Caring for and repairing clothing is important so that our textiles stay beautiful and last us a long time. Here, you’ll find out which tools you need and how Repair & Care works.
The most important things at a glance
- In this guide, you will learn how to repair and care for your own clothing
- We discuss why it is important to properly care for textiles and everyday objects
- You will get to know various tools for the care and repair of clothing and textiles
- And you can see how they are used
- For many of the helpers shown, you don't even need a sewing machine
Why should I repair and care for my clothing myself?
In a world where fast fashion and a throwaway mentality often set the tone, you might ask yourself: Why should I care for and repair my clothing and textiles myself?
We must realize that clothing is a precious raw material that deserves to be valued. Repair & Care makes an invaluable contribution here. Many of the environmental damages we now have to live with are due to the textile industry and our partially irresponsible handling of textiles.
By repairing clothing and wearing it longer, you make a valuable contribution to protecting our environment and reducing unnecessary consumption. But it’s about more than just environmental protection: Slow Fashion also means giving your wardrobe a personal touch and preserving favorite pieces.
Through DIY projects like recycling, upcycling, or creative repairs, such as the trendy "Visible Mending," you can spruce up and individualize your clothing. In doing so, you not only foster your creative streak but also do something good for your mental health – nothing is more relaxing than working with your own hands and making old things shine again. Additionally, social media platforms provide a great stage to show off your projects and exchange ideas with like-minded people.
With a few simple tricks and guides, you can learn how to care for and save your clothes. This way, you conserve resources while creating new favorite pieces. Together, we can take a stand against the throwaway society and handle materials and tools consciously – for a more sustainable lifestyle that protects not only us but also nature.
Repair/Sewing
To get started, we'll take a look at a few common everyday textile repairs. For most, there are very simple solutions – and for many of them, you don't even need a sewing machine. Let's get started!
How can I repair a broken zipper pull?
Sometimes the eyelet on purchased zippers gets bent. Or the metal becomes damaged due to wear, washing, or use, and the pull simply breaks off. Annoying. Because then you can no longer open and close the zipper properly. But there is a solution: Fashion Zipper.
Here's how it's done: The zipper pull has a small carabiner. This is opened with slight pressure and hooked into the zipper.
Then simply close the carabiner and enjoy your working zipper again.
Especially cool: Thanks to the carabiner closure, the zipper pulls (which come in brilliantly beautiful varieties!) can be swapped out again and again. Incidentally, the pulls fit both clothing and bags.
Did you know that Prym has its own webshop? You can find it here:
Sabine
To the Prym handicraft shop*
How can I sew on a button?
Sewing on buttons is one of the easiest exercises of all. In our "Sewing on a button" guide, my colleague Dorthe shows you how it works. However, it is much more difficult to always find the matching sewing thread for the fabric to which the button is to be attached. There's a great solution for this: the thread braid!
Here's how it's done: Grab the stray button and the needle from the package (yes, it's included, as is the threader).
Unfold the thread braid, pick out the matching thread color, and carefully pull the thread out of the braid.
Now you can sew on the button following Dorthe's instructions. :)
Especially cool: The threads of the braid are so ingeniously interconnected that you can easily pull any thread out of the braid from the end without the rest of the braid coming apart or tangling.
How can I replace stretched-out cords, elastics, and ribbons?
We all know it: through washing and wearing, cords, waist elastics, and ribbons become loose, brittle, and simply don't hold our clothing as they should. But throwing away a favorite piece just like that? Out of the question! There is only one solution: a quick replacement of the band. And that is very easy with a bodkin for threading cords.
Here's how it's done: Open the waistband seam a little bit so you can pull out the loose elastic. Grab the new band, thread it first into the front and then into the back opening of the bodkin.
Now the band is held securely and can be drawn into the waistband.
Finally, just sew the ends together and close the threading opening. Yay!
How can I patch holes in clothes?
Sometimes it's just a tiny hole that suddenly makes a favorite sweater or pants unwearable. Of course, there are many cool ways to repair these holes (which you should definitely do, so that a small hole doesn't become a big one).
A particularly easy solution is appliqués for ironing on and/or sewing on. Yes, okay, one quickly reaches for the iron, maybe not so much for the sewing machine. The beautiful appliqués from Prym have a plastic layer on the back. Under ironing heat, the layer melts and bonds firmly with the textile.
Here's how it's done: Iron the appliqué onto the desired spot and let the fabric cool down.
Sewing it on by hand or with a sewing machine increases durability.
How can I repair worn-out spots?
Worn-out spots on knees and elbows are annoying – but no drama. Because for exactly that, there are beautiful, large patches for ironing and sewing on, available in many colors and in the most diverse materials. You can select them to match your respective project.
Here's how it's done: The patches made of imitation suede, denim, or corduroy are provided with an adhesive layer. They are simply ironed onto the textile.
At the pre-punched holes, the patch is then sewn on. This increases durability and can look really stylish.
Tip: When sewing it on, you can work with a great contrasting thread to achieve an additional effect.
