Money-Saving Tip: Make an At-Home Mending Kit

We all want to save money while remaining stylish, but sadly, keeping up with the latest fashion trends can get expensive. Fortunately, there is an easy way to extend the life of your clothes while cutting costs.

If you've been meaning to start mending clothing, it's not as hard as you may think. All it really takes is a good set of tools, some practice and a 'can do' attitude.

Rel Vild, the owner of Loom Fabrics, and Holly Simpson, the owner of the repair service Hot Dog Workshop – both experts in the craft of mending – are here to explain how to build an at-home repair kit.



Of course, the most important aspect of mending your own clothes is having the right tools. However, you don't need to break the budget for a quality repair job.

If you're on a budget (which we all are, these days), Rel Vild recommends looking for secondhand items from haberdashery stores or specialist retailers. You may find some vintage tools in great condition, which will perform the tasks perfectly and save you some money too.


Screen Shot 2023-01-06 at 7.19.18 AM.png
You may be surprised how easy it is to build an at-home mending kit. Credit: Pexels/Antoni Shkraba.



What tools do you need?

The first and most important item for your mending kit is good quality tailoring shears. These scissors should only be used for cutting fabrics – don't let the grandkids use them for craftwork or to cut paper, as it may cause them to become blunt quickly.

In addition to the shears, we recommend getting a smaller pair of scissors or even a thread snipper. This is great for trimming up after use as well as for cutting threads.



Another indispensable tool for this hobby is an unpicker, a small tool with a pointed metal hook that makes easy work of stitching errors. Vild prefers larger unpickers because they are easier to manage, unlike the tiny ones which are harder to control.

When shopping for needles, she suggests buying them in packets that contain a variety of sizes, since it can take some time to figure out which ones operate best for you.

She also advises to only purchase zippers when you need them, according to the needs of the project at hand. 'Otherwise, they will sit unused,' she says.


Screen Shot 2023-01-06 at 7.19.24 AM.png
Your investment in high-quality needles, thread, and other sewing essentials will benefit you in the long run. Credit: Pexels/Adonyi Gábor.



Other items you will need are pins with glass heads, a tape measure, and maybe even a small embroidery hoop. Most haberdasheries will stock these items as well as things like a needle threader and a thimble.

Other helpful items include iron-on patches, iron-on mending tape, chalk and safety pins – all of which are available from your local dressmaking and craft store.



Choosing the right thread

The possibilities for thread, according to Simpson, depend on what you're mending. Although you don't need an exact match for every project, if you have a colour scheme in your wardrobe, it's wise to match the thread palette to it to some degree.

Some people also prefer to keep some scraps on hand for their mending projects. 'If you want things to look repurposed/upcycled, then these items can be handy and fun,' says Vild. However, if you are after a neater look, she doesn't think keeping these scraps of fabric around will be helpful to you in the long run.


Screen Shot 2023-01-06 at 7.19.31 AM.png
Make sure to keep all of your sewing and mending supplies in one container so you don't misplace them. Credit: Unsplash/KWON JUNHO.



Storing your mending kit

When it comes to storing your mending kit, Vild enjoys vintage tins — which could also be useful for keeping track of what items are left in your kit.

Simpson, on the other hand, prefers a small container like a biscuit tin or a lunchbox. However, if you are using scissors with a large handle, make sure to look for a case that will accommodate the size of these tools.

Alternatively, Simpson also likes tool rolls — soft cases with specific compartments for your sewing items that can 'be rolled up neatly'.

Oh, and don't forget to have a big jar filled with buttons! It's a money saver and can also be a soothing experience when looking for the perfect matching set.



Using the tools correctly and safely

Safety should always be your priority when using sewing tools. Before you start your project, make sure to familiarise yourself with the specific tools you're using and how to use them safely and correctly.

In case you're interested in learning the basics of sewing and mending clothes, consider taking a class with a professional, as they can help explain the proper techniques and provide guidance.

The internet is also a great place to look for tutorials and instructional videos to get you started. The video below is a good example!


Credit: The Daily Sew.


Members, before you go out and shop for those fancy and expensive new clothes, why not try repairing your old items first and build your own at-home mending kit?

We can all agree that being able to mend a small tear or missing button in your own home is not only a great way to save time and money, but it can also provide a great sense of satisfaction!

So what do you think? Are you giving this hobby a try? Let us know in the comments!
 
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I remember when my mum use to bring out the orange button tin to sew a new button onto one of my brothers shirts. The tin was about 18 inches tall and had a diameter of and was well over half full of buttons of all shapes sizes and colours. When she would bring that tin out I would spend hours matching up buttons and making piles of the same colours. She would always be contantly adding to that tin. Walking down the street she would find buttons take them home give them a wash and add to the tin. I always use to think my mum invented having a funky design of buttons on shirts/blouses, the boys didn't much go for it but us sisters thought it was quite ok......I wonder what happened to that tin?
 
I have always mended clothes as they needed it! A lot of clothes come apart at the seams quite often!!! I often get clothes I haven’t worn for a while and redesign them. Skirts become shorts, full skirts become pencil slim skirts, denim shirts and jeans can become shorts and skirts etc! After watching a 4 Corners program on the amount of wasted clothes I now do this more often! My Friends and I swap clothes and my daughter (great taste in clothes) passes them on to me too! Those who can sew should go and try it!
 
