Stretching Tight BeaniesI've recently found that I can shape any beanie, even the ones that are oddly tight, like swimmers caps, by stretching them with the right objects. Take something that's a bit bigger than your head, like a melon, fit the beanie over it and let it sit there for at least 24 hours.
Fix for a Broken Flip FlopFlip flops can break at any time. Carry a bread tab with you. If the toe portion comes out, put it back in the hole and attach the tab on the sole side of the flip flop. This will secure it.
Hang Up Mending Projects in Your ClosetI don't know about you, but a "mending basket" never worked for me. For one, I rarely had any mending. Two, it just looks like a pile of stuff to wash, fold or donate. So I was recently purging, and came up with an idea. I now have three dresses that need hemming. To remind me to get to them, I have them hanging inside out.
Repairing Clothing SnagsKnit fabrics are very easily snagged. Here is an easy way to repair the snag using an unusual tool - a dental floss threader. Here we show the process on two men's shirts.
Refurbishing Painted Metal SnapsI have a white snap front sweatshirt that the white paint wore off of the snaps and made the sweatshirt look shabby. I grabbed my witeout that you use for paper and applied a coat. It covered beautifully and now my sweatshirt looks new again
Wax for Waterproof Leather ShoesTo waterproof your shoes rub a good coating of wax over the leather shoe (I used a candle) then heat the wax with a hairdryer for about a minute on high or until it turns clear. I gently rubbed it in with my finger once it became clear.
Quick Temporary Hem FixI was in a hurry this morning and snagged the hem of my slacks with my big toe. It ripped out a good portion of the stitching. I needed those black slacks and didn't have time to get a needle and thread and fix them.
Use Hot Glue On Slippery ShoesI have had shoes with no traction left on the bottom of my shoes. This can be very dangerous for falls. Just add some hot glue dots to the bottom, and this will give you traction.
Hold Bra Straps Together with Paper ClipsHook a paper clip onto the back of your bra straps to hold them together. That way, the straps will not go down your arms.
Remove Lint From Your ClothesWe all hate the little fuzz balls that end up on our clothes after washing and drying them. They make our clothes look old and grungy. One option many people use to combat this is by using a battery operated fabric shaver. There are a few disadvantages to these.
Rubber Band for Tight JeansDid you just recently purchased a pair of jeans that do not fit you but it's a final sale purchase, therefore you can't return it? Or do you have a favorite pair of jeans that no longer fits but you still love to wear? This will work for those expecting too, but not yet at the stage to wear maternity jeans.
Use a Paper Clip for Missing Zipper Pull TabThe pull tab breaking off is one of the most common problems we encounter on our zippers. I was at the office for the whole day and accidentally lost the pull tab on my wallet. It's the only way you can open and close the wallet. I just grabbed a small paper clip and inserted it as my pull tab.
Replacing the Elastic Waist on Pajama PantsThe waist elastic on my pajama pants is now loose and they fall down. The pajama pants themselves are still in good condition, so instead of tossing the pajamas out, I added new elastic!
Drinking Straw for Threading Draw CordsI use a drinking straw when threading draw cords from my hoodie jackets, and on my shorts. This way, it makes it easy to pull it through. Just insert the draw cord into the drinking straw and staple it so that it won't slip away when you pull it. It is an easy way to keep the draw string in place!
Stretching New Underwear ElasticI bought some new panties and the elastic in the waist was too tight. I put them on the back of this chair and left it for a few days until it stretched to the same size as my old ones. Now I can wear them.
Scotch Tape for ShoelacesSince I have an 8 year old boy, shoelaces are my problem. At this age, they are very active on playing, running, and activities at school. Sometimes, the tip of the shoelace will get split and it's hard to get it inserted into the holes of the shoes.
Repairing a Belt LoopMy belt loop broke. It was made from strong thread so I used embroidery floss to fix it. Embroidery floss is six strands of thread put together. I cut 3 lengths of the floss and braided them. I now have a strong belt loop and can extend the life of my coat.
Putting A Stop On Jean ZippersWith the modern day type zipper having been around for over one hundred years, one would think the garment manufacturers would know by now how to set a zipper so it doesn't get stuck in the bottom of the track. Not so. With every pair of jeans I buy, there's the same dilemma.
Lubricate Zipper with Candle WaxThe teeth of the zipper is one my problems almost all the time. When I slide through the chain, it won't run smoothly. Before sliding to the chain (teeth), I rub the the candle on both sides. Do it at least 3 times before you zip it.
Binder Clip for Hook and Eye Closure RepairReplacements pieces for hook and eye closures aren't usually found at any old store so you can take the metal piece of a binder clip and slip the metal prongs through your clothing. Use some thread to keep it in place. Hook in as normal.
Fixing a Broken Shoe with a Key RingRecently, I realized that shoving my shoes off with my other foot was going to come back on me. It did. The little pot-metal clip that the Velcro strap went through broke. I can't afford shoe repair so I did it myself.
