Mending
Whether it's a well-loved item which you don't yet want to throw out, or a jumble-sale find which just needs a tweak, basic mending can add an all-important new lease of life to many garments. Much of the time, it's a new zip or other fastening which is needed, but patching or reinforcing jobs (for example on worn jeans or threadbare linings) are also quite common.
This shirt had huge sentimental value but was too snug a fit for its owner; it had a split up the back and had a tear where the button was attached.
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A similar-weight fabric was used to line the whole back panel, and attached at the seams so as to reduce strain on the shirt itself. The rip was then patched from the inside using iron-on interfacing, and the join was disguised with freehand machine embroidery, blending with the elaborate print.
The same techniques of patching and embroidery were used to strengthen the button-stand tear and disguise the mend.
The same techniques of patching and embroidery were used to strengthen the button-stand tear and disguise the mend.
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 The lining and zip on this leather bag were both broken.
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 I reinforced the edge of the lining and added a chunky, durable zip
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A burn in the sleeve of this waterproof jacket was relined with fresh wadding and disguised with a patch of similar fabric, stitched to emulate the existing design.
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A classic charity-shop find, this two-tone prom-style gown had been bought with a broken zip. Unfortunately, rather than replacing the zip its owner cut raw-edged holes up the back of the dress so as to lace it up corset-style. This was only a very short-term solution and the dress was rapidly deteriorating after just one wear. |  |
It was resurrected by not only getting a new zip but also reinforcing the cuts with interfacing and disguising them with applique flowers.
The rip in these jeans had got too wide, and their owner wanted more than just a plain patch.
His request was for "something a bit punky with the frayed bits still on", so a tartan fabric was mounted on an ordinary denim patch and allowed to show through. A wide margin was left for the raw edge to fray further with wear.
His request was for "something a bit punky with the frayed bits still on", so a tartan fabric was mounted on an ordinary denim patch and allowed to show through. A wide margin was left for the raw edge to fray further with wear.
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The crotch of these jeans was completely worn through and needed reinforcing either side of the centre back seam.
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A large semicircular patch was attached to the inside and secured with topstitching, then zig-zag stitch was used to fuse the patch to the frayed areas and prevent further deterioration. The mend was low enough not to be visible when the jeans were worn.
 after |  after |
Further examples of how badly torn trousers can be reinforced to become wearable once more.
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