Materials for (In)Visible Mending

The materials for this class will be based on the garments that need mending. The weight of the fabric will dictate the weight and fiber of the thread you choose. I recommend using the same color and weight of thread as the textile of the garment needing mended. The fabric you use to do an invisible patch should be the same weight, color and weave structure as the garment you are patching. The needles you choose should also match the job. Use finer needles for finer fabrics and more robust needles for thicker fabrics. In this video I explain what materials I am using for my mending and why.

Here are some materials I like and mentioned in the video:

Thread: Burnley and Trowbridge has a great assortment of fine to heavy silks and linen threads. If you need linen, remember your beeswax! https://burnleyandtrowbridge.com/collections/threads

Pins: I am a big proponent of using super fine dressmakers pins that are 1 1/4” long. JoAnns has them here, but my favorite are Iris pins, you can get them here.

Needles: The weight you need will be dictated by your project. I like Bohin needles. It is worth it to get nice needles. Sharps and embroidery needles are a good length for most projects. Quilters needles are very short and are good for very fine projects. The number associated with the needle indicates its girth. The larger the number the finer the needle. Here is a good assortment of Bohin needles to choose from. Avoid darning needles, tapestry and beading needles, they are too long or too blunt.

Embroidery Scissors: A tiny, sharp pair of embroidery scissors is a must. You can get these from JoAnns. However, my current favorite (and the pair I am using in the workshop) are these from William Whiteley and Sons

Pencil

Measuring Tape

Thimble: You may have one in your stash or you can find them at antique stores or on etsy. Do not buy a one size fits all. It should fit on the middle finger of your dominate hand. Not too tight but not too loose it falls off. These are amazing from Sajou and are good for a wish list.