Use Tack to Make Extra Hole in SandalsIf your sandals are just a little bit to big and won't stay on your feet, just simply use a cork board tack to make a new hole for the buckle to go though. Then they can comfortably stay on your feet.
Stretching Shoes With Hot WaterPut very hot water from your sink or tub tap into your boots. Let sit until you feel that you can place your foot in the boot without burning your foot. Wear the boot as much as possible. I usually have to do this procedure several times, but this works on all but rubber/plastic type footwear.
Homemade Shoe StretchFrom what I've read here, I think I'll try dipping a laundry softener sheet into 1/3 rubbing alcohol and 2/3 water mixture. This will be thin enough to wear a while, but will also carry the stuff mentioned in other recipes here.
Flip Collar for Long Lasting ShirtMy husband wears button-down collar shirts to work, and, while the rest of the shirt will still be fine, the collars tend to wear at the fold. I've found I can flip the collar by taking out the stitches and then turning it over, and sewing it back.
Bobbin as Lost Jeans ButtonWhen you lose the metal button for your jeans, use a metal sewing bobbin. It is the same size and the shank is perfect for the thicker denim.
Sweater Comb for Removing PillsI use a sweater comb to remove pills from lots of different fabrics and it works great. One drawback is that it has only a small surface for removing the pills, so I think next I will try a suede shoe brush.
Fixing A Wrinkled Prom DressI have what is undoubtedly someone's old 100% acetate prom dress. I found it in a thrift store and bought it to sing in at a concert. Not able to afford dry cleaning, I made the decision to launder it with Woolite on the delicate cycle. I would only be out my $10 investment if this went badly.
Stretching BootsI wrapped my calf with two long ace bandages. Then I warmed my boots with a hair dryer. Get the leather of the boot very warm but not hot. Put the boot on and force it to zip. Wear for about an hour and heat again with hair dryer.
Tanning Lotion as Leather Shoe PolishI have a tan leather bag that got scuffed at the bottom and have been looking around for tan shoe polish, not finding anything. Everything I found was too dark - then I noticed that a self-tanning lotion I had left over from the summer was the right tan color.
Clear Nail Polish For Pantyhose RunsWhile still wearing them, simply take clear nail polish and paint over the run and let it dry. This will keep the run from growing bigger.
Fixing a Stuck ZipperIf your zipper is stuck, use a graphite pencil along the teeth back and front and, presto, it works again!
Paper Clips to Fix a HemIf you have no straight pins, use paper clips to keep folded-over fabric in place when sewing a simple hem. Just slide the paper clip along the material as you work.
Potholder for Patching Gardening PantsMy husband had a pair of gardening pants which he had worn out at the knees. He asked me if I could mend them. So I decided to visit the dollar store to see if I could find any knee patches.
Razor For Removing Fabric PillsIt seems like it's always your old favorites that get those awful little fabric pills. Take a new disposable razor and lightly go across the garment. Use short strokes while pulling the fabric tight.
Bread Tag for Broken Flip FlopI could have used this tip so many times, I have broken so many flip flops. Next time you do just attach a bread tag onto the bottom of your shoe, it will hold it in place.
Covering Clorox Splashes on ClothingWe all know how Clorox spots ruin clothes, recently I splashed Clorox on my black top. I was going to throw it out, then I thought I would try something. I took a black Sharpie pen and carefully dabbed it over the Clorox splash.
Making Shirt Collars Last LongerBecause of the economy and my husband's tendency to have favorite shirts, some are worse for the wear. Meaning the collars are completely worn out. Many years ago I learned from my grandmother how to "turn" collars.
Clear Nail Polish For Stopping RunsTo stop a run in her stockings, my mother used to use clear nail polish on the run.
Nail Polish For Repairing StockingsPaint around the rip or tear with fingernail polish. Clear or fleshy pink tones of polish blend in best.
Beeswax For ZippersTo fix a stuck zipper, rub up and down the zipper with bee's wax. I don't know where I got this idea, but it works like a charm!
Rub Zippers with Candle WaxYou can fix a stuck zipper by running a candle up and down on the teeth of the zipper. You should then be able to slide it the back and forth easier.
Wax For Stuck ZippersTo unstick zippers, I have always used a bar of soap or crayon. If that does not work, use a wax like a candle.
Fixing a Too Tight VisorA couple of my favorite visors pinched behind my ears and, after a while, gave me a headache. Rather than throw them away, I decided to try a last effort. I heated my oven to 300 degrees F and put the visors one at a time on a pan.
Treating Bleach Spots and StainsAs the queen of mending, here's another sneaky tip. If there are discolorations, such as bleach spots on your clothing, you can "mend" them by trying to fill in the bleached spot with various coloring methods.
Using Iron On PatchesI have found that iron-on patches can be very useful for mending and they come in all sorts of colors. Always round the corners of the iron-on patch, so they won't peel off.
