Mend It, Wear It, Love It!: Stitch Your Way to a Sustainable Wardrobe

by Zoe Edwards

Learn how to use simple sewing and mending techniques to extend the life of the clothes you love.

Have you ever thrown good clothes away simply because you didn't know how to mend them? Have you got clothes that you can't bear to part with, but need a fresher look? Then this book is for you. With fast fixes and complete makeovers, Mend It, Wear It, Love It! has everything you need to mend and care for your clothes, and stitch your way to a more sustainable wardrobe.

Detailed step-by-step illustrations and clear instructions explain how to mend, customize, and care for your clothes in a range of materials. Enjoy your clothes for longer, express your creativity, and live more sustainably.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sewing, Crafts, Fashion, How To, Reference, Self Help

144 pages, Hardcover

Published February 9, 2021

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and informative guide to mending and altering your clothes. There are detailed instructions with drawings that show you how to shorten hems, darn holes, fix zippers, embroider to cover stains, add elastic, let clothes out, add darts, dye, make pockets and more. There are some photos of the types of alterations that are visible (like patches and stitching that show and become part of the aesthetic) but I wish there were photos showing the subtle mending techniques too. I appreciate that there are also left handed directions, and the directions tell you how to use a sewing machine or do it by hand. Altogether it's a fantastic guide.

I read a temporary digital ARC of of this book for review.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes inspiration and detailed instruction for many different types of mends, and can be a handy reference guide for both beginning and experienced sewers. This book covers issues that I haven't seen addressed elsewhere, like dealing with zippers, and is very clear and thorough.

[Michelle Glatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational and a good reference

[Melise · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandmother was a seamstress. I remember when I was a little girl she would hand me a big U-shaped magnet and let me crawl around the carpet in her living room to collect all of the dropped pins. I learned to sew from her, and have made my own clothing and quilts. I have attempted many of the repairs shown in this book, but have rarely been very happy with the results. This is why I was interested in this book. And I was really pleased with the both the information provided and the techniques given. This book is going to be a permanent addition to my sewing bookshelf, and I want to purchase a copy for both of my sons who are young adults.

I found the introductory information about fast fashion easy to read, and with just the right amount of detail. As someone who already knows about the human and environmental issues associated with fast fashion, I felt that it was not necessary, but I can see how it might be a good intro for my sons. But once the book jumped into the different techniques, it really shone.

I found the descriptions of each technique clear, and the accompanying diagrams where clear and helpful. I also liked the clear explanation of the circumstances requiring each type of repair understandable and very helpful. I also enjoyed seeing pictures of more visible versions of each technique to inspire my creativity.

I only had two quibbles with the book. I wish that some of the example images featured clothing for men...again, I want to purchase this book for my sons, and am worried that they might have more trouble visualizing themselves using these techniques without a few examples of clothing that they might wear themselves. My other issue is that there were a few terms that I thought might need more explanation for the non-sewing savvy reader. In the section about repairing collars and cuffs, the author talks about using bias tape. But if someone went to their fabric store to purchase some bias tape, they might be overwhelmed by the variety of choices provided there. Should they buy double-fold or single fold bias tape? What’s the difference? And perhaps refer the reader to resources explaining how to make your own bias tape as a resource for updating/personalizing your clothing. I also wonder if the average reader would understand what she means by woven fabric versus knit fabric. Both small points, but I think addressing them might make this book even more accessible to the intended audience.

Thanks to DK for providing me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley.

[Alanna-Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This beautiful, colourful and clearly-organized book is a treasure-trove of ideas and can easily become a resource for years to come.

Because each set of step-by-step instructions is so detailed, readers who have never even held needle and thread in hand can absolutely engage in the magic of mending and altering clothes in their own personal style.

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* I adore the whole VIBE of this book. The author’s descriptions are at-once funny, grounded and encouraging. Readers are given a huge permission slip to: try out new skills (even if nervous), be open to trying different ways to mend, and to choose where you think it is ok to try mending/alterations. We are even given permission to take a cherished piece to a professional once we know that we are completely over our heads.

* I love that the author covers the options of both using a needle and thread and/or a sewing machine (if you have access to one, though a machine is not essential to the book’s projects).

* It is so amazing that book starts at sewing a button back on. SO MANY people don’t know how to do this and many favourite clothes go unworn thought they can literally be fixed by a complete novice in under 5 minutes. Plus, these instructions (and those for repairing a hem), are just as clear and detailed as the more elaborate fixes that follow.

* Several different methods are covered for mending holes and rips/tears in clothing - depending on the hole size/shape, how visible the reader wants the repair to be, and where the hole occurs. I love that this includes a very strong method for reinforcing the inner thigh portions of jeans and other pants.

