Introduction

Our clothes work hard for us. They keep us warm and comfy, look great, and say a lot about who we are. So, when they start to show signs of all this work, don’t we owe it to them to pick up that needle and thread?

Before we get into the techniques to deploy against the signs of wear and tear, first let’s consider our mind-set. At this point, you may be feeling a bit nervous about wielding pins and needles (let alone scissors!) anywhere near your well-loved garment, and wondering whether it’s such a good idea after all. Please internalize the sentiment that any repair that extends the life of a garment by even one more wear is a major success and should be celebrated. By even attempting to make your clothes last longer, you are an active participant in the slow-fashion movement—congratulations!

Bold or subtle?

A garment repair can sit anywhere on the spectrum from “super-neat and invisible to the naked eye,” to “a glaringly obvious extension of the life of the garment.” Explore #visiblemending online to investigate and revel in the rationale of this approach. It is shared by many who like to highlight, not hide, the journey their clothes have been on.

The role that a garment plays in your wardrobe and your personal style will affect which approach you choose for a specific repair. Whatever you are aiming for, please don’t think that a mend needs to look perfect, or even vaguely neat, to be a success; but it’s a good idea to follow some basic rules for the best results.

Flex newfound skills

The techniques included in this book offer a great foundation for you to tackle most garment repairs. Over time, as issues with your clothes arise, you will get the chance to test out and become familiar with these techniques. It is likely that you’ll have great success with some, yet others might take a few tries to achieve the effect that you were hoping for.

Each repair technique in this book is suitable for a beginner. Yet, in reality, there may be a number of different ways to approach any repair job. Feel free to experiment and adapt these techniques if you wish, apply them in a different way, or even develop some of your own.

Have fun, get crafty, and be proud!

To increase the chances of successful repairs, follow these basic rules:

• Once you notice a repair is called for, do not wear the garment again until you have dealt with the problem. Don’t wash it either. Continuing to wear or washing the garment before you mend it will very likely make the issue worse and will therefore be more difficult to repair later on.
• Don’t attempt to repair a garment while wearing it. You need to lay the garment out and properly inspect the issue to be able to make the best repair possible.
• Try to repair your garment in good lighting. Dark-colored garments are particularly difficult to work on in poor or artificial light.
• If you don’t feel confident, or are trying something new, test out the technique on a scrap of fabric first. It’s OK to take your time—this is slow fashion after all.
• If the fabric is delicate, fine, fraying rapidly, or super-expensive, consider taking it to a tailor or alterations expert. It’s OK to pick your projects. When you collect the repaired garment, ask them how they approached the repair, so perhaps you can try something similar another time.