When your softest sweater gets a hole or your favorite pair of jeans starts to fray, you may feel overwhelmed with grief and think you need to get rid of them from your closet. But Kelsey Garner, sewing content creator and founder of handmade clothing line KS Garner, recommends thinking twice before letting go of your beloved apparel.
Garner told HuffPost: “My first reaction when a piece of clothing is damaged is to throw it away, but repairing it is a simple process that can keep clothes from ending up in a landfill.” Told.
Cat Walshak, owner and facilitator of Sew + Sew Studio in Philadelphia, adds that building a long-lasting wardrobe isn't just about being intentional about shopping, it's about maintaining your clothes the more you wear them. Masu.
“Whether or not a garment stands the test of time may be less about the quality of the item you purchase and more about how you care for it once you get it home,” Walshak told HuffPost. “Understand how different fabrics need to be washed to make them last longer. Address any tearing or puncturing issues early. [And] We understand how different fabrics need to be washed to last longer. ”
Anne-Marie Hereford, sewing content creator and founder of upcycled clothing line Chance by Annemarie, recommends starting by learning simple hand-sewing techniques like re-buttoning or hemming pants. . She can extend the life of her clothes by knowing a few home repair tips, but Hereford also recommends getting acquainted with a local seamstress or tailor for an additional fee. Masu. Extra longevity. “This will be a valuable relationship. They'll be able to expertly adjust and repair your clothes, so it's worth it for the clothes you plan on owning for a long time,” says Hereford. told HuffPost.
To keep your favorite pieces ready to wear for years to come, learn everything Garner, Walshak, Hereford, and other sewing experts recommend for maintaining and repairing your clothes at home. Let's analyze it in detail.
knit picker
fabric adhesive
If you're really in a hurry or need to fix a weird spot on your garment, Singleton recommends leaving some fabric glue on as well. “Fabric glue is great for quick fixes like reattaching loose seams, securing hems, and fixing small tears in fabrics that are difficult to sew,” she said.
patch, patch, patch
cloth shaver
If you wear a lot of sweaters, Garner recommends keeping a fabric shaver on hand. “The cloth shaver is one of my favorite girlfriends. It shaves the pilling off my sweater and makes it look like new,” she said.
stitch witchery
For another easy fixing method, Singleton recommends Stitch Witchery, an iron-on tape that joins two pieces of fabric together. This is great for fixing holes in shirts or for easily hemming them.
Please hand wash and air dry
Switch to wool dryer balls
Insert dye trap sheet
Upgrade your hangers with garment bags
add cedar planks
To prevent moisture, odors, and bugs from getting on your clothes, Walshak recommends using cedar wood closet accessories. These will give your clothes a gentle, fresh scent and help protect them for years to come.
sewing kit