We’ve all been in situations when we wish there was a needle and thread (safely) stashed in our bag. Maybe you get a tear in your favorite jeans (the ones you refuse to wash for this very reason), or the strap on your party dress suddenly breaks off while you’re out for the night. Then again, if you are the type who always has a sewing kit on hand, you might want to take what you know to the next level, learning how to tailor jeans that are too big or sew a perfect circle on that fancy fabric you just picked up. These are all hacks that could easily come in handy, regardless of your skill level.
Whether you’re a novice or a professional, to help you sharpen your sewing skills (pun intended), we came up with the seven sewing hacks you should keep in your back pocket. So next time you witness a wardrobe malfunction (or experience one yourself), you can step in to save the day. Let your needle and thread be your secret weapon — just make sure to use a thimble, because no one likes to be pricked by a sharp needle. Ouch, and no thanks!
Inner Thigh Patches
[image_with_caption text=”Blossom” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing1.jpg”]
Materials:
- denim patch
- fabric glue
- needle and thread
- sewing machine
Instructions:
- Flip the jeans inside out and apply the patch with some fabric glue.
- Turn the jeans right side out and run the patched area under your sewing machine until the tear is concealed as best as possible.
Pants too big?
[image_with_caption text=”Blossom” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing2.jpg”]
Materials:
- needle and thread
Instructions:
- Start at the back of your jeans or pants (at one of the belt loops) and sewing in two triangles on each side of the belt loop.
- Pull the two ends of the string and hold the jeans together as you pull and close the waist of the jeans.
Sew a perfect circle
[image_with_caption text=”Blossom” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing3.jpg”]
Materials:
- push pin
- tape
- sewing machine
Instructions:
- On the side of your sewing machine, tape down a push pin with the pin facing up.
- Puncture your piece of fabric on the pin and sew as you would, pulling the fabric in a circular direction as you go.
Torn jeans?
[image_with_caption text=”” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing4.jpg”]
Materials:
- needle and thread
Instructions:
- Flip the jeans inside out and cut off the torn threads from the hole you’re wanting to repair.
- Take your needle and thread and sew horizontally across the hole in the jeans, recreating the classic distressed look.
Keep the thread from coming out of the needle
[image_with_caption text=”Blossom” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing5.jpg”]
Materials:
- needle and thread
Instructions:
- Start by threading the needle as you normally would.
- Hold the excess string taught and pierce the needle through the individual threads. Repeat that move again.
- Pull the threads until a knot forms and the thread is secure in the eye of the needle.
DIY Distressed Jeans
[image_with_caption text=”Blossom” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing6.jpg”]
Materials:
- seam ripper
- scissors
Instructions:
- For a fringy cuff on your jeans, run a seam ripper through the bottom heam, cut vertical lines with scissors, and rub it all together to help the denim fray and look less clean.
- For your own DIY distressed tears in your jeans, cut as many horizontal lines as you want and then rub the material together to expose the individual threads.
Dull scissors?
[image_with_caption text=”Blossom” image=”https://itsblossom.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/sewing7.jpg”]
Materials:
- aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Cut into a piece of aluminum foil multiple times, but when you make the cuts pull the scissors in a downward motion so the blade runs along the metal foil.
