sewing machine (whether I actually used them is another matter…).
Why am I so drawn to such old industrial tools? They’re certainly not versatile or convenient, but tools made simply for a specific purpose have a certain charm. And I inevitably find myself admiring the way people from past eras made a living using these simple tools and their physical abilities. It might just be a skewed nostalgia, though.
And one common factor among them is their weight.
There’s a reason for this; for example, industrial sewing machines, unlike household ones, are made of a solid chunk of iron, so they’re unusually heavy. However, this weight helps to dampen the vibrations when the machine rotates, contributing to stability during sewing. Moreover, they’re so robust that they’re not easily damaged.
Similarly, the irons used by tailors are as heavy as dumbbells. This is because when shaping wool used in suits to fit the body’s curves, heat and pressure from the iron become crucial.
Encountering Yamatomichi, which advocates for ultralight gear, was undoubtedly a shock for someone like me who loves ultraweights.
The heavy tools I’ve liked and used so far pursued one purpose to the fullest: they were “tools for tools.” However, the tools selected for ultralight hiking are viewed from an entirely different perspective, focusing not only on the performance of the tool but also on how freely the person using it can move.
After joining Yamatomichi, I found the world of ultralight, which lead me to the process of breaking free from the curse of the weight of my life problems, though I still love big, heavy chunks of iron.
While lightweight tools may not be as robust as heavy ones designed with durability in mind, they offer opportunities for users to innovate and adapt. While lifelong tools are admirable, there’s equal value in continuing to use and repair them even after they break. I’ve come to realize this through repairing customers gear, here at Yamatomichi.
Material-specific repair methods
Repairing holes varies depending on the characteristics of the material. For example, with Merino wool, we utilize its felting property to blend the fabric, while with synthetic fibers, we take advantage of their melting properties to heat-cut the fabric edges and create repair sheets.
Normally, what might be considered a drawback of the fabric (such as wool felting) can become an advantage in repairs. Considering methods for repairing holes can be a good opportunity to confront the characteristics of the fabric.”
Repairing holes in knitted Merino wool products
Raw wool felting repair
Relevant products (as of May 2021)
Merino Henry Neck T-shirt / Merino Pullover / Merino Hoody / Merino Full Zip Hoody / Merino Cap / Light Merino Crew Neck T-shirt / Light Merino Kangaroo Pocket T-shirt / Light Merino Sleeveless T-shirt / Light Merino French Sleeve T-shirt / Light Merino Long Sleeve T-shirt
For holes in knitted Merino wool products like the Merino Hoody and Light Merino Crew Neck T-shirt, we repair using a method called felting with raw wool. This process is detailed in our journal entry, “Yamatomichi Repair Diary #1.”
Due to the nature of knitted fabrics, holes can form from weakened fibers due to insect damage or friction. Initially, these holes may be small, but they can quickly widen if left unattended. Since it’s easy to overlook, it’s a good idea to occasionally inspect the fabric under light to identify any holes.
We apply raw wool to the affected area and felt it to close the hole. Using wool of the same color, we can repair relatively small holes of around 5mm without them being too noticeable.
July 2023 Update:
For Yamatomichi 100% Merino Series products and 100% Light Merino Series products manufactured after 2021, the yarn structure has changed from twisted yarn to single yarn, requiring even more careful handling. If you’re unsure about the repair process, our repair department accepts hole repair requests. Please contact us via the Repair Page for inquiries.
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Repairing holes in woven fabric products
Patche repair fabric, whipstitching.
Relevant products (as of May 2021):
5-Pocket Merino Pants / Merino Coach Jacket / Merino Short Sleeve Shirt / Merino Shirt / β Merino Coach Shirt Jacket / Bamboo Short Sleeve Shirt / Bamboo Shirt
Next, let me introduce the method for repairing holes in woven fabric (textile) products such as the Merino Shirt, Merino 5-Pocket Pants, and Bamboo Shirt.
Fabrics made from natural fibers tend to have thicker yarns compared to synthetic fibers, making them more prone to fraying. Additionally, due to the pronounced surface texture, adhesive bonding with repair sheets is not feasible. Therefore, for hole repairs, we use a patching fabric as an underlay and mend it with a sewing machine.
