How to fix clothes?

How to fix a loose button

When a button on your clothes looks like it might fall off at any moment, you can easily re-tighten it before you lose the button. What do you need to fix this? A needle, thread in the right color and 3 minutes of your time!

Step 1: Cut the button off the garment and remove all of the remaining thread. 

Step 2: Get your needle and thread ready and start at the back of the textile so the end of the treat is not visible from the outside. Tie a small knot at the end of the thread so that it will stay in place. Make your first stitch from behind at the spot you want to place the button. 

Step 3: After you have pulled the thread through the fabric from behind you can pull the button through the needle. 

Step 4: Then stitch the thread thru another hole of the button down and then make a stitch up again. Repeat this several times till the button is tight again. 

Step 5: Make sure your last stitch ends up but this time not through the button. 

Step 6: Twist the treat 3 times around the button and make a last stitch down and make a knot so it will stay in its place.

Step 7: You can cut the remaining threads and voilà you’re done!

How to replace a button

Nothing is more annoying than a clothing piece missing a button. Maybe you already tried to fix it with a safety pin but you’re still looking for a proper way to fix it. In this video we will show how to replace a button without a sewing machine. All you need is a needle, scissors and thread in the color of your garment. 

Step 1: Find the spot where you want to place the new button.

Step 2: Get your needle and thread ready and start at the back of the textile so the end of the treat is not visible from the outside. Tie a small knot at the end of the thread so that it will stay in place. Make your first stitch from behind at the spot you want to place the button. 

Step 3: After you have pulled the thread through the fabric from behind you can pull the button through the needle. 

Step 4: Then stitch the thread through another hole of the button down and then make a stitch up again. Repeat this several times till the button is tight again. 

Step 5: Make sure your last stitch ends up but this time not through the button. 

Step 6: Twist the treat 3 times around the button and make a last stitch down and make a knot so it will stay in its place.

Step 7: You can cut the remaining threads and voilà you’re done!

How to fix the inner lining

Especially in the area of the armpits it happens often that the inner lining needs some repairing. Grab your needle and thread and your item is like new again within 5 minutes.

Step 1: Look for the place in the tear where the stitching is still well attached. At this point you can make your first stitch. Pull your needle through the fabric, you will see a loop appear. Pass your needle through the loop. Repeat this step several times to make sure it’s tight. 

Step 2: After you tighten the beginning of the tear you can put a new stitch next to the last stitch you made. Repeat this until you get to the end of the tear. 

Step 3: To tie off the thread, stitch the thread through the fabric a few times in the same place. After creating several knots by stitching you can cut the remaining thread. 

How to fix a broken seam

By wearing an item often it can cause the seam to break. In this video we will show you that it’s not needed to throw the item away because it will take you 4 minutes to fix this! The only things you need are, again, a needle and some thread in the right color.

Step 1: Depending on how big the tear is you can choose to pin the fabric in the right position so it stays in place. After that, make your needle and thread ready and you’re good to go.

Step 2: Press both sides of the fabric of the tear together and make your first stitch through both sides of the fabric. You will see a loop appear, pass your needle through the loop and pull the thread tight again. Repeat this next to the stitch that you made earlier. 

Step 3: Repeat this step until you reach the end of the tear.

Step 4: To tie off the thread, stitch the thread through the fabric a few times in the same place. After creating several knots by stitching you can cut the remaining thread.

Mindful mending
With repairing your clothes you’re not only taking care of your clothes but also of yourself! The act of hand-sewing is a very mindful practice. By holding the metal needle and focussing on where you are placing the stitches really slows down your mind. It’s almost impossible to think of something else being this concentrated. In this way the sewing process can feel very therapeutic. Ever thought about how sewing soothes the soul? Give it a try!

Alternatives
Don’t have the time to fix it yourself? We found some great alternatives where you can bring your clothes and let them get fixed. 

• De Steek Amsterdam
• De Schaar
• Staring
• Tailors of Amsterdam

Workshops
We hope we were able to inspire you to fix your own clothes and maybe you want to take it a step further. We found some sewing workshops for beginners you can attend to become a upcycling pro. 

• Trashion
• Diva Dome
• De Naaierij

Conscious Event Calendar
Want to stay up to date about the sewing workshops or any other event that is all about conscious fashion? Check our conscious calendar here and your favorite in your agenda! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all events.