Seams, buttons & fasteners

Fix seams, buttons, buttonholes and fasteners that have come loose.

• Relining a Jacket – When and How

  Worn or torn jacket lining? How to tell whether the lining should be repaired or fully replaced – and which lining fabric to choose for a reline.

• Replace Worn Elastic in Cuffs and Waistbands

  Slack or wavy elastic in a waistband or cuff? Learn to replace worn elastic step by step, pick the right type and length – and prevent it perishing.

• How to Replace Snaps – Step by Step

  Replacing snaps is a different job from sewing a button. How to remove an old press-stud without wrecking the fabric, and set a new one that holds.

• How to Reattach a Belt Loop

  Belt loop torn off? How to bar-tack it back with strong thread, what to do if the waistband tore, and how to make a new loop from scratch.

• Replacing Worn Velcro – Revive or Swap?

  Hook-and-loop no longer gripping? Often it is just clogged with lint. How to revive it, when to replace worn velcro, and how to sew on new.

• How to Repair a Frayed Buttonhole and Save the Edge

  Buttonhole fraying so the button won't stay done up? Learn to diagnose the damage, hand-stitch the edge step by step – and when to send it in.

• How to Repair a Hole in a Pocket

  Hole in your pocket? How to patch the pocket bag, when to replace it entirely, how to fix a torn pocket opening – and when to send it in.

• Repairing Buckles and Cord-Locks on Gear

  Brittle buckle or a cord-lock that won't hold? How to repair buckles and cord-locks – often without sewing – and match the right hardware.

• How to Repair a Split Seam the Right Way

  Split seam? Learn to tell a clean seam split (quick to sew) from a fabric blowout (needs reinforcing), step by step – and when to send it in.

• How to Sew On a Badge or Patch That Lasts

  Sewing on a badge, patch or appliqué? Learn when to sew rather than iron on, how to position it, and the stitches to use – step by step.

• How to Sew On a Button – Step by Step

  Loose or missing button? How to sew it on so it stays, build a thread shank on thick fabric, and what to do when the button is gone entirely.