Erase Old Seams – Technique

When removing old seams and hems for alterations, sometimes a mark or indentation will remain even after you steam press the fabric. 

Seam marks can be an annoying reminder of a garment’s past life. Whether you are repurposing a garment, altering it, or simply trying to give it a fresh look, old seam marks can be an eyesore. Luckily, there are several ways to erase these marks and restore your garment to its former glory. In this blog post, we will discuss how to erase old seam marks and achieve a clean and polished look.

Method 1: Ironing

One of the easiest ways to erase old seam marks is by using a steam iron. First, turn your garment inside out, and place a clean cloth over the seam marks. Then, apply the steam iron over the cloth and gently press down. The steam and heat will help to relax the fibers of the fabric, making the marks less visible.

Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol

Another effective way to erase old seam marks is by using rubbing alcohol. First, test a small, inconspicuous area of your garment to ensure that the rubbing alcohol does not damage the fabric. Then, dampen a cotton ball or a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub over the seam marks. Be sure to rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely before wearing the garment.

Method 3: Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another natural solution for erasing old seam marks. Squeeze some lemon juice onto a cotton ball or a clean cloth and rub gently over the seam marks. Be sure to rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely before wearing the garment.

Method 4: Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that can help to erase old seam marks. First, dilute the vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Then, dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently rub over the seam marks. Be sure to rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely before wearing the garment.

Method 5: OxyClean

For dark marks on white fabrics, use a OxyClean to remove the discoloration

Method 6: Sharpie Pen

For light marks on dark fabrics, use a Sharpie pen that matches the fabric to fill in the discoloration to match the rest of the fabric.