How to Get a Snag Out of Polyester Shirts

Polyester comes in a variety of knits, styles and weaves, but this durable fabric has one weakness - snagging. No matter how careful you are, catching your polyester shirt on a ring or any sharp object happens. If you find a snag, resist the urge to tug at it or cut it away with scissors. This can lead to an even larger snag or a noticeable hole in your shirt. Preserve your polyester shirt by patiently working out the snag. In some cases, you may have to take your snagged garment to a professional seamstress for help.

Woman ironing a shirt (Image: thodonal/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Turn the shirt inside out and place the shirt on a flat, clean surface, such as a table or an ironing board. Smooth out the shirt with your hand, removing creases and wrinkles.

Step 2

Examine the shirt for bunching or gathering. Use your fingers to pull around the bunched area and smooth out any puckering. Locate the snagged thread.

Step 3

Poke the smallest loop of the snag with a blunt needle tip. Ease the polyester thread into shape, using the needle head to manipulate the fabric from stitch to stich. Smooth the fabric with your hands.

Step 4

Turn the garment right side out and examine the snag. Set your ironing board to the polyester -- or cool -- setting. Press the fabric to get the shirt back into tip-top shape.

Things You'll Need

• Ironing board

• Large blunt sewing needle

• Iron

Warning

Avoid wearing jewelry that can snag your polyester shirt.