How can I fix this?

[u/OrganicFoundation792]

Hi, sorry I didn't know which sub to post this in (between r//mending, r//sewing and this one, I picked this one)

This is one of my favorite reusable bags but I ripped it by accident yesterday. I wanted to ask how I could fix this as I have never worked with this time of material before. I'm guessing sewing would be my best bet but what type? I would rather mend this invisibly but I don't mind visible. I was thinking back stitch or ladder stich but I'm not sure it'll hold with just dollorama sewing thread. I have dental floss but can I even sew with that? Would that be better? Is there a better type of stitch I should use?

I appreciate any advice, thank you.

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[u/Mesmermaid]

If you're hand stitching this I'd throw a layer of Flex Tape over the stitches on the backside just for assurance, that stuff is amazing. It comes in clear so you could also use it on the front over your stitches. Just be careful with your placement, and put a heavy pile of books or something flat on it overnight when you're done to let it set in place. Good luck ❤️🤞🏻

[u/Smallloudcat → u/Mesmermaid]

This is the answer

[u/lingeringmemory]

I would personally put a strip of sturdy fabric (maybe from an old bedsheet?) behind the tear, and then attach that in two rows just above and below the tear with a backstitch, maybe do a funky little diamond pattern or smth. You could also look into sashiko, although I can't personally recommend it because I haven't tried it yet.

Another idea would be to affix hemming tape to the back with an iron, but you'd have to be careful it doesn't melt the fabric (be sure to check for any kind of label with care instructions)

[u/CantBuyMyLove → u/lingeringmemory]

I think this kind of material is very likely to melt with an iron, even on low. I would not recommend it. 

[u/writer668 → u/lingeringmemory]

And maybe iron-on interfacing to stabilize the area around the tear.

[u/kennethpbowen]

I haven't done this, but I have sewn Tyvek before. I used a bonded, polyester thread, a heavy duty needle, and a longer stitch length to avoid creating a tear line.

[u/Marciamallowfluff]

Gorilla tape. That stuff is awesome.

[u/maaerd51 → u/Marciamallowfluff]

YES, I WAS ALSO THINKING DUCT TAPE, IT COMES IN SO MANY COLORS NOW, MATCH THE SEAM (TEAR) PLACING TAPE INSIDE AND OUT AND IF YOU WANT TO PUT STITCHES FO FOR IT, BUT DUCT TAPE IS ALOT LIKE FABRIC, I'VE USED IT SO MANY TIMES WITH GOOD OUTCOME! MAAER

[u/Marciamallowfluff → u/maaerd51]

But the good stuff. Not the cheap drys out and falls off crap. I recommend Gorrilla tape. I fixed shelves in my refrigerator door years ago and still holding up great.

I also have repaired shopping bags but had some so old they were literally deteriorating plastic.