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If you are a beginner sewer, one of the most helpful skills you can learn is how to fix your clothing and other fabrics when they need a little TLC. From fixing a hem to patching up a hole, knowing how to repair your clothes can save you time and money while helping you extend the life of your garments. Here are 15 essential sewing repairs that every beginner should know

Hemming Pants or Skirts

If your pants or skirts that are too long or too short, the solution is to shorten or lengthen a garment, measure the desired length, fold up the excess fabric and sew a straight stitch along the edge. Use a hand stitched or machine stitched hem for a polished look.

Fixing a Torn Seam

When a seam has come apart, the solution is to turn the garment inside out and re-sew the seam. Pin the fabric together and stitch over the broken seam using a backstitch for extra strength. You can reinforce it with a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.

Replacing a Zipper

Photo Credit: Kateryna_Maksymenko/Envato

When a zipper is broken or stuck, the solution is to remove the old zipper carefully using a seam ripper. Then, sew in a new zipper by pinning it in place and stitching along the edges. Be sure to sew slowly and carefully to ensure the zipper works smoothly.

Patching a Hole

When there is a hole in the fabric or garment, the solution is to cut a piece of matching fabric or use a patch. Pin the patch over the hole and sew around the edges to secure it in place. You can use a zigzag stitch or straight stitch, depending on the look you are going for.

Fixing Loose Buttons

When a button has come off or is loose, the solution is to thread a needle with matching thread and sew the button back on. Use a crisscross stitching pattern and make sure to reinforce the button with several layers of thread to ensure it stays put.

Repairing a Rip in a Sleeve

When there is a tear or rip in the sleeve, the solution is to align the edges of the tear and pin them in place. Then, sew over the tear with a straight stitch and reinforce it with a zigzag stitch for extra durability.

Fixing Frayed Edges

When fabric edges are fraying or unraveling, the solution is to use a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch (serger) along the raw edges to prevent further fraying. Alternatively, you can apply fray check or sew a rolled hem.

Fixing a Snag

When there is loose thread or snag in knit or delicate fabric, the solution is to gently pull the snag to the back of the fabric and stitch over it with a small, discreet stitch. Alternatively, you can use fabric glue or fusible bonding tape to secure it if you are not ready to sew.

Fixing a Torn Pocket

When the pocket has torn or come undone, the solution is to align the edges of the pocket and sew them back in place with a straight stitch. Be sure to reinforce the stitching where the pocket meets the seam to prevent it from tearing again.

Adjusting a Collar

A collar that’s loose or out of shape. If the collar has come undone or is too floppy, reinforce it by stitching along the collar edges. You can also add a little fusible interfacing for extra structure and durability.

Repairing a Stretched Waistband

When a waistband is stretched out of shape or too loose. If the elastic waistband has lost its stretch, replace the old elastic by unpicking the waistband, inserting new elastic and sewing it back into place. Adjust the length of the elastic as needed.

Fixing a Missing Hook-and-Eye

When the hook and eye closure on a dress, skirt or blouse has fallen off. Attach a new hook and eye by sewing it securely onto the fabric. Be sure to align it properly with the corresponding piece and reinforce it with small stitches to keep it in place.

Mending a Sweater with a Hole

When there is a hole in your knit sweater or other knitted fabric. Use a darning needle to weave matching yarn through the hole, following the knit pattern. Gently pull the yarn through until the hole is covered and the fabric is reinforced.

Replacing a Drawstring

When the drawstring on pants, a hoodie or a bag has broken. Use a safety pin to thread a new drawstring through the casing. Once the new string is in place, tie a knot at both ends to prevent it from slipping out.

Fixing a Loose Sequin or Bead

When a sequin, bead or embellishment has come loose. Thread a fine needle with matching thread and carefully sew the embellishment back into place. Reinforce it by making a few stitches through the fabric and embellishment to ensure it stays secure.

With these 15 simple and practical sewing repairs, you will feel empowered to fix almost any minor issue that comes up with your garments. Whether you need to replace a zipper or repair a tear, mastering these basics will save you time, money and frustration. Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process, take your time and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own repairs!

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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Read it here:15 Pro-Level Sewing And Fashion Tricks To Elevate Your Wardrobe

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Read it here: Sew Smarter Not Harder, 15 Genius Shortcuts to Slash Your Stitching Time

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Read it here: 13 Sewing Mistakes Every Beginner Makes and How to Fix Them Fast

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