Here at CF, we work to bring you affordable, fashion-forward looks each and every day – but the easiest way to save money on clothing is to take care of the clothes you already own!

After three years in college, I’ve lost countless coat buttons, ripped multiple belt loops and bought (a few) new pairs of pants rather than hemming a pair I already owned. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to accept that I can’t always afford to buy new clothing – but I can afford a $5 sewing kit.

Now, I don’t claim to be an expert on sewing, or even able to complete beginner sewing projects with ease every time, but below, I’ll share a few sewing tricks that will help you get the most out of your wardrobe favorites. (Okay, one tip doesn’t involve sewing – but it’s totally invaluable, I swear!)

Sewing Kit, Urban Outfitters – $4.99

Table of Contents

Sewing on a Button

As the weather gets colder, everyone starts to layer on sweaters and cardigans. The problem is that with all that wear comes some tear. Most pieces purchased from typical retailers will come with an extra button or two attached, to preempt the future missing button problem. For cardigans from discount retailers, like T.J. Maxx, you may be on your own if a button goes rogue.

Luckily, most small sewing kits come with basic black and white buttons. These will get you through a few weeks until you can get to a craft store and get a matching button. No matter what option you have, taking a few minutes to replace a missing button will get you a lot more use out of your favorite outerwear. These directions assume you’re using a button with the basic two holes.

• Choose the closest color thread that you have (white and black are the best options to have on hand) to the color of the garment you’re fixing.
• Cut a piece of thread a 1/2 yard long (about the distance from your elbow to finger).
• Feed the thread through the eye hole of the needle.
• Pull the thread through until the needle is in the middle of the strand, then double knot the two ends together.
• Position the button where you’d like it and push the needle up through the fabric and one of the button holes.
• Pull the needle and thread all the way through until the knotted end is against the back of the fabric.
• Push the needle downwards through the second hole and the fabric.
• Repeat the last two steps 6-7 times to secure the button and finish with a knot on the inside of the garment.

No-Sew Hemming

One of the most popular fashion tips from magazines and stylist is to get your pants and jeans hemmed. Well, I’m not one to disregard the advice of Vogue, but hemming my own pants seems a little too intimidating. And although many retailers offer hemming services, it’s hard to justify the extra cost. Fortunately, a couple of years ago I stumbled upon hemming tape in the Target checkout line, and it has become one of my best secret weapons.