* This book also does a pretty good job of outlining how to darn holes in knitted garments. Though, I do wish that the author had provided at least one example of a more invisible darning job. Not everyone wants neon repairs in their favourite jumper.

* Other mending tips include dealing with imperfect zippers and frayed collars and cuffs.

* What REALLY, REALLY sets this book apart (from other publications demonstrating mending) is the ALTERATIONS section, entitled “Wear Your Clothes”! I just adore this portion of the book, and it adds so much extra value. Sometimes we don’t wear the things we have because they don’t fit quite right or we wish they could be changed in some way. Here, we are provided with wide variety of ideas to rework our already-owned clothing into something we can love to wear. These include shortening or lengthening a garment, altering fit, and adding embellishments. Brilliant!

* But the author doesn’t stop at mending and the altering fit and/or personality of your current wardrobe. The final section “Love Your Clothes” is equally BRILLIANT! The author describes the best ways to launder, store, care for clothes in order for them to last as long as possible, as well as have the smallest environmental impact. We are then treated to further alteration ideas - used especially to cover/hide stains - by dying and embroidery embellishment.

* I also love that the book begins with a short section on the environmental and ethical impacts that clothing manufacture, distribution and disposal have. So many people don’t realize that fast fashion is the second most environmentally destructive process on Earth, or how it negatively impacts millions of factory workers. We can only do better when we know better.

WHAT I DISLIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
* In one of the patching tutorials, the author recommends Sashiko-style stitching without referencing its deep cultural roots. Sashiko stitching and sashiko thread are again mentioned again several times throughout the book. Through my work to be more inclusive and anti-racist, I have read the views of several Sashiko Masters on the cultural appropriation of their work. Despite a range of viewpoints on their part, it is clear to me that this author should have either done Sashiko the honour of being described in its full cultural context, or the author should have just chosen an altogether different style of embroidery pattern (preferably the latter). The frequent blasé mention of Sashiko left me feeling incredibly uncomfortable and I took an entire star off of my review for this.

I highly recommend digging into the IG posts by @sashi.co and/or their follow-up work here: https://upcyclestitches.com/cultural-...

* In several places, this book refers back to simple actions (threading a needle, whip-stitch). But instead of telling the reader how to proceed, the author refers back to an earlier section. This is a craft book, and will very rarely be read cover-to-cover. Instead of making a novice stitcher go back and get confused by a whole other section, these very simple actions should simply have been described twice - or - there should have been a separate simple techniques reference section at the very front or back of the book. Either would have taken vary little space, but made it vastly easier than flipping back through other topics to find out how to ___ (thread a needle, for example).

In the case of referring to a pressing cloth for ironing (garment care section), this should have just been described again. It would take a handful of words, rather than asking the reader to refer back to page 49 (ludicrous).

* In the hole/tear mending section, I would have liked to see a short section on the likelihood that certain fabrics will fray. Ironing interfacing onto the back and using a simple whip-stitch will not stop a tear in most 100% natural, woven fabrics from fraying in future washings - interfacing is magical, but not THAT magical!

This is EXACTLY the kind of book that I would have loved to discover at the beginning of my mending/altering/sewing adventure with clothing. It is a truly valuable reference. I would have classed this as a 4.5 star book had it not contained the deeply problematic cultural appropriation of Sashiko stitching. I strongly encourage the author and publisher to consider a revised second edition using simple embroidery.

Thank you to the author, Zoe Edwards, NetGalley and the publisher, DK Publishing, for an copy of this title in return for an honest review.

[Ivy Digest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't sew so I wanted to love this and learn from it. But the illustrations were not clear, even for simple tasks like sewing a shank button (just one hole underneath). I've read other sewing guides with clearer illustrations. Too bad this only photographed repaired items instead of the instructions. With competition from YouTube, sewing books should be just as clear if they want readers to invest in them. @IvyDigest

[Tony Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great for beginners who are anxious about getting started mending!
Edit: now that it's been a few months, I can also say that many of the techniques in this book worked very well!

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

The book is nicely presented with many full color illustrations. It is meant to be very user friendly so those with no experience in sewing won't feel overwhelmed by the various topics. The first two sections on sewing were better than the latter sections on ways to recycle or redeem older clothes, which failed to inspire me unfortunately.

The book has four main sections that are color coded: Mending clothes (using a sewing machine, basics, repairing a hem, mending a hole, etc.), Wearing clothes (shortening a hem, adding a pocket, removing sleeves, etc.), Loving your clothes (storage options, laundry and ironing tips, dying, etc.), and the Basics (your basic sewing kit and other equipment you'll need).

