Tuesday Top Five: What's The Stitch?
Jan. 14th, 2025 05:26 pmI mend and upcycle a lot of my own clothes, and often do the same for family and friends as gifts. Although I’ve tried several times to learn sewing machine fundamentals, I’ve never quite managed to get the hang of them, so I stick to hand sewing. (During the COVID lockdown, I measured a cut a lot of fabric for mask makers.) Here are some of my favorite materials and techniques, in no particular order.
1. Patching. This is also a great way to use up my fabric scraps.
2. Embroidery. I often use embroidery floss to repair holes in fabric, whether on its own to create a design, to affix a patch of new fabric, or to close a ripped seam.
3. Buttons. These can cover small holes, stains, or patches of discoloration.
4. Darning. This technique has saved me from having to throw out my socks when holes develop in the heels!
5. Replacing worn elastic with drawstrings. I've salvaged a skirt and a pair of pajama pants this way!
If you're interested in mending/upcycling, I can't recommend the Wasteless Crafts tumblr enough!
1. Patching. This is also a great way to use up my fabric scraps.
2. Embroidery. I often use embroidery floss to repair holes in fabric, whether on its own to create a design, to affix a patch of new fabric, or to close a ripped seam.
3. Buttons. These can cover small holes, stains, or patches of discoloration.
4. Darning. This technique has saved me from having to throw out my socks when holes develop in the heels!
5. Replacing worn elastic with drawstrings. I've salvaged a skirt and a pair of pajama pants this way!
If you're interested in mending/upcycling, I can't recommend the Wasteless Crafts tumblr enough!