Zipper FixAs a fix, I have rubbed a #2 pencil on the zipper. It sometimes does the trick. Also you can try rubbing the zipper with bar soap. Anything is worth a try so you won't have to replace the zipper.
Removing Lint Balls from ClothingI attached the furniture brush attachment to the hose of my vacuum and lightly brushed the surface of the clothing, back and forth, back and forth, etc.
Poor Man's InsolesIf your feet hurt and you need new shoes or different ones, try this tip! Place your foot on some cardboard and trace them (both feet separately). The hardest part is cutting them out.
Use Wax to Replace Shoelace End (Aglet)The next time the tip comes off one of your shoelaces, dip the unprotected end of string in melted paraffin and shape it to a point before the wax hardens.
Restoring a Shrunken Wool SweaterTo reshape a shrunken wool sweater, try soaking the garment in two tablespoons of hair cream rinse mixed with a gallon of cool water, then roll in a towel to remove excess water and clothespin to a pants stretcher or board.
Replace Broken Overall Clasp with HangerYou can replace those metal connector "clasps" on your kids' overalls with a hanger and your needle-nosed pliers. Simply use your pliers to bend the hanger into the same shape as the other clasp, and now you've saved lots of money otherwise spent on new overalls!
Paper Clip as Emergency Zipper PullIf your zipper pull breaks or comes off and you need an emergency replacement, a paperclip will work. Years ago, my down coat zipper pull came off and the only way I was able to get my coat off was to use a paperclip!
Replace Purse Handle with BeltI've had this brand new handbag for many years now, but it just sits in the closet because although I like the brown crocheted material of the handbag, I wasn't too crazy about its faux lizard trim on the handle.
Use Alcohol to Break In ShoesIf you have leather shoes that are a bit tight, you can "break them in" by spraying them inside and out on the tight spots with alcohol (I use cheap cologne). Wear them around and repeating applications of the alcohol until the tight spots have stretched.
Fix Sandal Clasp with Key RingI purchased a pair of sports sandals for $.50 at the thrift store. I hadn't noticed a plastic clasp was broken on one side of a sandal. I decided to get pliers and completely break the piece off the sandal and do the same to the other side.
Hair Product For Shiny ShoesThe rush to school and then on to work can be frantic. To help control my
Jeans Zipper Won't Stay UpIf you have a pair of jeans that fit well, but has a zipper that just won't stay up, try this tip before getting rid of them. Get a small, thin ponytail holder, like the ones used for little girls.
Shoe RepairThe sole on a pair of my favorite shoes began to separate from the shoe. I slipped a little tacky glue between the bottom of the shoe and the top of the sole, clamped the shoes with a couple binder clips, and by next morning they were good as new.
Recovering Sandals With Suede FabricI have a pair of sandals that I got about 2 years ago at the thrift store. I wore them so much, they got pretty ratty on the part where you put your foot in and the foam part of the padding started coming up.
Get Zippers Repaired at the CleanersThere is nothing more frustrating than something needing a zipper fix when the clothing is still wearable. I hate doing zippers in clothing. TADA! Found a fairly inexpensive idea - better than throwing away and buying new.
Use Crafty Cheats to Mend ClothesTo mend clothes, I use hot glue, iron on patches, or hemming tape. This saves me time and money.
Dental Floss for Sturdy ButtonsWhen my children were little, I used to secure buttons on their clothing with dental floss. There is no need to remove the button or existing thread. Just thread a needle with the floss and go through the shank or thread holes of the button once or even twice and tie it off.
Straw Hat Repair With Hot GlueI wear a straw hat when outside to protect my eyes and face. I walk a mile every day, as well as, work in my garden, and flower beds. Instead of buying a new one when my hat has gotten torn in places, I fixed it with hot glue. The hat works like a new one and saves money.
Use Panty Liner for a Shoe PadIf you need just a little padding in your shoe where there might be an irritant, place a panty liner in the shoe. Works great!
Crayons Fix Nicks in Colored Leather Shoes and BootsWhen I was a small child, I remember my mother raiding my crayon box to color in nicks and scuff marks on her brightly colored high heels.
Reinforce Sneaker Heels With Duct TapeI put a strip of duct tape on the inside heel of my sneakers. It seems a hole is always wore in the lining of the heel before the other parts of the sneaker is worn out.
Covering Scuff Marks on ShoesHere is a great way to cover up those scuff marks on a pair of shoes that you still love! Cover the scuffs with a "Sharpie" or any permanent marker in a shade that matches.
Cover those Scratches on Boots!I have several pairs of black boots, I love them all, but after I've worn them a few times, they end up with white scuffs and scratches on them. I've found if your boots are still in good shape, just scuffed, you can use a permanent black sharpie marker and cover the marks! Works like a charm and sure looks a lot better than white scuffs! alic65
