How to Fix a Small Hole in a Down Jacket
Don’t let a tear in your beloved jacket bring you down. We’ll teach you how to patch things up so you can get back out into the cold.
Introduction
Stray branches, flyaway campfire embers and rugged terrain can have it in for your trusty down jacket. Knowing how to fix a hole in a down jacket is a good way to keep your gear in play and out of the landfill—and save some money to boot.
If your down outerwear ends up with a small hole or tear, don’t pull out any of the feathers that emerge. Instead, work the down back in and patch up the small hole for an on-the-fly down jacket repair.
It’s important to repair holes and tears as soon as possible to keep the down insulation from escaping, which can make your jacket less warm over time. Patching a down jacket with durable, strong fabric repair tape prevents feathers from leaking and ensures that the hole doesn’t grow. It’s a quick and easy fix, and the patch will stay on for years until you want to replace it. Let’s cover how to patch a down jacket so you can keep on keepin’ on.
When There’s No Hole, Just a Feather Poking Out
If there’s no hole or tear but you have part of a down feather sticking out, don’t yank it out. Doing that can cause more feathers to escape.
This is a simple repair that doesn’t require a patch. First, place your hand on the opposite side and try to pull the feather back into the garment. Then, create a little heat to close any remaining space in the fabric by rubbing your finger over the spot where the feather stuck out. You can also use a warm iron, just make sure it’s not too hot or it could melt the fabric. After that, you’re all done.
What You’ll Need to Fix a Hole: Down Jacket Repair Tools
The first step to fix a hole in a down jacket is gathering the right gear care tools. There’s no sewing required for this jacket repair. You can patch up the hole using fabric repair tape, and it’ll stay on for years even with regular washing. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Fabric repair tape: Adhesive fabric patches are designed to bond permanently to outdoor fabrics and materials. Strong, sticky and durable, Gear Aid Tenacious Tape makes the ideal repair tape for down jackets or jackets with synthetic insulation, and it’s washable just 24 hours after application for no-fuss maintenance. Repair tape works well on anything made from synthetic fabric, like waterproof shells or backpacks. Note: Gear tape will not stick to natural or stretchy fabrics.
You can also use a down jacket patch kit for convenience. Our Worn Wear Patch Kit comes with four sheets of Tenacious Tape® patches in various sizes and designs. They’re easy to peel off and place, especially when you’re traveling or deep in the backcountry. - Isopropyl alcohol: This is used to clean and prep the damaged area of your jacket, allowing the patch to stick more effectively.
- Scissors: A pair of scissors can clip off dangling threads or visible feathers when you’re cleaning up the damage. You can also use the scissors to shape your piece of fabric repair tape and round out the corners.
- Hard plastic card or spudger (optional): These tools can help you smooth out the down jacket patch and work out any air bubbles underneath. You can use any type of hard plastic card or a spudger (a screwdriver-like, handheld tool with a flat head).
- Clothing iron (optional): Applying a little heat helps the Tenacious Tape repair tape fully adhere to your jacket. The iron should be warm, but not hot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Patching a Down Jacket
Here’s how to fix a hole in a down jacket by applying a down jacket patch—it’s easy and effective.
Need Extra Help?
If you need more help, Patagonia retail stores carry the necessary supplies to patch a Patagonia® down jacket. Our staff knows their stuff. They can make minor fixes on-site, guide you through how to repair a hole in a down jacket yourself or get you started with a mail-in repair. They also carry the latest men’s and women’s down outerwear if your jacket ever reaches a point where it needs to be replaced.
