Mesh netting fabric is used in camping gear and equipment and a multitude of totes, backpacks and other items where ever fabric needs to breathe or air dry quickly. Mesh netting is also used to protect from people and things from insects. Small holes and rips measuring under three inches in length, width or diameter are quickly repaired with adhesive mesh netting patches or tape. Larger repairs measuring from three to 12 inches requires sewing and then reinforcement with adhesive mesh netting patches or tapes for extra strength.
Small Repairs
Video of the Day
Step 1
Clean the edges of the hole or rip with an alcohol-saturated cotton ball or pad. Allow the alcohol to dry.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Cut two adhesive mesh netting patches or pieces of mesh netting tape so they measure 1/4-inch wider and longer than the rip or hole. Round any edges on square or rectangular cut patches/tape. Remove the paper or plastic backing from one patch.
Step 3
Place your hand or a flat item such as a book, folder or wood board, behind the rip or hole. Center and press one patch or tape over the damaged area. Rub it vigorously to create a firm bond between the adhesive and the mesh netting.
Step 4
Place the flat object or your hand against the newly repaired side of the mesh hole/rip. Remove the backing from the other adhesive patch or use the other piece of mesh netting tape. Center and press the remaining patch/tape over the opposite side of the rip/hole. Rub firmly to encourage the adhesive to bond with the mesh netting fabric.
Large Repairs
Step 1
Clean the edges of the hole or rip with an alcohol-saturated cotton ball or pad. Allow the alcohol to dry.
Step 2
Thread a sewing needle with nylon thread if the mesh netting fabric is nylon or polyester thread if the netting is polyester. If in doubt, use polyester thread as nylon thread may damage polyester. Knot the thread end.
Step 3
Hold the edges of the hole or rip together. Sew the edges together tightly.
Step 4
Cut two pieces of adhesive mesh netting tape or patch so they are about one inch wider and longer than the rip or hole.
Step 5
Place a flat object against one side of the sewn rip or hole. Remove the backing from one adhesive patch or ready the tape. Center and press the adhesive side to the sewn rip/hole. Rub vigorously to encourage a bond between the adhesive and the mesh netting. Repeat for the opposite side of the sewn rip/hole.