Clothing Repairs
Fix buttons, seams, holes, pockets and hems so the garment goes back into your wardrobe.
Choose the right repair
Find what you see on the garment, then open the matching tutorial.
A button has fallen offSew it back with a thread shank so it sits above the cloth.The stitching has come undone but the fabric is fineRe-sew along the old stitch line.The seam on my T-shirt or leggings burst openUse a narrow zigzag or stretch stitch, not a straight one.There is a tiny hole in a shirt or fine sweaterStitch it closed from the wrong side, with a fusible backing if the fabric is thin.There is a hole in a sock or knitted jumperWeave yarn over the hole in a grid and extend onto sound knit.My pocket lining has a hole and coins fall throughPatch or restitch the pocket bag and round the corners.The corner of my pocket is ripping or thinAdd a bar tack and a backing before it tears.A belt loop has come off my jeansSew it back in a box with an X, or make a new loop.I have a straight or L-shaped tear in a shirt or trousersFuse interfacing behind it and stitch across the tear.There is a hole in my jeans I want coveredStitch a rounded denim patch over the outside.There is a hole in my jeans and I want the mend to show lessBack it from the inside and fill with rows of stitching.The hem has fallen downRefold along the old crease and blind hem or topstitch.The lining of my jacket or skirt is hanging outSlip stitch it back about 1 in (25 mm) above the garment hem.The fabric has torn right next to a seamTake a slightly deeper seam if the fit allows, or back the tear.The fabric is thin or shiny but not holed yetBack it with interfacing and stitch rows before it wears through.Jeans are wearing through at the inner thighsAdd a backing and stitch rows in the direction of the rub.The knees of my jeans have worn into a holeBack it inside, then darn across with rows of stitches.A hole is wearing through at the elbow of a sleeveDarn knits by hand; for woven sleeves, back the area and stitch rows.A seam on my coat or lined jacket has splitRestitch by hand with backstitch if you cannot get the machine inside.
Common repairs
Sew a Missing Button Back OnBeginner15 minFix a Split SeamBeginner20 minRepair a Popped Seam on Stretch FabricConfident Beginner25 minClose a Small Hole in Woven or Fine Knit FabricConfident Beginner25 minDarn a Hole in a Sweater or SockConfident Beginner40 minRepair a Torn Pocket BagConfident Beginner30 minReinforce a Worn Pocket CornerConfident Beginner15 minReattach or Replace a Belt LoopConfident Beginner30 minMend a Small Tear in Woven FabricConfident Beginner30 minPatch Jeans With an Outside PatchConfident Beginner45 minMend a Hole in Denim From the InsideIntermediate45 minFix a Loose or Fallen HemBeginner25 minReattach a Loose LiningConfident Beginner25 minMend a Small Tear Near a SeamIntermediate40 minReinforce Areas Prone to WearConfident Beginner35 min