A Beginner’s Guide to Mending Your Own Clothes

There’s something empowering about mending your own clothes. It’s a small rebellion against fast fashion. It’s creative expression. And it’s a practical way to extend the life of the clothes you love. Visible mending makes your clothes into personal art. Patching gives new life to worn-in jeans. Reinforcing seams ensures your wardrobe is built to last — working with you instead of against you. Mending your own clothes is equal parts skill, creativity, and self-sufficiency. Having the right tools makes the process easier and a lot more fun. Whether you’re new to mending or looking to upgrade your toolkit, these are the supplies you’ll want to keep close at hand. The more you mend, the more confident you’ll become in your skills. Before long, you might even find yourself tackling bigger projects like altering thrifted finds or even sewing your own clothes from scratch. Happy mending!

_{Prices are accurate as of March 20, 2025. Subject to change.}

Lecien Sashiko Needles

Not all needles are created equal, but this versatile assortment from Lecien Japan covers all your bases. They’re technically for sashiko, a Japanese mending technique, but they can be used for just about anything. Whether you’re hand-stitching a delicate hem or darning holes in sweaters, you’ll find exactly the needle you need in this pack. As you might guess, they’re also perfect for sashiko-style visible mending. I like these needles because they feel sturdy in hand and slide easily through fabrics without snagging. I especially appreciate how neatly they stayed organized in their convenient case. I have lost way too many needles to my couch only to find them, painfully, later. This case helps keep everything together. With multiple sizes included, you’re ready for everything from sturdy denim to your favorite silk blouse.

Gutermann Sew-All Thread Set

A good repair starts with the right thread. Gutermann’s Sew-All thread is strong enough for denim, smooth enough for delicate fabrics, and won’t snap on you mid-stitch. This set gives you a solid color range for blending into different fabrics, or if you’re feeling bold, making your stitches stand out in a decorative way. Investing in high-quality thread means you’re less likely to deal with breakage or fraying, ensuring your repairs last as long as possible.

Scrap Fabric Assortment

When patching holes or reinforcing worn areas, choosing the right fabric makes all the difference. You want a material that matches the stretch and weight of your garment. (Denim patches on a worn-out T-shirt never quite work the way you want it to.) This fabric assortment has a thoughtful range of textures and colors, so you’ll always have the perfect scrap at hand. Plus, keeping a stash of fabric scraps around is great for getting creative with repairs — fixing an unfortunate tear with an embroidered patch adds a little statement to any garment.

Gingher 8-Inch Dressmaker’s Shears

If you’ve ever tried to cut fabric with dull kitchen scissors, you know the struggle. Gingher’s dressmaker shears glide through fabric like a dream, making clean, precise cuts so your patches, edges, and reinforcements don’t end up looking like a jagged mess. Sharp scissors also make your work faster and more efficient, saving you frustration down the line. It’s a solid investment if you plan to mend often.

Maker Susan Embroidery Hoops

If you’re working on a visible mending project or reinforcing a hole with some decorative stitching, an embroidery hoop is a must-have. It keeps your fabric taut and makes stitching a lot easier — no awkwardly stretching fabric with one hand while sewing with the other. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment and get creative with repairs.

Madam Sew Seam Ripper

Mistakes happen. Seams pop. Sometimes you just need to rip out a bad hem and start again. Madam Sew’s seam ripper makes that easy — without damaging your fabric. The sharp tip lets you be precise, whether you’re fixing a thrift-store find or correcting your own uneven stitches. It’s the kind of tool you’ll inevitably reach for again and again when quick fixes become (inevitably) necessary.

Iron and Mini Ironing Board

If you’re reinforcing seams or attaching patches, a good iron and compact ironing board make all the difference. Pressing seams into place before and after sewing gives your repairs a polished, professional finish. It’s one of those small steps that genuinely transforms the quality of your work. Honestly, I didn’t realize how essential a dedicated mini ironing station was until I started using one, and now I can’t imagine going back. It’s a tiny upgrade that pays off immediately.

The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook by Susan Briscoe

Sashiko is a centuries-old Japanese mending technique that’s as beautiful as it is functional. If you want to learn how to repair and reinforce your clothing with intricate geometric patterns, this book is a great place to start. It breaks down the stitches and techniques so even beginners can follow along. Sashiko can transform even the most threadbare pair of jeans into a work of art, and this book will help you master the craft.

Featured image credit: Jedsada Naeprai/ Adobe Stock