Horse rug repairs help!!

lisa26_2

Morning....not sure this is in the right place but I couldn't find anywhere else it might fit!!! I have 2 horses, the smallest one has torn her rug, she's now wearing the spare but its not as warm so I want to get the other repaired and back on her asap!! All the people round here who do it are shut for xmas and won't be able to get it done for 3 weeks! The other problem is....they insist on cleaning it first which means it also needs re-waterproofing so it'll cost me £18-£20 before they even start the repair. Does anyone know where I can get some really strong needles and thread to have a go at doing it myself? I've seen repair kits before but they are just small patches that you glue on but this is a 2ft long tear so needs doing properly!

Thanks x

jackomk

Morning....what a pain. I have the same problem with a torn rug, luckily i have a thinner one to layer up with so not such a rush to get it done. Do you have a fabric shop near you. I would assume you could get strong needles from them, and I would use something like a strong nylon thread (maybe fishing line) Hope you get it sorted, it freezing out there

knithryn

Can I suggest that you use wax on strong thread (if you're using normal thread) as this will help it to slide through the fabric more easily.
I use a beeswax block, but probably any candle would do. Just hold the wax and place one end of the thread along the side of it, pull the thread so it all rubs against the was. Do this three times. It ought to help stop the thread from fraying as you stitch.
Sewing shops shold have various tapestry and crewel needles which are pretty strong, though a thimble might also help if it takes a bit of tugging and shoving to get the needle through.
What about plaiting thread?

charlies-aunt

I used to repair rugs or my local tack shop - I know its annoying to have to have them cleaned first but if they aren't, the dust from them very quickly bungs up even heavy duty sewing machines and they are very smelly if you are trying to sew them in a warm room - they stink you house out!

To make a good repair you'll need to equip yourself with a couple of strong needles with biggish eyes, a pair of pliers to help you push and pull the needles through the fabric, either plaiting thread or dental tape/floss and duct tape/reinforced tape/hot glue gun.

Use a couple of pieces of duct tape to get the tear aligned and then sew across in a couple of places to start with - make sure that you sew at least half an inch from the edge of the tear and it works best if the thread goes over one side and then under the other side - crossing of the threads where the torn edges meet in a sort of figure of 8 (iykwim). You will need to go over the tear a couple of times to make sure that its will covered with thread as this will make it strong and help keep moisture rom getting in. Cover the seam with a generous covering of duct tape or go over it with a layer of glue from your glue gun - spreading the glue flat with an old knife while its still hot.

For a very quick repair that will last a couple of weeks - cut out a piece of heavy duty plastic (I am thinking feed bag here) to cover the tear well and glue it round the edges with your glue gun and fix over the tear - it will peel off over a few weeks but it will tide you over. Not very pretty - but quick and cheap

If you can't manage the repair - buy a cheap summer turnout and use it over the top to stop water getting in - you should be able to get a decent one cheap now as tack shops clear out ready for next season. It will do the job and if you get an under rug on sale - it will layer under the summer turnout for an additional winter turnout .

Hope this is helpful!

Barneysmom

I'm a dummy in this area but wondering if you could use some tent repair kit? A piece of gortex the you glue over the rip?
Or something like this.....

http://www.outdoorgear.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci=product&wce=59300701&desc=CANVAS+TENT+REPAIR+KIT

lisa26_2

Thanks for the replies. Someone at work has put me in touch with a company that makes the curtain sides for lorries and they are going to do it for me. Apparently they are cheaper than the tach shops too. I'll definately keep the tips in mind though, the one about putting a thin summer rug over the top is a particularly good idea...I think I'll invest in one!