Curated by ITF - Issue 8
An Introduction to Garment Repair
An Introduction to Garment Repair is full of tips, tutorials and inspiration that will get you excited to mend! We get started with the basics by showing you a host of hand sewing techniques that have a range of applications and then step things up a notch, with patching, repairing rips and tears, darning (on both woven and knits) and embroidery techniques that can be used to cover imperfections, holes or stains.
Each tutorial outlines when the technique can be used and is paired with step-by-step photographs so you will feel confident and supported as you learn these new techniques. Renee has also thrown in so many amazing tips and tricks, learned from countless repairs and many hours teaching others, that will leave you feeling like a mending expert by the time you get to the end!
This is a PDF product that you can access digitally or print at home.
Please note: This product can only be purchased by Current Curated by ITF subscribers. If you would like to sign-up you can do so here.
What you'll learn from this project
Through An Introduction to Garment Repair we introduce you to the ideas and concepts that are central to garment repair through the use of a sampler (a piece of fabric where you can practice all your new stitches and techniques). You can work along with us on your sampler or jump straight in and tackle your mending pile.
Through sewing a sampler (or applying the techniques to your mending pile) and working through the guide, you will learn the following skills:
- The value of garment repair
- The importance of letting go of perfection on your mending journey
- How to create a sampler
- Basic hand stitches for garment repair
- More advanced stitches for garment repair
- Different patching applications
- Darning (both knits and woven)
- Embroidery stitches that can be used to create visible mends or cover stains, holes or discoloured fabrics
- Considerations when sewing your own garments so you won't need to mend them as often
Mending Kit
As a garment sewist, chances are you will already have some of the tools on hand to create your mending kit. Even if you don’t, most of the recommended items are easy and inexpensive to find. We recommend not going overboard with gathering supplies. A mending kit (like a sewing kit) is something you can build on over time.
A basic mending kit / items you’ll need to complete the mending sampler:
- Sewing machine with straight stitch (only used in sampler preparation)
- Hand sewing needles in a few different sizes
- Sewing thread - use what you have, but you can experiment with universal sewing thread, embroidery thread, sashiko thread and perle cotton.
- Safety pins
- Ruler
- Fabric marker / chalk / erasable fabric pen
- Small scissors
- Natural woven fabric for sampler
- Small pieces of denim / cotton / linen for patches
- Embroidery hoop
Video links
An Introduction to Garment Repair includes a number of links to videos if you prefer to see the mending techniques in action.
Mighty Networks community
By purchasing this issue you will gain access to the extra resources we shared in our online community group when we released the project. This means that you will be able to ask questions, share your makes and connect with other makers who are also on a mission to learn new skills and sew clothing in a slow and conscious way.
Difficulty
An Introduction to Garment repair can be enjoyed by anyone of any sewing level. It is aimed at beginners and for the more advanced you will be able to take these skills and push them as far as you like.
By working through this resource, you will gain confidence in: pairing the right repair technique to the right application, hand sewing, darning, patching, repairing rips and tears and embroidery.
DIGITAL PRODUCT DETAILS
The Slow Sewing Planner is a digital product so you can use the PDF over and over. Print the whole booklet or just the exercises you would like to work on. It's up to you!
The planner is suitable for printing on both A4 and US letter sized paper.
Print at home planner: 50 pages.
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