Keep your clothes in tip-top shape with simple repairs and alterations.
Repairs
| Stiching a hole | | Stiching a hole | <div class="ExternalClassEAB8E7C5308C43308F77158C7909111E"><p>It’s best to stitch up holes in your clothes right away so they don’t get worse. <br></p></div> | | | 788738175 |
| Repairing a loose hem | | Repairing a loose hem | <div class="ExternalClass58A6C150F4254596BEE8690C68C09069"><p>Learn how to repair a loose hem on skirts, dresses, or trousers. <br></p>
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| Sewing a button on pants | | Sewing a button on pants | <div class="ExternalClassDB15A466EE4D4546A7F0FD09CF2FE3C0"><p>If you don’t have the missing button or a spare, find one at a fabric store. Make sure it’s roughly as thick and wide as the former and the thread matches the colour of your garment. <br></p></div> | | | 788738113 |
| Sewing a button on a shirt | | Sewing a button on a shirt | <div class="ExternalClass0C6BCD4FC12249A5AD8B878698960C66"><p>If you don't have the missing button or a spare, find one at a fabric store. Make sure it's roughly as thick and wide as the former and the thread matches the colour of your garment. <br></p></div> | | | 788738141 |
| Replacing a drawstring | | Replacing a drawstring | <div class="ExternalClass476215922F8441739CF7B3040021CC79"><p>When the drawstring pulls out of your hoodie or sweatpants, it can be frustrating, but there’s a simple technique to get it back in place.<br></p></div> | | | 788738086 |
| Patching a small hole | | Patching a small hole | <div class="ExternalClassCEA6FCE5D4C14EF0AEAB9B16A3643D7A"><p>It’s best to patch up holes in your clothes right away so they don’t get worse.<br></p></div> | | | 788737978 |
| Repairing a torn seam | | Repairing a torn seam | <div class="ExternalClass0BD9E09753E24706A531012D757AD219"><p>No need to toss your favourite shirt or pair of pants due to a split seam. <br></p></div> | | | 788738066 |
| Darning a sock | | Darning a sock | <div class="ExternalClass180765644AD54F708C9EEDFE2EE56ACE"><p>There are few things more certain in life than the fact that socks develop holes overtime. Before you move on to the next pair, give your otherwise perfectly good socks a second.<br></p></div> | | | 788737794 |
No-sew repairs
Do the words “sewing” or “needle and thread” completely freak you out? Some clothing repairs can be done with no-sew options that will bind fabrics, such as fusible tape or adhesive. These can be found at most fabric, craft or major department stores.
Alterations
Making alterations to your existing wardrobe is a great alternative to simply donating a garment because it doesn’t fit or you no longer think it’s fashionable.
Here’s a list of alterations that can be done at home, or for a fee from your dry cleaner or tailor.
| Dresses and skirts | | Dresses and skirts | <div class="ExternalClass788FAC5A4A6B4CA7ACDE603FFE2BE51B"><p>Just like shirts, as skirt or a dress can easily be shortened or lengthened with some minor alterations. They can also be taken in or let out.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/repair-and-rewear/PublishingImages/hemming.jpg, Dresses and skirts
https://metrovancouver.org/repair-and-rewear/PublishingImages/hemming.jpg | |
| Shirts | | Shirts | <div class="ExternalClass8AB9AC6A322F465E96A3B6AE5410835E"><p>Have a shirt that's too long? Try shortening it a half inch or adding a shirttail hem to give it a more interesting shape. Shirts that are too large can also be taken in at the sides if they have a straight seam.<br></p></div> | | https://metrovancouver.org/repair-and-rewear/PublishingImages/sewing-shirt.jpg, Sewing Shirt
https://metrovancouver.org/repair-and-rewear/PublishingImages/sewing-shirt.jpg | |
| Pants | | Pants | <div class="ExternalClassF6100A292FA94D529E144B67A90C25E5"><p>Many of us struggle to find pants that fit properly that are also the right length. <br></p><p>Jeans or pants too small or too big? A minor alteration can take the waist out or bring it in a few sizes. Turn a boot cut jean into skinny jeans, or taper the pant legs to make them more stylin'. <br></p></div> | | | 788737944 |