Even with the best of care, your clothes will fray and rip from time to time. It’s tempting to throw them away and buy a new one but you could repair the garment and extend its life. Garment repair is a cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative to purchasing new clothing.

With the right skills and techniques, you can mend tears, fix broken zippers, and add a personalised touch to your favorite pieces. Whether you are a beginner or an expert sewist, this article will help you learn more about the different types of clothing repair and how to do them yourself.

The Importance of Garment Repair

A lot of work goes into the manufacturing and selling of clothing, which is why a good return on investment is important to most consumers. It’s difficult to maintain a positive ROI on clothes if they rip or tear within a week of purchase. That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to mend your clothes and extend their lives.

Keeping Up With Trends

It’s no secret that fashion trends come and go, and often it’s more convenient to purchase new clothing than to try and rework old ones. But if you invest the time in learning how to mend your own clothing, you can save money and stay up-to-date with current fashion trends without constantly purchasing new clothes.

Clothes that are well-maintained last longer, and looking a little worn lends them more character than pristinely-sewn clothing. This, in turn, gives us a better sense of attachment to our clothes and prevents us from giving into fast-fashion trends.

Learning about garment repair is also a great way to give back and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. Many brands now offer their own mending services, such as Nudie Jeans and Barbour, which both provide free repairs on jeans and jackets respectively. Embracing the process of garment repair is a step towards a more sustainable future in which we value quality over quantity.

The Different Types of Clothing Repair

There are a few common ways to repair your clothing, including stitching, gluing and patching. Stitching is the most common technique used to repair holes or tears in fabric. It’s an easy and quick method that requires only thread and a needle. There are a variety of methods for hand stitching, with the most popular being running stitches, blanket stitches, and backstitching.

Gluing is another simple method for repairing torn fabrics, though it’s not as strong and durable as sewing. This is best for quick fixes, such as repairing costumes before wearing them. Glue isn’t recommended for high-quality, heirloom pieces or clothing that will be washed and worn frequently.

Darning is a more intricate weaving technique that can be used to repair holes in woven garments, like sweaters and socks. It involves interweaving rows of thread to cover the damaged areas, and can be used in a wide range of colors, from subtle to more conspicuous.