The Ultimate Mending Kit

Plastic sewing box from Joann Fabric and Craft Store

Sewing basket from Joann Fabric and Craft Store

Plastic sewing box from Joann Fabric and Craft Store

Photo: Joann.com

In Threads issue 161, on sale in May, Fionn Zarubica explores mending. In the article, "Fundamentals: Tend to Your Mending," she explains how to analyze a damaged garment and determine if and how it can be repaired. She also teaches five great fixes for common problems including: how to fix a small hole in wool with felting; repair holes from pulled-through buttons; close split seams; fix drooping sleeve hems on bag-lined jackets; and how to restitch worn buttonholes. To get you started, Fionn put together this list of everything you need to tackle all of your garment repairs.

The Ultimate Mending Kit:
1. Scissors
2. Small scissors or snippers
3. Seam ripper
4. Measuring tape
5. Package of assorted hand sewing needles
6. Package of assorted craft needles
7. Felting needle
8. Darning needle set
9. Wood darning egg
10. Straight pins
11. Safety pins
12. Thimble
13. 6 inch ruler or sewing gauge
14. Bodkin
15. Crochet hook with interchangeable head set
16. Buttons
17. Pin cushion or magnetic pin holder
18. Thread in basic wardrobe colors such as: black, white, beige, brown, red, green, grey and navy
19. Buttonhole twist in black, white and beige
20. Assorted snaps
21. Assorted hooks and eyes
22. Assorted clear plastic buttons
23. Sewing box or plastic storage container
24. Iron
25. Ironing board

Be sure to read "Fundamentals: Tend to Your Mending" and other great articles in Threads June/July issue 161, on sale May 8, 2012.

Annie O'Connor, assistant editor
Posted on Apr 12th, 2012 in online extras, tools & supplies, threads magazine, mending, sewstylish conversation

Comments (10)

miranda10 writes: Find out what things you need to consider when you are shopping for the best laptop hard drive for your computer
Posted: 2:21 pm on May 11th

zapper45701 writes: I include a few small swatches of varied colored interfacing and fabrics, usually the same as the thread colors. If I am traveling and have something rip that needs a repair with backing, I'm all set.
Posted: 2:18 pm on January 3rd

Moos writes: My purple stitch finger.

Posted: 4:01 pm on July 27th

Iindasusewing2009 writes: I am an alterations specialist and I am really looking forward to this article since I do a lot of repairs. Great looking kit! I found a great product at the Sewing Expo in Atlanta that is called Bo-Nash. This product is a bonding agent that does not cause the fabric to dry stiff. My clients love the result!

Thanks for the article.
Posted: 7:02 pm on April 23rd

Lizzieann3937 writes: This is a great list of items, especially when trying to get organized for sewing projects. Also I found a plastic tackle box is good for storage too!
Posted: 3:50 pm on April 20th

cxissy writes: id add fusible interfacing in a light weight so handy for holding together awkward tears, even leather .
i also make my own patches in denim or plaid from worn out shirts. i cut a good square of fabric 5 inches square and turn under a hem , press it and tack it round the edges ready to patch yet another rip in my husbands shirts .
oh and another fav in the mending box is shirring elastic . so useful for tightening up baggy cuffs on sweatshirts or necklines on t 's
Posted: 4:41 pm on April 17th

SuperiorLiz writes: Wht bout one of those fine hooks for drwing loops nd stry threds, espeilly on knitted fbris, through to the wrong side?

lso some wool/nylon drning yrn; hrde to find these dys but it is out there still; my set of 12 shdes kme from mill in YYorkshire, Englnd, nd the krds of vrious shdes dte bk to my grndmothers sewinf bskets. Lizzzzzzz
Posted: 3:56 pm on April 17th