Human Interest

Fast Fabric Fixes

Posted: 11/12/2010

Clothes calls: Repairing damaged garments may be easier than many realize.

(NAPSI) - You don’t have to spend money on new clothes just because the old ones are worn, torn or stained. There are fast, easy and inexpensive ways to breathe new life into your family’s wardrobe. Here are hints on how:

• Remove rust stains: Mix lemon juice with salt to create oxalic acid. Apply it gently and a little at a time to the stain. Rinse thoroughly.

• Sock it to hole-ly hose: Darning socks and other knits can be easy with the help of a large needle and an old lightbulb. Put the sock over the bulb so that the hole shows. Surround the hole with small stitches, set far enough outside the damage that they won’t unravel later. Use long, loose stitches horizontally across the hole to create a framework for weaving. Turn the sock sideways and start weaving the thread in and out of the horizontal stitches. Keep going until the hole is repaired.

• Knee holes and tears: To repair a hole in a pair of pants, apply a line of fabric adhesive around the hole on the back of the pant leg and thin it with your finger. Thinly coat a complementary patch and press it over the hole.

One fabric adhesive that consumers have stuck with for generations was invented in the 1930s at the height of the Great Depression. Called Tear Mender Instant Fabric & Leather Adhesive, it works on tears, rips and holes to create durable waterproof bonds.

“With a little know-how and the right tools, it’s easy to do minor fabric repairs at home, far more affordably, with professional results,” says Jerry Cismoski, of the family-owned business.

• A smart hemming way: You don’t even need to sew to repair a dropped hem. Simply apply a thin line of fabric adhesive to the hem side only. Smooth it out with your finger and press the hem back in place. On most fabrics, the adhesive will dry within three minutes and be machine washable in 15.

• Repairing belt loops and pockets: For a broken belt loop or ripped pocket, even on heavy fabric such as denim, you can apply a dot of fabric adhesive to both the back of the belt loop or pocket and the jeans. Press both sides together firmly and let dry.

• Leather fixes: Snags are a drag on leather. For an easy fix, pour a drop of the adhesive into the open fiber of the leather and work it in with your finger. Close the snag off and rub the surface clean; the repair will seem seamless.

Learn More

For more information about making clothing last longer, see www.tearmender.com or call (773) 927-9442.

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