We place a piece of fabric cut slightly larger than the hole on the underside and repeatedly stitch back and forth with a sewing machine to close the hole, employing a whipstitching technique. This results in a very sturdy repair. However, there are drawbacks such as the repaired area being noticeable from the front and the repaired portion becoming stiff.
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The underside/strong>
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The underside/strong>
Repairing holes in synthetic fiber fabrics
We repair using repair sheets made with patching fabric.
Relevant products (as of May 2021):
Light 5-Pocket Shorts / Light 5-Pocket Pants / DW 5-Pocket Shorts / DW 5-Pocket Pants / 5-Pocket Shorts / 5-Pocket Pants / Alpha Anorak / Light Alpha Vest/Jacket / Alpha Haramaki / UL Rain Hoody / UL Rain Pants / UL Rain Hoody / β UL Long Rain Hoody / UL Rain Jacket / UL Rain Pants
Next, I’ll explain the method for repairing holes in products made with synthetic fibers, such as the 5-Pocket Pants, Alpha Anorak, and UL Rain Hoody.
The synthetic fiber fabrics used by Yamatomichi are often very thin and lightweight. When they come into contact with sharp objects like rocks or branches, they can develop scratches that may lead to tears in the fabric.
While a whipstitching technique for repairs would be preferable for durability, the thinness of the fabric makes the repair stitches quite noticeable and may result in stiffened areas.
Therefore, for such thin fabrics, we use repair tape with double-sided adhesive sheets. By ironing the repair tape onto the area with the hole, the repair can be made relatively inconspicuously. For larger holes, the surrounding area is further reinforced with machine stitches.
While the strength may not be as high as with whipstitching, this method offers the advantage of being less noticeable, and if the tape begins to peel off, it can be easily repaired with more repair tape and an iron.
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Reinforced with stitching for larger holes.
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Reinforced with stitching for larger holes.
Repairing holes in backpack fabrics
Patch Repair
Relevant products (as of May 2021):
MINI / MINI2 / MINI Custom Edition / THREE / ONE
Fabrics like X-Pac, commonly used for the body and bottom of backpacks, are known for their high durability. However, prolonged friction or contact with sharp objects can still lead to holes. These fabrics tend to be stiff and often coated, making it challenging to perform complete repairs once a hole forms.
In cases of significant damage or deterioration, replacing individual parts is generally preferable for both durability and appearance. However, for backpacks with sentimental value, repairing using repair sheets while preserving the existing parts is also an option.
We use double-sided adhesive sheets, similar to those used for pants repairs, for iron-on repairs.
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Reinforced with stitching for larger holes.
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Reinforced with stitching for larger holes.
Repairing holes in silicone-coated backpack fabric
Patch repair
Relevant products: (as of May 2021)
MINI (models prior to 2020) / MINI2 (models prior to 2020) / THREE (models prior to 2020) / ONE / MINI Custom Edition
For silicone-coated nylon fabrics used in backpack bodies and similar areas, double-sided adhesive sheets cannot be used due to the silicone coating. Therefore, we repair by adhering a patching fabric with silicone-specific adhesive.
Considering water resistance, we prefer not to use machine stitching if possible. However, due to the comparatively weaker durability of other repair methods, it’s common to reinforce the adhesive with machine stitching after application.
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Case studies by product
At Yamatomichi Repair Department, when we receive items for repair from our customers, we always inquire about the cause of the hole or damage.
There is always a reason behind the formation of a hole, and by understanding it, we can deepen our understanding of the product’s weaknesses and how it’s being used. The valuable feedback we receive is also incorporated into our product development process.
As repair specialists, we take joy in being able to repair items while considering the story behind each hole and comparing the received product with the user’s personality
BACKPACKS
ONE
Condition: Small hole at the butt
Cause: Contact with a rock while putting items in the side pocket
Repair Method: Repair sheet and stitching reinforcement
Repair Cost: ¥500
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ONE
Condition: Medium-sized hole in the pocket section
Cause: Wear and tear during use on long trails
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Repair Cost: ¥500
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THREE
Condition: Small hole at the bottom corner
Cause: Repeated contact with rocks
Repair Method: Unstitching the sewing area and applying a patching fabric for repair
Repair Cost: ¥500
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MINI2
Condition: Small hole in the body section
Cause: Contact with sharp objects packed inside
Repair Method: Patching fabric and stitching reinforcement using adhesive
Repair Cost: ¥500
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MINI2
Condition: Medium-sized hole in the extension section
Cause: Contact with sharp objects packed inside
Repair Method: Patching fabric and stitching reinforcement using adhesive
Repair Cost: ¥500
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Rainwear
UL Rain Pants PU Shinsui
Condition: Small hole at the knee area
Cause: Contact with a wooden branch
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Repair Cost: ¥500
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UL Rain Pants PU Sosui
Condition: Medium-sized hole at the hem
Cause: Wear and tear during use
Repair Method: Double repair with repair sheets
Cost: ¥1,000
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Active Insulation
Alpha Anorak
Condition: Small hole at the cuff
Cause: Sparks from a campfire
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Cost: ¥500
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Light Alpha Vest/Jacket
Condition: Medium-sized hole at the cuff
Cause: Campfire
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Cost: ¥2000
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Alpha Anorak
Condition: Large hole at the cuff
Cause: Campfire
Repair Method: Cut damaged portion and patch repair
Cost: ¥2,000
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Light 5-Pocket Shorts
Condition: Small hole at the hip
Cause: Contact while descending rocky terrain
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Cost: ¥500
Bottoms
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Light 5-Pocket Pants
Condition: Medium-sized hole at the knee
Cause: Fall
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet and stitching reinforcement
Cost: ¥1,000
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Light 5-Pocket Pants
Condition: Large hole at the hem
Cause: Snagging
Repair Method: Unstitching the sewing area and repair with a repair sheet
Cost: ¥1,500
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5-Pocket Pants
Condition: Small hole at the hem
Cause: Campfire
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Cost: ¥500
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Winter Hike Pants
Condition: Medium-sized hole at the hem
Cause: Contact with crampons
Repair Method: Unstitching the seam and repair with a repair sheet and stitching reinforcement
Cost: ¥1,500
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5-Pocket Merino Pants
Condition: Medium-sized hole
Cause: Contact during daily activities
Repair Method: Patching fabric and stitching reinforcement
Cost: ¥1,000
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Trail shirts
UL Shirt
Condition: Small hole in the front body section
Cause: Campfire
Repair Method: Repair with a repair sheet
Cost: ¥500
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Merino Shirt
Condition: Medium-sized hole
Cause: Snagging
Repair Method: Patching fabric and stitching reinforcement
Cost: ¥1,000
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MERINO WOOL
Merino Henry Neck T-Shirt
Condition: Small hole at the shoulder
Cause: Yarn breakage due to abrasion
Repair Method: Felting repair
Cost: ¥500
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Light Merino Crew Neck T-Shirt
Condition: Medium-sized hole at the underarm
Cause: Yarn breakage due to abrasion
Repair Method: Felting repair
Cost: ¥1,000
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Merino Hoody
Condition: Medium-sized hole at the pocket corner
Cause: Yarn breakage due to stress
Repair Method: Felting repair
Cost: ¥500
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Merino Hoody
Condition: Large hole at the elbow
Cause: Contact with sharp object
Repair Method: Felting repair with patching fabric
Cost: ¥1,500
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Hats
Merino Knit Cap
Condition: Hole at the crown
Cause: Stitching unraveling
Repair Method: Stitching
Cost: ¥500
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Merino Cap
Condition: Small hole
Cause: Yarn breakage due to moth damage and abrasion
Repair Method: Felting repair
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Yamatomichi Product Repair Price List
*Prices are approximate.
*All prices include tax.
*Shipping fee is charged separately.
Felting Repair (for Merino Wool Knit Products)
- Small hole within 1cm: ¥500 per hole and up
- Large hole exceeding 1cm: ¥1,000 per hole and up
Sewing Patch Repair (for Natural Fiber Products)
- Small hole within 1cm: ¥1,000 per hole and up
- Large hole exceeding 1cm: ¥1,500 per hole and up
Repair Sheet Repair (for Backpacks and Synthetic Fiber Products)
- Small hole within 1cm: ¥500 per hole and up
- Large hole exceeding 1cm: ¥1,000 per hole and up
