Revive Your Wardrobe: Expert Tips for Mending and Maintaining Clothes
When a cherished sweater develops a hole or your go-to jeans begin to fray, the instinct might be to discard them. However, sewing professionals urge a different approach: repair and preserve. Kelsey Garner, a sewing content creator and founder of the handmade clothing line K.S. Garner, emphasizes that mending is a simple yet impactful way to keep garments out of landfills. "The initial reaction to a damaged garment is to toss it out, but mending is an easy task and prevents clothing from entering the landfill," Garner told HuffPost.
Building a Lasting Wardrobe Through Care
Cat Walshak, owner and facilitator of Sew + Sew Studio in Philadelphia, highlights that a durable wardrobe isn't just about buying quality items but also about ongoing maintenance. "Withstanding the test of time might be less about the quality of the garments bought versus how they are cared for once you get them home," Walshak explained. She advises understanding fabric-specific laundering needs and addressing tears promptly to ensure longevity.
Annemarie Hereford, a sewing content creator and founder of the upcycling clothing line Chance by Annemarie, recommends starting with basic hand-sewing techniques, such as reattaching buttons or hemming pants. For more complex repairs, she suggests building a relationship with a local seamstress or tailor. "This will be a valuable relationship. They will be able to masterfully adjust and repair your garments, which is totally worth it for pieces that you plan to have for a long time," Hereford said.
Essential Tools for Home Clothing Repairs
To help you maintain and fix clothes at home, Garner, Walshak, Hereford, and other experts recommend the following tools and practices:
- Knit Picker: Garner suggests using a knit picker to fix snags in knitwear. This tool features a tiny latch hook that pulls snags through the fabric, restoring the garment's appearance.
- Sewing Kit: A basic sewing kit is crucial for easy repairs. Walshak notes that most issues can be resolved with a needle and thread, and dental floss can serve as a substitute in a pinch. Stella Singleton, owner of Needles & Bolts in Philadelphia, recommends kits containing needles, thread in various colors, small scissors, safety pins, and a seam ripper. Travel-sized kits are handy for on-the-go fixes.
- Fabric Glue: For quick repairs in awkward spots, Singleton recommends fabric glue. It's ideal for reattaching loose seams, securing hems, or fixing small tears where sewing isn't practical.
- Stitch Witchery: This iron-on tape bonds fabric pieces together, making it useful for patching holes or hemming quickly.
- Fabric Shaver: Garner advises using a fabric shaver to remove pilling from sweaters, giving them a renewed look.
- Patches: Emily Coleman, studio director of Butcher's Sew Shop in Philadelphia, stresses that patching thinning material early prevents holes from worsening. Paul Chevallier, founder of Toofbush, adds that iron-on patches can stop wear from spreading. Both experts encourage visible mending as a creative way to personalize garments.
Best Practices for Garment Care
Proper care extends clothing life significantly. Garner, Singleton, and Chevallier all caution against overwashing, which can break down fabrics. Recommendations include:
- Hand Washing and Air Drying: Use gentle soap for hand washing and spot-clean stains when possible. Hereford compares dryers to a mosh pit, noting that air-drying dramatically increases garment lifespan.
- Wool Dryer Balls: Replace fabric softeners or dryer sheets with wool dryer balls to reduce static, soften clothes, and speed drying. Singleton suggests adding essential oils for fragrance.
- Dye-Trapping Sheets: Use Shout ColorCatcher sheets in the wash to prevent color bleeding, especially with bright or dark garments.
- Storage Solutions: Store clothes in cool, dry places away from sunlight. Use breathable cotton bags and padded hangers to prevent damage. Walshak recommends cedar planks to ward off moisture and pests.
By adopting these mending techniques and care habits, you can keep your favorite items wearable for years, reducing waste and embracing sustainable fashion.