I had my own sewing box and I also inherited my Mum's, I have more than enough stuff to see me out. My Mum's is full of the old wooden cotton reels in a range of colours but my favourite, the one that gets used the most is clear, invisible thread that you can use on just about everything. The button jar is a wonderful thing. Back in the 60's my Grandmother used to earn extra cash sewing buttons onto the cards that were sold in the shops, we used to get some of the extras. That was the time when buttons were real wood, mother of pearl or whatever. Shame I'm hopeless at sewing!! ;) :rolleyes:
 
I have inherited my Mum's button box.
It is a timber box, made with inlay pieces of timber in a beautiful pattern.
The box is lined with brown paper.
When my brother needed a new button to replace a lost one, it was my job to locate a close match for my working Mum.
I simply loved searching through that button box. It had been her Mum's before my Mum.
When my sister and I started Calisthenics, costumes had to be made.
That button box was a huge money-saver.
I spent hours searching for the bests sets of buttons, to save my Mum some precious pounds, shillings and pence.
 
We all want to save money while remaining stylish, but sadly, keeping up with the latest fashion trends can get expensive. Fortunately, there is an easy way to extend the life of your clothes while cutting costs.

If you've been meaning to start mending clothing, it's not as hard as you may think. All it really takes is a good set of tools, some practice and a 'can do' attitude.

Rel Vild, the owner of Loom Fabrics, and Holly Simpson, the owner of the repair service Hot Dog Workshop – both experts in the craft of mending – are here to explain how to build an at-home repair kit.



Of course, the most important aspect of mending your own clothes is having the right tools. However, you don't need to break the budget for a quality repair job.

If you're on a budget (which we all are, these days), Rel Vild recommends looking for secondhand items from haberdashery stores or specialist retailers. You may find some vintage tools in great condition, which will perform the tasks perfectly and save you some money too.


View attachment 11256
You may be surprised how easy it is to build an at-home mending kit. Credit: Pexels/Antoni Shkraba.



What tools do you need?

The first and most important item for your mending kit is good quality tailoring shears. These scissors should only be used for cutting fabrics – don't let the grandkids use them for craftwork or to cut paper, as it may cause them to become blunt quickly.

In addition to the shears, we recommend getting a smaller pair of scissors or even a thread snipper. This is great for trimming up after use as well as for cutting threads.



Another indispensable tool for this hobby is an unpicker, a small tool with a pointed metal hook that makes easy work of stitching errors. Vild prefers larger unpickers because they are easier to manage, unlike the tiny ones which are harder to control.

When shopping for needles, she suggests buying them in packets that contain a variety of sizes, since it can take some time to figure out which ones operate best for you.

She also advises to only purchase zippers when you need them, according to the needs of the project at hand. 'Otherwise, they will sit unused,' she says.


View attachment 11257
Your investment in high-quality needles, thread, and other sewing essentials will benefit you in the long run. Credit: Pexels/Adonyi Gábor.



Other items you will need are pins with glass heads, a tape measure, and maybe even a small embroidery hoop. Most haberdasheries will stock these items as well as things like a needle threader and a thimble.

Other helpful items include iron-on patches, iron-on mending tape, chalk and safety pins – all of which are available from your local dressmaking and craft store.



Choosing the right thread

The possibilities for thread, according to Simpson, depend on what you're mending. Although you don't need an exact match for every project, if you have a colour scheme in your wardrobe, it's wise to match the thread palette to it to some degree.

Some people also prefer to keep some scraps on hand for their mending projects. 'If you want things to look repurposed/upcycled, then these items can be handy and fun,' says Vild. However, if you are after a neater look, she doesn't think keeping these scraps of fabric around will be helpful to you in the long run.


View attachment 11258
Make sure to keep all of your sewing and mending supplies in one container so you don't misplace them. Credit: Unsplash/KWON JUNHO.



Storing your mending kit

When it comes to storing your mending kit, Vild enjoys vintage tins — which could also be useful for keeping track of what items are left in your kit.

Simpson, on the other hand, prefers a small container like a biscuit tin or a lunchbox. However, if you are using scissors with a large handle, make sure to look for a case that will accommodate the size of these tools.

Alternatively, Simpson also likes tool rolls — soft cases with specific compartments for your sewing items that can 'be rolled up neatly'.

Oh, and don't forget to have a big jar filled with buttons! It's a money saver and can also be a soothing experience when looking for the perfect matching set.



Using the tools correctly and safely

Safety should always be your priority when using sewing tools. Before you start your project, make sure to familiarise yourself with the specific tools you're using and how to use them safely and correctly.

In case you're interested in learning the basics of sewing and mending clothes, consider taking a class with a professional, as they can help explain the proper techniques and provide guidance.

The internet is also a great place to look for tutorials and instructional videos to get you started. The video below is a good example!


Credit: The Daily Sew.


Members, before you go out and shop for those fancy and expensive new clothes, why not try repairing your old items first and build your own at-home mending kit?

We can all agree that being able to mend a small tear or missing button in your own home is not only a great way to save time and money, but it can also provide a great sense of satisfaction!

So what do you think? Are you giving this hobby a try? Let us know in the comments!
 
As some of you know I, was born before the second world war. In an era of make do & mend which is probably why I became a dressmaker. Even at that time, one of my mum's favourite sayings was 'It was sewn with a hot needle & burnt thread'. Today's clothes are even more badly sewn.
 
I totally feel you on wanting to save some cash while still looking fashionable. It can be tough to keep up with the latest styles without breaking the bank. But, have you considered mending your clothes instead of buying new ones? Mending clothing may seem intimidating, but it's actually not that difficult. All you need is some good tools, a bit of practice, and a positive attitude. It's great that experts like Rel Vild and Holly Simpson are sharing their tips for building an at-home repair kit. I recently got myself a mending kit from reliable hardware supplies UK and it's been a game-changer. Not only am I saving money by not having to buy new clothes, but I'm also able to customize my wardrobe and make it unique to me.
 
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