Whether it’s lost buttons, a stuck zipper or ripped seams, the fact is that we all have clothing with imperfections that can make us feel less confident about wearing them. Yet these blemishes don’t have to mean that the garments are destined for the bin — in fact, by choosing to repair rather than discard them, we can not only extend their lifespan but also give them new meaning.

But where to begin? If you’re not a skilled sewer, your first stop is likely to be your local dry cleaner. But if you’re feeling inspired to get sewing, there are a host of online tutorials to help you master the basics, including hand stitching (a.k.a whip stitch). It’s worth noting that not every mending technique requires a machine: many are just as effective, if not easier, done by hand.

Once you have a handle on the basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques, such as darning or patching. Darning involves sewing over a hole in knitwear using matching thread, usually with the garment inside out. This method helps strengthen the area around the hole and makes the repairs virtually invisible. It’s a good choice for repairing holes in sweaters and scarves or to add a decorative element to otherwise plain garments.

Another great way to extend the life of a garment is to reinforce areas that tend to wear out more quickly, such as elbows or knees, with additional fabric. This can be a great preventative measure, and is as simple as ironing in an interfacing that’s been cut to the size of the vulnerable area, sewing it in or hand-sewing a patch over it.

Other mending techniques include fusing or bonding, which use a glue or fabric sealer to repair rips or tears in fabrics, and applique, where a patch of decorative cloth is used to cover an area that has become damaged. Finally, there’s felting, which is a great option for woollen clothing that has gotten worn out or torn, and can be used to create patches or add decorative elements like borders or flowers.

In addition to extending the life of our favourite clothes, mending can be a fun and creative process, not to mention a very thrifty one! And with a little practice, most of these skills can be learned and executed by anyone with the right tools. Keeping these skills alive is especially important as cheap, disposable clothing floods the market and the value of well-made, durable clothing declines. Whether you’re mending a hand-knit sweater from your grandmother or repairing a pair of jeans that have been handed down to you by a loved one, these small repairs can add up and make a big difference.