Stitch It, Don't Ditch It: Simple Hand-sewn Repairs to Help You Love Your Clothes For Longer

by Mary Morton, Jeanna Wigger

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary V Morton and Jenna Wigger tell us about their individual stories in an engaging foreword. “After months of online video meetings […] gallons of tea, and countless conversations” this wonderful book came into being.

Chapter 1 includes all the information you need “before you begin” such as knowing the fabric you are working with and identifying the tools you will need.

Chapter 2 “Plan your mend” includes flow charts to help you choose the most effective method of repair for each type of fabric.

Chapter 3 is all about “core skills” such as threading a needle, securing the thread, pinning and tacking, unpicking, the darning tools you will need, and hand stitches. I appreciate the step-by-step instructions with diagrams of hand sewing stitches include running stitch, back stitch, whip stitch, ladder stitch, blanket stitch, herringbone stitch, and parachute stitch. The authors have even included diagrams from the left-handed perspective.

Additionally, they have included cultural awareness including “cultural sustainability and the Japanese techniques of Sashiko and Boro.”

Chapter 4 is on “common repairs” such as patches including a patch style chart, my personal favorite – darning, repairing runs or snags in knitwear, hems, seams, socks, worn areas in clothing, buttonholes, holes in pockets, cuffs and zips.

They provide a difficulty key for guidance:
1. Simple
2. Moderate
3. Tricky

Overall, this is a practical book with accessible information for anyone who wants to extend the life of their clothing and keep it out of landfills. Repair and reuse - words to live by.

[Teacatweaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for beginner sewists, but there are too many innuendos blaming capitalism and current politics for our global clothing situation. It’s consumer demand that drives capitalism, which makes each one of us responsible for our personal choices. My grandmother and mother both instilled the personal responsibility of taking care of my clothes from a very young age. We sewed many of our clothes. I am encouraged to see more people adopting this approach by choice. Every little step contributes to a better world. Pointing fingers and shaming bring negativity which is counterproductive. We’re in this together and can move forward with positivity and kindness.

[Kieran Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy of this book from the library but I am very tempted to buy my own! I’m an experienced sewer but my mending game is weak, and this book is a great resource to step it up. I’ll be using the tips and tricks next time I tackle my mending pile!

[Irene Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a detailed book on mending with excellent instructions and good illustrations. While I like the colour scheme, it is maybe not as visually appealing as mending books with photos. Which is probably not the point - it's not so much about visible mending as it is ongoing repair of clothes. Related, but not the same.

Did I mention detailed? It's detailed to the level of how to thread a hand sewing needle. Which most sewing books assume, and maybe that shouldn't. Maybe it only seems obvious when you've done it before?

CONTENTS
Forward / Mary's story / Jenna's story - I always like these mending histories.

Ch 1: Before you begin - left-handers and complete beginners - the authors see you
Reasons to mend - thoughtful
Know your materials - anatomy of common garments, understanding of fibre and fabric
Mending kit - the basics and the extras

Ch 2 : Plan your mend - really useful and comprehensive, I've not seen the decision making process spelled out this clearly and logical many place before.
Before you jump in - decision trees for when, how and with what when faced with a mending task, planning your time, choosing your materials / equipment / techniques, mend style

Ch 3: Core skills
Threading a needle
Securing the needle
Pinning and tacking
Unpicking
Darning tools
Hand stitches
Fasteners

Ch 4: Common repairs
Patches
Darning
Hems
Seams
Socks
Snags in knitwear
Denim crotch repair
Worn underarms
Buttonholes
Holes in pockets
Attachment point repairs
Knit cuffs
Technical gear repair
Zips

Acknowledgments and further learning - good selection of internet and book based sources with an emphasis on environmentalism.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad I picked this up at the library. I've read a lot of mending books in recent years and only purchased two. This one doesn't make the grade. I find it to be poor form whenever authors insert their politics into what should be an apolitical subject: in this case, choosing to take care of your clothes rather than replace them. They also look down on those who prefer invisible/subtle mends even though that is a personal choice. However, the technical information and illustrations are adequate.

Format complaints: the font is hard to read and the book requires force to keep it open, both of which are poor choices for any how to book. The flow chart for choosing repairs is a great idea but not executed well.

[Valerie Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well-researched and comprehensive book about repairing your clothes using hand sewing techniques. It includes information about the supplies you will need, gives background on basic skills you will use, and has examples of various repairs that you can make with your clothing.

I have been sewing, both by hand and with a sewing machine, since I was in elementary school (many years ago), so the majority of this book was just a review for me. However, I would highly recommend it for those individuals just starting out sewing because it is so comprehensive and extensive. My only complaint is that all of the examples are sketches rather than photographs. I think it would be more helpful if detailed photographs were included instead.

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

[Jenny GB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about mending by reading this book. I have a few sewing skills, but this really taught me a lot about stitches and ways to make various repairs. I’m ashamed to say I had heard some sewing terms over and over and I didn’t know what they meant, but now I do! There are lots of pictures and simple steps to follow. This seems very beginner friendly and I feel motivated to try out some of these repairs. My only complaint is that the book would be much better if it was bound so that it could lay flat for reference while working.

[Alex Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up at a book promotion event, got taught a few techniques from Mary and Jeanna (including the easy way to thread a needle), brought the book home & have started patching two shirts. Very practical information in the book, that's proving straightforward to apply.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, very comprehensive with great diagrams, tables and instructions. l have been reading all the clothes care and upcycling books available at local libraries recently. This one is the best. May buy a copy.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great graphics to illustrate various methods. I am not sure I am in to visible stitching but many were done in patterns like circular stitching. In theory repairing not replacing clothes is the way to go. It ties in with the thrifting movement.

[Jenny Goetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Wine Folly" of sewing books. Excellent illustrations and very clearly laid out.

[Chey Lo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensible book. So useful I ordered a second one to have on hand as a gift!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you already know how to sew, much of this will not come as a surprise; it is, however, an excellent book for anyone new to sewing who wants to understand how to mend.

[Ace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, will definitely pick it up again next time I need help mending something