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Emergency repairs when you are out

Short answer: A safety pin, a strip of tape on the wrong side or a staple solves almost anything until you get home. ...

What you can repair with no sewing machine at all

Short answer: A needle, thread and scissors cover most things: buttons, holes, seams that have split, elastic and hem...

Sewing machine or hand for a small repair

Short answer: Under ten centimetres, hand sewing is usually quicker, because you skip setting up the machine. Over te...

Why zigzag works and straight stitch does not

Short answer: A zigzag lays more thread over the same distance. That extra thread is the reserve the fabric uses when...

Which stitch works in knitted fabric

Short answer: Use zigzag or a stitch with built-in stretch on knitted fabric. Straight stitches break the first time ...

How to choose the right needle

Short answer: For knitted fabric use a needle with a round point, and for woven fabric a needle with a sharp point. T...

How to choose the right thread

Short answer: The thread should be slightly weaker than the fabric. If it is stronger, it tears the fabric instead of...

When a visible repair is better

Short answer: A visible patch lasts longer than an invisible one, because it can be sewn from the right side all the ...

How to make a repair invisible

Short answer: Sew from the wrong side, use thread in exactly the same colour and follow the fabric's own lines. Those...

When fabric glue is enough

Short answer: Textile glue is enough for a loose edge, a small tear or a print that is coming off. It is not enough f...

How to patch with a piece of fabric

Short answer: Cut the patch two centimetres larger than the hole all the way round, round off the corners and sew it ...

How to take a garment in at the side

Short answer: Turn the garment inside out, measure how much has to go, halve the number and sew a new side seam on ea...