in DIY + Tutorial, Sustainable Fashion, Upcycled

Mending Basics: 4 Simple Techniques to Repair Damaged Clothes

by Becky Striepe October 3, 2012, 4:00 am 3.7k Views

A split seam might feel like the end of your favorite top or skirt, but this is actually a very easy fix with a simple ladder stitch. Check out the video above showing you how a ladder stitch works, and first we have a few extra tips to make your repair invisible:

Use coordinating thread – Choose a thread color that’s as close to the color of your garment as possible. For prints, choose a dominant color in the design.
Use small stitches – Bigger stitches make the repair go faster, but doing more stitches that are smaller makes your finished product stronger and your repair less obvious.
Start and end past the tear – To make your repair stronger, begin stitching about 1/4″ before the tear in the fabric and continue 1/4″ past the end of the broken seam.

Next>> Think you know how to replace a button? This trick makes your repair sturdier and longer-lasting!

Written by Becky Striepe

My name is Becky Striepe (rhymes with “sleepy”), and I am a crafts and food writer from Atlanta, Georgia with a passion for making our planet a healthier, happier, and more compassionate place to live. My mission is to make vegan food and crafts accessible to everyone!. If you like my work, you can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.