PhotoBook’s Guide to Quick Fixes
When it comes to sustainability, there are some tenets to live by. Of those, reducing and reusing are the most important. This may sound like a recap of the basic, “green” rules you are taught in elementary or middle school science classes, but the importance of those two rules is really critical. Reducing intake and the use of resources can facilitate a less polluting lifestyle, but reusing is the key to being able to reduce in the first place.
The more we realize the importance of lengthening the life cycles of material possessions, the less dire the environmental crisis will become. Of course, that process will not happen overnight, but it will eventually make a significant difference.
Reusing is usually a term applied to plastic bags, single-use containers, and such, that we so often treat as disposable, but it can also apply to our clothing. PhotoBook has discussed the many ways you can reuse clothing, whether that be through thrifting chic vintage finds or by repurposing a garment’s material. But it can also mean invigorating clothing, through mending or fixing wear and tear. Sometimes all a garment needs is love, and that can make all the difference. (Continue reading for a full guide of the best quick clothing fixes.)
Holy Denim!: How to Take Worn Down Jeans and Make Them Shine
Even though denim is a sturdy material, it still can fall victim to deterioration over time. Since the production of denim requires so much water (roughly 1800 gallons per one pair of jeans), it’s best to make your denim last. Of course, ripped denim is a lasting trend, but if you have a hole in your jeans that’s just a bit too large to be stylish, then the patch is your new best friend. Try patching your jeans with different cute materials or take it one step further by repurposing old tees or silk scarves by using their fabric as a DIY patch. There are two ways to approach this repair: you can cut a patch that is larger than you need and sew on the inside of the garment, making for a cleaner look, or you can sew the patch on the outside of the rip and leave the edges rougher, if you want the item to take on a more vintage or dated feel.
Image sourced here.
Ripped Seams: Seems Like a Huge Problem, But We’ve Got You Covered
If you’ve outgrown an item, or time has taken a toll on it and it is beginning to loosen at the seams, a fun yet practical solution could be to sew another fabric into the seam, adding a pop of color while also extending the sizing of said item. Not a sewing pro? No worries, you can even use fabric glue to get the job done.
Bringing Buttons Back to Life
If one of your tops, or even worse, a pair of your pants, loses a button, it may seem logical to just replace the item. Sewing buttons is actually a simple and quick fix, and an easy way to avoid dishing out more cash for a substitution. If your pants lose a button, there is, of course, the temporary fix of using a safety pin or another sturdy placeholder. But for a more permanent fix, you can sew on a new button in minutes. Sewing a button does not require a sewing machine, but just a needle, thread, and your two hands. Place the button in the desired position and begin by inserting the needle through one of the button’s holes. Make sure your needle and thread are anchored with a solid knot opposite the needle point, so that your thread does not pull through the stitch. Continue weaving the needle back and forth through the button’s holes, starting from the front and feeding it again through the back, until the button stays in place on its own. Once you finish, secure the stitch with a few knots and then you’re good to go.
Image sourced here.
To Dye or Not to Dye
If you’re dealing with a pesky stain, that not even the strength of Shout can solve, then it may seem like the end of the line for said garment. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be! Not all dyes are equal, in fact commonly utilized synthetic dyes contribute to fashion being responsible for one-fifth of the world’s industrial water pollution. This is where some crafty tricks become extremely useful. Natural dyes, derived from fruits and vegetables, are not difficult to create at home. One of my favorite methods comes from the black bean. Not only are they a delicious side for Taco Tuesday, but black beans also produce a beautiful, dark-blue hue. First, it is important to begin with a natural fabric. These textiles are able to grab onto dye more easily than synthetic fabrics. Check the tag of your clothing item – if it is made of cotton, linen, or wool, then this method is for you. Begin by properly hand-washing your fabric in boiling water and make sure it rests for a few hours. To make your dye, boil the beans for about another hour, and voila! Your garment is ready to take on a new tone. The last and most important step is to prime your fabric. You can use any fabric fixative, many of which are natural, to prep your item – just make sure you allow it to prep by boiling once again, with the addition of a fixative, for another hour. After this, you can immerse the item into the dye for as long as you want. More time results in a deeper, richer color. Give your item a final wash and it becomes brand new all over again.
Article by Kayla Curtis-Evans, Contributing Sustainable Editor PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine