17 Beginner Sewing Techniques That Will Make Your Clothes Last A Lifetime

"Либо напиши что-нибудь стоящее, либо делай что-нибудь, о чем стоит написать." Бенджамин Франклин

The ripped jeans look is so three years ago.


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You’ll get far in life just knowing these four basic hand stitches and what they’re used for.


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Running stitch: The simplest, easiest stitch you can use for basic seams and quilting.

Back Stitch: Basically a much sturdier version of the running stitch.

Whip Stitch: Use this one to attach two pieces of fabric to one another.

Slip Stitch: An invisible stitch that doesn’t leave thread showing — great for hems or closing the sides of a pillowcase or pouch.

1.

Repair the holes in a moth-eaten sweater.

2.

You can close pretty much any hole using a technique called “darning,” and you can also use it to fix a hole in your sock.

4.

If a piece of clothing you own has come apart at the seams, the ladder stitch is the one hand-sewing stitch you need to know.


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It’s actually super easy, and pins + an iron will be crucially helpful here. The video in this tutorial is very helpful in explaining what the stitch looks like.

Instructions: How to Sew a Ladder Stitch

It’s also sometimes known as a slip stitch.

5.

Pockets tend to give out way sooner than your jeans do. Repair a hole in a pocket by cutting off the hole, flipping inside out, and sewing around the perimeter.


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You’re basically removing fabric in the back to make the neckline a little tighter. Great for too-big t-shirts that make you feel overexposed when bending down.

Instructions: How to Raise a Neckline


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If your baby’s getting too big for her favorite onesie, you can use the fabric and snaps of a too-small onesie to extend the life of another. All you need are scissors, needle, and thread — no sewing machine necessary. You can also purchase one from Etsy for $12.55.

Instructions: Extending the Life of a Onesie

10.

Let out the hem on a pair of jeans that are too short.

11.

Repair a hole in your jeans by hand using Wonder Tape (or any kind of double-sided tape), a similar-fabric patch, and similar-colored thread.

12.

If a buttonhole on your jeans tears and becomes loose, you can tighten it up using a buttonhole purl stitch.

15.

Reattach a lining using the fell stitch.


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The fell stitch is a sturdy hand stitch that is visible, so it’s ideal for hidden places like the inside of a jacket or skirt.

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