Make your clothes go further with some easy hacks for mending old threads. No sewing machine required!
The bigger issue: read more about fast fashion.
Repair a hole
Cinderella Sew demonstrates how to sew up a hole on a seam (she has another video for holes not on a seam). By using a simple stitch to close the hole and a back stitch along the seam to secure it, you can mend your clothes in just a couple of minutes.
Sew a patch by hand
Alicia from One Army explains how to cover a hole with a fabric patch. This is an easy, step-by-step guide for people who need a bit of help navigating at-home repairs. She patches the hole from the inside, using a simple running stitch and a double-loop to finish. Her quick tip: don’t pull the stitches too tight as the patch can shrink and deform in the wash.
Cover jean tears
This video from 5-Minute Crafts shows you how to sew across a tear in your jeans – the results look purposefully distressed and it’ll help prevent the hole getting tatty around the edges or tearing further.
Tie-dye stained or faded fabric
This video by Shmoxd is a fun experiment in making natural dyes from fruits and vegetables – the results are pretty impressive (though it’s not clear how well the effects will last with washing and frequent use).
