General Mends

For those who have got used to mending or who have a particular problem, general mends look at common mending problems with practical solutions. Scan down the options, and select what looks most like your garment challenge. Clothing is individual, and rarely are two garments the same – but ideas and techniques apply across different items.
From socks to elbow holes, and jacket seam splits to shoes, there are plenty of ideas and tips here so enjoy watching and learning.

 Mending Jeans

Mending Tears in Jeans

Follow this sewing tutorial to mend the crouch of worn-out jeans. No sewing machine is needed.

Shasiko Visible Patches on Jeans

You can use patching on any woven clothes and enjoy being a bit more expressive.

Creative Frayed Hem Mend

How to hem frayed edges on jeans? Watch and learn. If you want to try visible mending on jeans, this video gives some simple ideas for what to do with frayed hems.

Shasiko Decorative Mend on Jeans

In this method the stitches are visible, and they can be very decorative if you want to do a creative visible mend. Here we have stuck to simple stitches for a functional workwear look. 

Decorating Jeans with Simple Embroidery Stitches

Just a few different stitches can be used in any way you want. Here are 5 techniques to decorate a pair of repaired jeans – it helps blend in the mend, without being too ‘loud’. Learn embroidery stitches here.

How to fix ripped pocket on jeans by hand

A simple fix combining elements of backstitch and herringbone stitch gives the flexibility needed for the area – and takes less than 10 minutes for both pockets.

 Mending Knitwear

Mending small holes in jumpers

Often caused by moths or a pulled thread.  Most holes can be closed and almost invisible.

Mending knitwear collars

When the collar separates from the knitwear it can be fixed easily. You just need a sharp needle and similar colour thread.

Mending underarm holes in knitwear

Mending underarm holes can be particularly awkward due to the construction – watch this tutorial and learn to easily mend them.

Mending holes in socks

Whip stitch holds fabric together without a heavy seam that rubs the toes and causes discomfort – watch this tutorial for a quick walk-through. If done with matching colour thread it will barely be visible.

Patching elbow on fine knitwear

No elbows on the table jumper? This tutorial shows how to reinforce the elbow and embroider using chain stitch.

Creative Mending – Elbow Patches

Snowflake mend… or a spider’s web? Either way, it creates an attractive cover for a hole, as well as reinforcing the fabric around it.

Reshaping knitwear sleeves

This tutorial teaches you how to shorten sleeves on fine knitwear while giving it a creative new look.

Mend a cuff on knitwear

How to repair rib and cuffs on sweaters, jumpers and sweatshirts. Any ribbed garment can be repaired using this technique

How to move rib on knitwear

This was a dress, now it’s a much worn cropped jumper and it cost £1 plus my time to change it to something useful.

Mending knitted joggers

Great knitted joggers but a large hole in the knee. Watch the video to learn about handling different fabrics and wise solutions.

Patching T-shirts

Using a well-placed patch to cover a gap can be a great creative solution, and much better than drawing edges together.

Upcycling a shrunk jumper

This simple fix required only scissors and basic blanket stitch. No sewing machine, and no sewing expertise needed.

Split Seams

Gathering, a real mend

Gathering is simple to fix, watch and see.

Ladder stitch, a real mend

Genuine drama where a jacket was saved! Watch and learn.

A Skirt Saved With Ladder Stitch

 

Backstitch, a real mend

Backstitch in action on a long mend, saved good garments.

Backstitch in action on a long mend, saved good garments.

Herringbone, a real mend

Herringbone in action for mending hems.

Herringbone in action for mending hems.

Mending a tear in waistband

 

Fixing trousers seam

Patching

Mending a tear in waistband

 

Patching T-shirts

 

Mend with visible patches

This video shows a basic patching technique useful for many items.  A running stitch through both layers is perfect for fabric which does not require stretch.

Sashiko decorative mend on jeans

In this method the stitches are visible, and they can be very decorative if you want to do a creative visible mend. Here we have stuck to simple stitches for a functional workwear look. 

Sportswear & Shoes

Mending a rip in a cycling jacket

Sports fabrics are hardwearing and great for purpose but are mostly synthetic, which makes mending and keeping them in use even more important as they won’t biodegrade once you’re done with them!

Visible Mending – Sport Shoes No.1

It’s possible to mend sports shoes easily, visibly but proudly. Take the time to watch this, opens up possibilities. An expensive pair of Scarpa summer walking boots are saved for many more seasons by chain stitch.

Mending waterproof jackets with nylon tape

Sewing through waterproof outdoor jackets is not good, it tears the waterproof membrane, but using a patch and replacing it when necessary will keep your stuff in use – and that’s the aim.

Mending sports leggings

Mending running shoes

Coats & Jackets

Fix a split in a down jacket 

Ladder stitch, a real mend

Genuine drama where a jacket was saved! Watch and learn.

Mending a rip in a cycling jacket

Sports fabrics are hardwearing and great for purpose but are mostly synthetic, which makes mending and keeping them in use even more important as they won’t biodegrade once you’re done with them!

Mending waterproof jacket with nylon tape