Extra tip: To protect your clothing, you can also sew on the patches immediately upon purchase or when sewing them yourself.
How can I patch cotton fabric and jeans?
Oh dear, a hole in your one true pair of jeans? Such a tear or a worn-out spot happens fast. But the mishap is just as quickly eliminated. Namely, with adhesive patches.
Here's how it's done: You can iron the patches on either the right or the wrong side of the fabric.
Areas that are soon to become threadbare can also be reinforced before the fabric really develops tears or holes.
The patches are available in different materials and colors – matching the respective garment. It is always worth comparing here to get the most inconspicuous (or, if desired, sticking to the keyword "Visible Mending," conspicuous) result).
How can I repair waterproof clothing?
Nylon fabrics, such as those found in rain jackets or functional clothing, are often a special challenge when repairing. Because the patched spot should subsequently be waterproof again. For this, there is a clever solution: adhesive patches made of nylon.
They are particularly well-suited for textiles made of polyamide, nylon, or functional fabrics. What's cool is that you can also provide extra safety with reflective adhesive patches.
Here's how it's done: Simply cut a matching piece of the patch fabric, peel off the backing paper, and stick the patch onto the spot you want to repair.
Important: The fabric should be clean, dry, and free of grease so that the patch adheres well.
The adhesive nylon patch is particularly well-suited for clothing that cannot be ironed.
Tip: You can also use the quickly stick-on adhesive patches to add reflective elements to children's clothing, school bags, and bags.
Tip: You can incidentally use the nylon patches not only for clothing but also for backpacks, tents, umbrellas, and much more.
How can I patch holes in patterned clothing?
If your blouse or your favorite summer dress has a tear or a hole, you can make your own patches from a fabric remnant. With mending powder, that’s child's play.
Here's how it's done: Cut a matching patch from a fabric remnant. Often, you can "divert" some fabric from an inconspicuous spot on finished garments to create a mini-patch from it.
Sprinkle the fusing powder onto the fabric using the stencil, place the patch on top, and iron it firmly. Done!
How can I stop laddering and fraying?
Spotted a ladder in your tights? Or are your trouser hems fraying? There's a clever little helper that protects your fabric edges and puts a stop to ladders: Fray Check.
Here's how it's done: Trim the frayed edges on your trousers slightly and carefully apply a small amount of Fray Check to the affected areas.
For a ladder, apply a small amount directly onto the tights as soon as you notice it.
Then simply let it dry.
Over time, the effect of Fray Check may fade. You can repeat the treatment as often as you like.
Tip: Many patchwork enthusiasts swear by Fray Check, because it stabilizes the fabric edges of small, diagonally cut fabric pieces and prevents fraying.
How can I secure hems and shorten trousers without sewing?
Has your sweater hem come undone? Or are your trousers too long and need shortening by a few centimeters? With hem adhesive web from Prym, that's no problem at all.
Here's how it's done: Select the right width of hem adhesive web and iron it onto the wrong side of the hem, along with its backing paper.
Then peel off the backing paper, fold the hem over, and iron the whole thing firm again. Perfect!
Additionally, you can secure the hem with a seam if you like. This increases durability. ;)
How can I glue damaged clothing?
You can easily handle repairs on clothing, bags, or shoes yourself using textile or leather glue. For small areas, the glue in a tube is very suitable, while large areas can be repaired with textile spray glue.
Textile glue
Here's how it's done: Apply the glue to the clean, dry area and press the parts firmly together.
Leather glue
Leather glue is suitable for smooth and suede leather, but you can also use it to glue and repair rubber, wood, paper, and metal.
What can I use to darn holes in sweaters and socks?
A hole in your sock or your favorite sweater? Then grab a darning egg or a darning mushroom and patch the hole.
Darning egg
The darning egg is ideal for holes in socks. It is made entirely of wood and ensures that you can keep the sock taut and stable while darning.
And of course, the rounded surface also shapes the darned area a little, so that it fits comfortably against the foot again later.
Darning mushroom
The darning mushroom is suitable for socks, but also for holes in sweaters. The knitted fabric is pulled over the cap of the mushroom. Then you can get started with a darning needle and darning yarn.
How can I repair my clothes on the go?
Do you know the feeling? You’re barely out the door and a button flies off your blouse or your trouser hem comes undone. No problem at all if you have a little sewing kit with you. They come in different sizes, so you can always have the right one to hand.
The mini sewing kit from Prym is only a few centimeters large, but it contains everything you need for a quick repair.
A size bigger: This sewing kit is also well-suited for visits to a sewing café or a craft afternoon at your friend's house.
A mini sewing kit like this is also a lovely gift idea!
What can I use to repair jeans?
Do you want to repair your jeans but don't have a matching patch to hand? No problem! There are pre-prepared patches that you can simply iron over the holes in your jeans.
Here's how it's done
Iron on a patch in a size that matches your jeans. Follow the instructions on the back of the packaging.
