Cashmere wrap.... moth holes?

ANewMindset

I have a beautiful jewel tone large cashmere scarf/wrap from Nordstrom that I have worn for many years as my winter scarf. It has worn like iron and i was thinking of retiring it and buying a new color for some variety in photos

ironically, i just realized I had draped it over the door handle of a closet i rarely go into.. it has been months... and there are a few moth holes in it now. i dont see any damage on any other items.

i am wondering if i should throw it in the wash on the most delicate setting to see what happens and demote it to wear only when shoveling snow, since i was thinking of replacing it anyway. i hate to just throw it out... my sewing skills are laughably bad.

Any other ideas?? Thank you!!

3 months ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from ANewMindset

Sisi

Veteran

I would do the same, wash (by hand) and keep. I also have a holey shawl that dates back to the 80's and that I refuse to let go.
I also suggest to sanitize that closet. Wash it in and out with some detergent and then spray an anti-moth product in order to protect other items. I noticed that moths are picky, they love cashmere and precious wools in general!

3 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Sisi. I also have been using these moth traps for the past few years and they seem to be working.

https://a.co/d/dKIQuQ0

3 months ago

Indigoprint

Veteran

The holes will only get bigger if you wash it unreinforced. There are many beautiful mending resources available online, then you would still be able to wear a beautiful piece.

3 months ago

Lisa

Veteran

I have no ideas but wish you luck with your piece. Such a bummer that the moths got to it.

3 months ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

If the holes are close to the edge, you can cut off the offending piece and have a tailor bind off/hem the edge.

3 months ago

K. Period.

Veteran

I would reinforce the edges before hand washing. You might do that by sewing or embroidering but you can also use something like Dritz’s fray check. If you haven’t used it before, it is a washable flexible(ish) soft(ish) clear fabric glue that you can use to fix edges so they don’t continue fraying. If you can’t/won’t/don’t care to sew or embroider a repair, it would be a good alternative to hold the edges so your shawl doesn’t continue to unravel. Good luck with the moths. They are the worst so I have my fingers crossed for you that the holes are just wear.

3 months ago

Ket

Veteran

Agree to reinforce the holes.

I like to needle felt holes.

These special needles have barbs that cause the fibers to felt together. You need a needle felting mat and fine felting needles—very inexpensive. I can provide Amazon links if you like.

Place the mat under the fabric. Poke the needle around the edges repeatedly until it begins to felt. You can even buy a color coordinating felting wool and use the needle to felt it over the holes. I’ve repaired cashmere sweaters this way—with felting wool. It works beautifully for small holes. Matched carefully, no one will know it has been repaired. (Not always a guarantee the garment can be matched perfectly.) Felting is repetitive but not much work. It’s far less finnicky than reinforcing with other methods.

I’m happy to do it for you if you feel comfortable sending me the scarf. But there is no pressure. Just offering. I hate to see a good scarf lost to moths!

3 months ago

Ket

Veteran

Definitely disinfect the closet—thorough vacuum and wipe down. Dust attracts moths. I would handwash any and all wool, cashmere and silk in the closet and lay flat to dry. Reassess items for moth damage. (Damage sometimes doesn’t show up until the item is washed unfortunately.)

Moths love dirty fiber and dark places. And they love undisturbed fiber. Wash wool/cashmere items often. Move and rotate garments often. Let in light and fresh air whenever possible.

There are these great new moth attracting lights. You plug them in like a nightlife. They have a sticky pad that the moths and bugs get stuck to when they get near the light. Could be worth getting one or two for that closet or area near it.

3 months ago

ANewMindset

Active Member

thanks everyone and thank you Ket for that generous offer!

i actually threw it in the laundry with a small load of clothes on hand wash and hoped for the best... it came out great!! i am just going to pack it away (properly) for now.

also need to set aside some time for closet disinfecting.. will combine that with my normal main closet rotation in a couple of weeks and plan for a long day....

3 months ago

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