With the techniques here, you not only extend the usefulness of a piece but also give it a custom look entirely your own. Get our helpful visible mending tutorials for patching clothing, adding appliqués, and darning socks. Learning how to use visible mending requires just a few inexpensive materials and basic embroidery stitches. Inspired by the Japanese art of Sashiko mending with visible stitches, these bold ideas will help you repair your clothes and linens in a truly beautiful way.
Visible Mending Stitches
As you mend, don’t worry about every stitch being identical. Freestyling will result in a handmade effect.
Step 2: Attach Patch
Attach the patch to the hole using a fabric glue stick ($3, Joann). Reinforce the patch with sewing pins ($3, Walmart) and ensure the right side of the fabric faces out through the hole. Turn the item right side out.
Step 3: Add Decorative Stitches
Thread a regular sewing needle ($3 for a five-pack, Walmart) with embroidery floss and knot at one end. Start on the backside of the fabric with a series of horizontal running stitches. Create a new stitch every ¼ inch. Overlap the hole by a few inches on each side. Repeat the process with a series of vertical running stitches so the visible threads create small plus signs. Knot thread when finished.
How to Applique Patch
Supplies Needed
Freezer PaperFabricScissorsIronFabric glue stickNeedleThreadTweezers
Step 1: Prepare Patch
To cover and reinforce holes try an appliqué method for a seamless appearance. Iron a circle of freezer paper ($5, Target) shiny side down to the wrong side of patch fabric; cut out fabric, leaving ¼-inch allowance around freezer paper. Dab a fabric glue stick onto freezer paper; press over the hole.
Step 2: Stitch Patch
Working around the circle, fold fabric’s ¼-inch allowance under the paper and whipstitch the outer edge of the circle to what you are mending. (Try not to stitch through paper.) When there’s ½-inch left unsewn, pull out the paper with tweezers. Sew up hole.
How to Darn a Sock
Supplies Needed
Wool or cotton socksCotton crochet thread, embroidery floss, or wool yarnNeedleDarning egg or darning mushroom
Put a kick in old socks or sweaters by covering up holes with vibrant yarn. Visible mending darning is an easy-to-master technique; you can get through a pair of socks while watching a TV show.
Step 1: Sew Vertical Stitches
Trim the hole to remove excess threads. Place a wood darning egg ($10, Etsy), a wood darning mushroom ($13, Etsy), or even a tennis ball inside the sock behind the hole. This helps maintain the sock’s shape as you mend. Thread needle with yarn, embroidery floss, or thread. For wool socks, use wool yarn. For cotton ones, cotton crochet thread or embroidery floss works. Sew rows of vertical running stitches back and forth at least ½-inch beyond hole on all sides, taking long stitches over the hole.
Step 2: Repeat Horizontally
Repeat the process horizontally, weaving the thread over and under the long stitches, until you’ve completely covered the hole. Weave in ends of yarn and trim.
