How to Fix Runs in Tights

We know just how aggravating it is to find a run or snag in your favorite pair of tights. Luckily, AllFreeSewing has your back! This list of tips and tricks is the perfect way to stop a run in your tights or to quickly repair a hole in your stockings.

We've also included a few ways to prevent runs in the first place and some unusual quick fixes for women on the go. Don't panic over finding a run in your tights and stop them before they grow with this list of ideas for fixing runs in tights.

Tights with snags/holes
Clear nail polish
Hand sewing needle
Thread matching tights/pantyhose
Hairspray

The most common quick fix for stopping a run in tights is to apply clear nail polish to the snag. Recommended by stylists, we've broken down the nail polish method into a few quick and easy steps:

1. Remove your tights. Taking clear nail polish, apply polish around the entire snag or hole, moving outward until you are about a quarter-inch from the edge of the hole. 
    
2. Wait for the nail polish to dry and harden. Doing this will seal the hole and prevent the run from widening. 
    
3. Turn your tights inside out and repeat the process. Once the polish has hardened and dried, put tights back on.
    
4. That's it! This simple 3 step process takes barely any time at all.

Similar to the quick and easy nail polish method, using hairspray to stop a run in its tracks is a great option, especially if you don't carry nail polish in your purse. 

1. Remove tights. Placing your hand inside the tights, gently stretch the hole against your skin. Be very careful to not tear the fabric any further.
    
2. Spray the hole or snag generously with hairspray until the entire area is covered. Allow hairspray to dry.
    
3. Turn tights inside out and repeat the process. Once dry, you may put tights back on.

If you've got a larger hole in your tights that hairspray or nail polish can't fix, you can easily sew them shut. Sewing with Lycras and nylons may seem intimidating, but we promise that fixing a hole in tights is easier than it seems!

Note: You should only sew on tights that are made with mesh, Lycra, or nylon. Tights like fishnets or thicker fabrics like wool can also be sewn and patched. However, soft fabric like Supplex (often used in dance tights) should NOT be sewn, as sewing with these fabrics can cause larger snags to appear.

1. Find a thread that matches the color of your tights. 
    
2. Taking a needle and thread, move around the hole like a clock. Stitch from 12 to 6, 1 to 7, etc.
    
3. Repeat until the hole is closed. Sewing this way will bring the hole closed evenly from all sides and should not majorly affect the overall fit.

While the above methods are great ways to fix holes in tights, there are even more fantastic ideas out there for ladies on the go, from other quick fixes to how to prevent snags from happening.

1. Always air dry tights. Heat from dryers can weaken and damage the elastic of your tights.
    
2. Don't store tights in wooden drawers. This is a simple way to prevent a run.
    
3. For black tights: If you're really in a pinch, you can cover up holes easily with a black marker and painter's tape. Simply color over the tape with the black marker and stick to the inside of your tights.
    
4. While this won't cover up the run, you can also run a bar of soap over the snag. It will dry out the fabric and keep the hole from tearing.
    
5. Make sure you're buying the correct size, as tights that are too small can also create tears. Most tights have height and weight suggestions on the back of the package for sizing.
    
6. One way to extend the longevity of legwear is to place them in a plastic bag and then in a freezer after purchasing. This will strengthen the fibers of the tights and overall lengthen their longevity.