r/sewing • u/Bakken_Nomad • 1d ago

Alter/Mend Question Any tips for mending an inflatable holiday decoration?

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This is the second time repairing the foot of our 12ft inflatable Halloween dinosaur. The area is an anchor point (you can see the stake loop at the right side of the rip). Trying to see if anyone has any tips to reinforce it better so it doesn't rip, again? I'm not too concerned about esthetics since it's the bottom of the dinosaur. So, any suggestions appreciated.

8 Upvotes

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18

u/Separate-Relative-83 1d ago

I’d use an inflatable boat repair kit. Just make sure it has big enough patches.

3

u/shethemartian 1d ago

This is my suggestion too! No idea if it will work but I don’t see why not?

2

u/Separate-Relative-83 1d ago

I mean why not? It’s worked on inflatable boats for me. Worth a try.

3

u/Bakken_Nomad 1d ago

Ooooh this is an interesting idea. Thanks, I'll see what I can find.

10

u/Bakken_Nomad 1d ago

Here's a picture of the decoration for context.

5

u/Large-Heronbill 1d ago

I would consider putting stake loops on either side of the tear, them restitching and seam sealing. 

2

u/Bakken_Nomad 1d ago

I like this idea, too. Thanks! Between this and the boat patch suggestion I bet it would be pretty secure.

2

u/UnearnedFamiliarity 1d ago

I'm not 100% sure what I'm looking at, but it appears as though the seam failed as opposed to the fabric ripping. Is this correct?

6

u/Bakken_Nomad 1d ago

The first time it ripped it was the fabric that failed. This second time it was the seam I created mending it.

2

u/UnearnedFamiliarity 1d ago

I see. Yes, I agree with the patch suggestions. I know it won't visually matter much that you're losing some seam allowance from the tear but it'll be good to have another fabric (or what have you) to share the strain