There are great points in the beginning about recycling, buying at thrift stores, etc. to save the planet. But I have to admit, the photo examples given of upcycling too often ended up looking tacky, homely, or just sad to me (in other words, they looked like craft projects). Each of the above sections had a photograph page of ideas of changing/fixing/redeeming a clothing item: contrasting buttons, visible darning, visible stitching, contrast trims, patch pockets, elasticized sleeves, dying, and using embroidery to cover holes. None were very convincing that they improved the clothing item.

For the instructional part, the book uses clean illustrations rather than photographs. For me, it could be a bit hard to match up the illustration to an actual 3D object in my hand; I may just be more of a visual person in that regard. But I did have some issues with the tutorials in that I think I would have had a better time with photographs rather than drawings. But I can say that there are more than enough drawings in here and the author did a great job of ensuring all the instructions were fully illustrated. The drawings are very cleanly drawn to make them as easy as possible to follow.

I do think the topic is needed and I do hope we recycle our clothing more in the future. For a beginner, I do believe this is a good choice and I appreciate that the format is especially colorful and encouraging. Sewing is definitely not daunting when following this book's instructions. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Mend It, Wear It, Love It! is a tutorial and style guide to re-imagining, mending, and re-purposing materials to support a more sustainable lifestyle. Due out 9th Feb 2021 from Penguin Random House on their DK imprint, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

The pandemic and subsequent economic collapse have shown us what people have known for ages. Our current treadmill of ever faster and more frenetic consumption isn't sustainable for us or for the planet we share. We need to find another way to do better and we're really on the knife-edge of passing the point of no return.

This guide provides good and sensible tutorials for fixing and mending clothing. Most of the info was taught earlier in schools or by family members, but much of it has fallen to the wayside in an era of fast fashion and disposable clothing. The tutorials are arranged thematically: basics (sewing, tools and supplies), mending clothing, wearing (hemming, adding patch pockets, and other alterations), and taking care of clothing with proper storage and cleaning.

The book isn't exhaustively full of photos... but the tutorial photos which are included are sufficient, clear, and understandable. Many of the tutorials are also accompanied by colorful line drawn illustrations.

This would make a superlative selection for library acquisition, maker's/activity groups, home library, or gift for a newly flown-the-coop child or friend. There's a lot of good usable information here.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Sara Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from Mend It, Wear It, Love It by Zoe Edwards.

To understand my review, I think you need to know a bit about my sewing skills. I sewed when I was very very young from about age 4 to age 8. Mostly quilting with a few other projects. It was not until last January that I started sewing again and wanted to start working on my own clothes. In the past year, II only started working on clothes this past December.

I found this book incredibly helpful. I have found online that even beginner level videos still do not answer the most basic of questions. All the questions I have been trying to find for interfacing, I found in this book.

I thought the beginning part of the book was very strong with how the techniques were drawn and explained. Reading directly out of a book is my weakest form of learning and even I was able to learn several of these skills. That shows how well written and illustrated it really was.

The second half of the book was interesting and as someone who loves to thrift shop this gave me loads of ideas. I do wish some of the techniques offered a final photo of what it will look like at the end. Some of them were well done and others could be better.

While this was a great introductory book, I feel there could have been even more techniques and ideas offered.

I am hoping to buy this book when it is released as I have found it very helpful. Overall, I would give it 4.5 stars.

I received an eARC from DK Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Irene Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the increasing number of books about mending, alterations and looking after your clothes.

Sections include:
1. Introduction - why your should mend and why fast fashion is to be avoided.
2. The Basics - equipment and supplies
3. Mend Your Clothes - starts with sewing on buttons and increases in level of difficulty of repair, ending with top-stitching repairs. Includes visible mending inspiration along the way. Most general repairs are here - I do quibble with the idea zip replacement is so difficult it should always be sent to a professional. No harm in having a go first once you've got some experience in mending.
4. Wear Your Clothes - how to fix the reasons you don't like some of your clothes enough to wear them. Excellent reasoning and good explanations on what might work to adapt clothing to suit you better.
5. Love Your Clothes - Laundry and stain removal once you've perfected your items.

Nice to see that not all the hands shown in the diagrams are white - inclusiveness in sewing books is rare enough that this deserves a shout out.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and DK for the digital galley of this one.

I’ve been sewing for about a year and a half, and though I’ve gotten pretty good at a few things, I’m always learning. I mended my cardigans back in the spring, and instead of having to buy new ones, I was able to keep using them.

I’ve also taken to upcycling clothing into other crafts when it’s simply not wearable anymore. This book is full of ideas for making your clothes last longer, keeping textiles out of landfills, and even saving you a bit of money.

