9 Easy No Sew Mending Ideas

With fashion revolution week upon us, I want to draw attention to something that everyone can do to help with this cause: mending. The number one thing we can do to help stop the fast fashion cycle is to actually love the things we already own. Or as FashionRevolution.org says: #lovedclotheslast
This means cleaning them in a way that preserves the garments and this means mending! And although mending usually brings to mind sewing, that's not always the case. I want to share with you 9 ideas for fixing a variety of wardrobe issues. Even if you have never sewn in your life.

---

​1. Clean your clothes - I don't mean just toss it in the washer and dryer and hope for the best. Do some research, find out how to take care of the materials in your garment. And then take the extra step to do it. Things like bacon collar, stains, stink, and even some shrinkage are things that can be remedied (or prevented) by washing a garment correctly. There are tons of different cleaning hacks that involve things like shaving cream, baby powder, dawn dish soap, baking soda, petroleum jelly, and vinegar. Look up specifics of your stain situation and get a hack, or watch this video for some inspiration!

2. Cover your stains - Did all the fancy cleaning hacks fail you? Not to worry. You can cover the stains you couldn't get out. Try dying the garment a new color, using fabric paint, or decorative bleaching. 

3. Hem Tape - Hem length is such a common wardrobe issue with ready to wear, but you don't need to know how to sew to fix it! Grab a hem tape and an iron, and follow a tutorial like this.

4. Staple Hem - No hem tape around? Use a stapler instead! Look at this simple DIY.
​

​​5. Patch it - Got holes? You don't need to know how to sew to get them covered. Use iron on patches, or fabric glue to cover those up! This sequin elbow patch tutorial is super cute.

6. Fix a Drawstring - Have you ever lost a drawstring in the dryer? Don't sweat it. Hook a safety pin on the end of the drawstring and use that end to help push it through the casing.
​

7. Replace a Zipper Tab - If you have ever broken the tab on a zipper you know how hard it can be to work that zipper. Instead of needing to replace the whole zipper, an easy solution is to add a key chain ring onto the tab! Plus, there's the added benefit of not having to worry about your fly being unzipped if you put it on your jeans.

8. Replace a Jean Button - This sounds like a sewing job, but it's not! Jean buttons are hammered in place, not sewn. And you can find jean buttons at your local craft store for only a few bucks. Check out this great tutorial from Momcrieff.com
​​

9. Refashion -If you have a piece of clothing in your closet that doesn't necessarily need mending, but doesn't spark joy anymore, you could opt to refashion it! There are so many options for refashioning that don't involve any sewing. Rehemming, dyeing, decorating with patches, painting, bleaching, adding rivets or sequins or studs. The list is endless. Take a look at this buzzfeed link to get some great ideas on how to add a fun twist to your jeans. There are also a ton of tutorials out there for how to refashion clothes simply by cutting, or cutting and using glue, like this lace cami tutorial from P.S. - I made this.

---

Bonus Mending Ideas

---

​There are some mends that can't be remedied without some sewing, but you don't have to be a master seamstress to do it! I wanted to add a few extra ideas that do require a needle and thread, but that are perfect for people who have zero sewing experience. 

1. Sew on a button - Nothing makes you feel more like a responsible adult than the ability to sew on a button that has fallen off. It's basically adulting 101. And although sewing is super intimidating to so many people, sewing on a button really is very simple! Take a look at the How-To above from FashionRevolution.org

​2. Visible Mending - Are you worried that if you sew a patch on your jeans it will be too noticeable? That you don't have thread or fabric that matches the color of your jeans? That your stitches might be huge? I've got some good news for you. Visible mending is on trend right now, even making an appearance on the Vogue website this week. Japanese concepts like Boro and Sashiko are making the rounds in the fashion and sewing realms and the best part? It is totally a homemade look, and something that can easily be achieved at home, even if you have never sewn before. Check out this tutorial from Harts Fabric.
​
3. Fix gaping jeans - Fit is always a big reason that we get rid of clothing, and a lot of fit alterations do need some sewing knowledge. But It's Always Autumn offers a tutorial for a quick way to fix gaping jeans that requires very minimal sewing! The tutorial suggests using a sewing machine, but you could easily hand sew as well.