Additional sewing is conducive to durability. :)
The patches are available in different sizes.
How can I glue leather?
Is the hem on your leather trousers or a leather skirt coming undone? You can use a brilliant little helper here. Usually, iron-on hemming tape is the preferred choice, but because leather shouldn't be ironed, there's a very clever solution from Prym.
Here's how it's done
With double-sided adhesive tape, you can attach leather invisibly and without any stitches.
Perfect for leather skirts that need shortening. Or hems that need securing.
The tape can be removed again without leaving any residue.
How can I make my own patches and appliqués?
Want to get creative and make your own patches and iron-on appliqués? Then creative interfacing is just the thing.
Here's how it's done
Iron a suitable piece of creative interfacing onto the wrong side of the patch fabric.
Cut out the patch as desired and peel off the backing film.
Iron the patch on, right sides together.
Tip: The interfacing also helps to prevent fraying on appliqués!
Some motif templates are included in the packaging, by the way.
How can I remove lint from wool sweaters?
Pilling happens. It seems to be a law of nature. But that doesn't mean you have to walk around looking like a badly groomed sheep: There are various little helpers that allow you to make your beloved wool sweater look smart and fresh again without damaging the knitted fabric.
Wool comb & mohair brush
With the wool comb and fine mohair brush, you can remove small knots by simply brushing them out.
Afterwards, you can rinse the lint away under running water.
Lint shaver
The electric, battery-operated lint shaver effortlessly removes pilling knots that especially like to settle in areas with high friction.
Such as under the arms or around the side seams.
The lint shaver is available in two sizes.
How to do it
Both fabric shavers have a small collection container where the lint falls after being gently shaved off. You can use the spacer settings to adjust how close the shaving head should get to the fabric.
Tip: You can use the "Fadenfee" (thread tool) to pull loose threads to the inside of the fabric beforehand so they aren't accidentally cut off.
How can I repair pulled threads?
It happens so quickly: Suddenly, a loose thread sticks out of the sleeve of your favorite sweater like a mouse tail. But don't panic, help is here!
How to do it
Grab the Faden-Fee, wrap the loose little thread around the rough end of the needle, and pull the thread to the inside of the fabric.
Problem solved!
How can I remove lint?
Lint and fluff love to nest, especially on black or dark blue clothing, velvet, corduroy, and soft fabrics. There are various ways to get rid of these annoying little pests quickly and easily.
How to do it
The simplest method is the tried-and-tested lint roller with replaceable adhesive sheets.
Tip: Also great for removing threads from fabric or dust from a cutting mat!
It’s more sustainable with a lint brush.
With it, you can simply brush the lint off. Afterwards, you can remove the fluff by brushing against the grain and then dispose of it.
The arrow on the handle shows you which direction to brush in.
The lint brush has a fine side and a somewhat coarser side.
How can I wash a bra and delicate laundry gently?
Bras and fine laundry sometimes really suffer in the washing machine. You can avoid this by letting them wander into a laundry bag before the items land in the machine.
The laundry bag is reinforced with small plastic frames and keeps its shape in the machine.
How can I make pants that are too tight wider?
When your favorite jeans pinch at the waist or your skirt just won't close anymore: No panic! There are great little helpers from Prym that allow you to wear your clothes comfortably again in no time.
Flex buttons
They come in a pack, are made of metal, and have a small, elastic loop.
The loop is simply hooked onto the existing button.
Waistband extender
Here is helper no. 2: The waistband extender is simply buttoned onto the waistband.
This gives you up to 5 cm more room.
Available with buttons or hooks.
How can I give my shirt collar more shape?
High-quality shirts or fancy blouses often have collar stays that sit in specifically designated openings. Through frequent washing, the stays sometimes lose their shape, or they are accidentally lost during laundry care. However, you can easily replace the collar stays and help your collar get back into top form.
How to do it
Remove the old collar stays (this is best done with tweezers) and slide fresh collar stays into the intended opening. Ready for your big entrance!
How can I extend my bra closure?
Your bra no longer fits well around the chest? Then you can easily make it wearable again with a bra extender.
How to do it
Hook the bra extender (available in various widths and colors) into the closure of your bra.
How can I make my bra straps disappear?
Sometimes bra straps peek out unintentionally from your neckline? Or you want to wear a racerback top but don't want to buy an extra bra for it? Then the bra strap clip is just the thing for you.
How to do it
The clip secures the bra straps centrally in the back so the straps can no longer peek out from under your clothing.
Conclusion: Repairing and maintaining clothes is easy with the right tools!
Would you have thought that repairing your own clothes takes so little effort? By doing so, you protect the environment and your wallet. And you really value your clothes by personalizing them and highlighting their uniqueness.
Tip: You can get all these products (and many more) in the Prym online shop. If you enter the code SewSimple, you will receive a 10% discount on all products (exception: "Schal fürs Leben" from Lana Grossa and gift cards).
Maybe you would like to try replacing your own trouser zipper or repairing your jeans?
Comments
Comments are loading …