My favorite little tip was adding pockets to shirts. I’ve been wanting to do that to my tees forever but never got around to learning how. I’m excited to try it out.

From invisible to visible mending (think patches under frayed jeans), this book has tons of ideas to breathe fresh life into your clothing and step by step instructions for executing them.

It’s out in February, just in time to pick up a new hobby while you’re stuck inside during the doldrums of winter.

[Rachel Mason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mend It, Wear It, Love it is a well written sewing book. I'm a seasoned seamstress and most of the tips and tricks in the book were things I've done or heard about. It covered a wide variety of ways to mend things. I would recommend this as a beginner-moderate sewers. Some things were complicated if you've never done sewing before. I wish some of the drawings were better or were actual pictures. There were some photographs but most of them were for finished product not for the steps. I'd give this book a 3/5. Minus 2 for some of the instructions/pictures and plus 3 for the ideas and organization and the good instructions and pictures.

I received a free ebook copy from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Oeschger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great, comprehensive mending book. I like that she began the book with a short introduction to the textile crisis and fast fashion. She walks through all the supplies you'll need for mending, how to use them, and then dives into step-by-step instructions on how to mend or tailor all sorts of different scenarios. This book would be a great resource guide - just look up what you need for a given project and follow the steps. She wraps up the book with tips for clothes storage to make them last longer and even clever ideas on how to give new life to clothes with stains etc. I highly recommend this book!

[Jacqueline M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. I thought this was a really good introduction to mending and updating clothes. While the drawings are well done, I would have really appreciated more actual photos. The few that were included were much better at showing what type of upgrade the author had in mind (worth 1000 words they say?). I am also knocking half a star because I think for a true beginner some of these repairs (with only line drawings) are pretty advanced. The author included a patch pocket but not how to add a slit pocket on a seam which I think would be far more helpful. Overall not sorry I read it. It's good, but I won't be purchasing for my personal reference shelf. The library version was fine.

[Kimberley Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful little book has sent me straight to my closet to start turning those items in my mending basket into something I look forward to wearing! In an age of upcycling, this primer is exactly what we need. Not only does it blow the dust off techniques our grandmothers and great-grandmothers used every day, but it also sparks the imagination in how we can re-invent and transform ill-fitting and out-of-date clothing into fun, modern, and very individual creations.
Yes, it very much "sparks joy". My thumb is up for this one.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, helpful guide that covers all the essentials. This book differs from so many mending books out there that are offering visuals and aspirational content over practical instructive content. For that reason this book feels old school and educational in a very good way. It is not trendy and it will stand the test of time and never feel dated. Recommended for anyone serious about sustainable clothing care and repair.

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5- A handy little book great for beginners. It covers a lot of topics including fixing holes and ripped seams, darning, covering up/laundering stains, altering garments to fit better, plus more. The diagrams are helpful and well-laid out, although I would've appreciated more actual photos. It got a tad preachy about eco-friendliness at times, but not so forceful as to put the reader off if he/she doesn't agree.

[Arely Trujillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

For reasons related to sustainability and creativity, I've been meaning to get into sewing for the past year. I thought this book was a perfect intro. I personally didn't read it thoroughly bc I wanna put more of my focus on hands-on experience, but I thought this book was great at showing me the different types of tricks & techniques that exist. I'll likely use it as a reference to supplement other resources.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of creative ideas for repairing your existing clothes, and good advice on how to keep them from needing repair in the first place. Many of the projects seemed like a sewing beginner could tackle them, which is nice. Lots of graphics as well, which made for easy reading.

[Mandie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative little book for those new to mending. Has a few pretty good mending and altering examples and advice on how to keep your wardrobe in good condition. I didn't learn anything new, but I found some good refreshers on hand-sewing techniques.

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful book for ideas of how to fix old or torn items. A few more pictures would be nice, but overall a handy guide.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get lots of hand me downs from my family and I enjoy fixing the clothes up. I also hate getting rid of my own clothes. The was a fun and easy to follow book on upcycling for the crafty, bored or eco-conscious person.

[kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like that this book not only gave mending and alteration instructions, but also gave advice on how to take care of your clothes so they last long! This was super helpful and I was able to get the perfect repair for my beloved jean jacket button holes :)

[Ronda Canary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[CA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good,

This book was a great starting point to learn how to update and change charity finds as well as caring for well loved items.

[Christa Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun little book. Inspirational for those of us who would like to sew.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like for a how-to book, using just illustrations was a poor choice. I preferred the photographs, but those were only of altered items after.

[Peggy McCoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple ideas here, but important ones. As the family mender, I appreciate all the ideas here

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advice. I have a number of shirts that belts have destroyed (the little holes) and this gives me a place to start to figure out how to fix them.