Calling All Seamstresses and Crafty moms...how Do You Deal with Scratchy Fabrics

Updated on August 29, 2017
S.L. asks from Arvada, CO
9 answers

My dd just spent a fortune on cheer uniforms, but the armpits are extremely rough and give her sores when she wears the vest (shell) without a shirt under it (in hot weather they wear sleeveless). Anyway, how can I help smooth over rough fabrics? We tried clear packing tape, but it bunches up and comes off. Any suggestions?

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So What Happened?

Thanks for the suggestions, I found something called, Gorilla repair tape. It's made to adhere to rough surfaces (it's used to repair tents, etc). But it seems to stick to the uniform and it comes in clear. I tried it on one of my blouses. It doesn't come off like packing tape. It's almost like a clear ziploc bag, but on a roll of tape. A cami wouldn't work because the rough spot is on the armpit and even further down under the arm. I think we might be able to put this all the way down the side seam.

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M.G.

answers from Portland on

We had a halloween costume like this - that had to be worn multiple times, to multiple parties, etc.
I ended up getting one of those little camisole (stretchy) tops to go underneath. You can get very short ones (almost like crop tops) that are very thin and not noticeable under sleeveless garments.

The only other thing I could think of would be to sew a thin strip of matching satin ribbon (or something that would go) just under the armpit area so it doesn't chafe.

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

I'm seconding Margie's ideas.

T.D.

answers from Springfield on

i second stitching a ribbon of smooth soft matching color fabric to the underarm area.
a camisole might not work if its the armpit thats chafing. and stitching something there might help better.

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M.R.

answers from Washington DC on

Came to this question late since we were gone, but seeing your idea about the tape, I wanted to note that tape is going to leave residue inside uniform over time, and that residue could create issues (discoloration, pilling on the fabric) when you wash the uniform (or when you get it dry-cleaned). And your daughter may sweat more where the tape touches her skin, or even get rashes from having the tape itself next to her skin, especially if there is latex or other substances in the tape to which she might be sensitive.

I understand why she can't wear a separate camisole under her uniform top, but I recommend that you either find a fabric to use as a lining and hand-sew it in place, or you get a camisole and basically sew the camisole into the top as a lining so it doesn't show. Cut off thicker portions like the hems around the armpits of the cami. You can cut the stitches and remove the lining when it's time to clean the uniform if you need to.

I have had to do similar things to dance costumes for my teen and have had to improvise linings like this.

One other thought about using tape -- tape will not really flex and move with your daughter's body the way that a soft, flexible fabric will. She might find that the tape would affect her movement, especially if it's wide enough really to cover seams etc. I'd really go with sewing in a simple, inexpensive camisole so it does not show but covers the entire inside of the top. Don't be afraid to cut it as needed, and get several so you have replacement linings ready. I would go with a cotton or mostly-cotton fabric so it breathes a little and doesn't make her sweat too much.

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N.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Get some thicker fabric that is soft. Sew it by hand to the underneath side of the top. To cover the seams. Talk to the cheer coach. They should have someone that does alterations for the cheer team that could take a look at it too. Her seams might be defective and they could switch out her top with another that isn't so rough.

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N.H.

answers from Peoria on

is it dry clean only or machine washable?? If machine washable, a good fabric softer may help. I would either sew a matching, softer fabric in that area on the uniform or contact a dry cleaner & ask if they recommend anything, good luck!

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

How about buying an iron on patch for under the arm pit.

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N.K.

answers from Miami on

Yup, what Margie said has worked for my daughter for years. We remove tags, first of all, since these can cause frequent scratching. After that, one of those tank top camisoles serves as a layer to protect the skin from the outfit. You could try a thin, fitted undershirt or crop top since you need material in the armpit area. Maybe a flesh-colored fitted shirt could work, so if any part is exposed, it's not obvious due to the color, and it won't get all bunched up and make her look bulky if it's fitted.

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