Have you ever pulled out a garment you haven’t worn in a while, only to find it’s been damaged by moths? Or maybe you accidentally snagged your favorite outfit, leaving a hole, or noticed that the fabric has worn thin at the elbows or seat from frequent wear?

In moments like these, do you feel tempted to give up and throw your clothes away?

It’s tough to part with a beloved item, especially when you’ve splurged on it—disposing of it seems like such a waste! Plus, you might never find another piece like it again.

Wouldn’t you rather keep wearing it?

DIY Repairs: How to Restore Your Precious Clothes

Before you decide to toss your clothes, consider trying one of these repair methods:

Patches (Appliqué)

Why not boldly cover the hole with a patch? This works great for children’s clothes, especially if you can find patches featuring their favorite motifs or characters. Iron-on patches are easy to apply and are available at craft stores or even 100-yen shops.

Interfacing

One option is to apply an interfacing patch from the back to prevent the hole from getting bigger. If the hole is small, you can use an interfacing that matches the fabric color for a less noticeable finish from a distance. Interfacing is also easy to apply with an iron, so no need for needles or thread.

Embroidery & Darning

If you’re handy with a needle, embroidery or darning might be the way to go. You can reinforce the fabric from the back while adding embroidery or darn over the damage, giving your garment a personal touch. Using thread that matches the fabric color can keep the repair subtle, or you can use a contrasting color to make a statement.

Mishin-tataki

This technique involves placing a patch on the inside of the fabric and using a sewing machine to stitch over the hole with thread that matches the garment. This method is particularly recommended for denim, like jeans, and when done by a professional, it can be nearly invisible. Consult a clothing repair shop for this method.

Reweaving

While the above methods work well for casual wear, they might not be ideal for formal attire. In such cases, we recommend our reweaving service. We repair the garment by using threads or fabric taken from the same piece, ensuring a nearly seamless finish that’s difficult to detect.

If the fabric has a loose weave, you might even want to try this method yourself.

We also offer reweaving workshops at events, allowing you to experience the technique firsthand.

You can also find reweaving tutorials on our YouTube channel! Watch here. If you’re not confident in your abilities, don’t hesitate to consult us—we offer free estimates!

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What do you think?

Did this article make you feel like you don’t have to throw away your favorite clothes anymore?

Wearing a single item for a long time is also a step toward achieving the SDGs that everyone is talking about.

Most importantly, by repairing your clothes, you can deepen your attachment to them, making them truly unique to you!

We hope this information helps those who are struggling with the decision of whether to part with a cherished garment.

Thank you for reading to the end!