Kait Mae

Previously published in Hallettsville Tribune-Herald on Feb. 10, 2021.

Have you ever had a hem come undone on your favorite shirt? Have you ever had some pants that were just a smidge too long? Well, here are some tips I have been using to fix my clothes to my liking on a budget and without using a needle and thread.

Probably the most accessible to all is to use bobby pins to temporarily adjust a hem. Fold over the hem and fasten in place with a bobby pin or two. It is perfect for cropping a hem for a day or keeping structured lines in place. Bobby pins are available at most stores.

Hem tape is another easy choice for either temporary or permanent solutions. There are a ton of varieties. It can be used any area a tailor could hem – pant legs, shirt sleeves, skirt lengths and more. When using hem tape, read the packaging on whichever you have because all brands and types have specific instructions for proper use.

Similar to hem tape, but for keeping clothes in place while wearing is fashion tape. Unlike hem tape, fashion tape can be used on skin safely. It can keep strapless tops or dresses from slipping down and also seal fabric together like hem tape. Hem tape and fashion tape are available at craft stores and most grocery stores.

If you have more time on your hands and need a more permanent solution, fabric glue is the choice for you. There are many different formulas for specific materials and uses. It can be used for repairs or adding embellishments to clothes without sewing. Fabric glue can be found at Walmart or craft stores.

I hope these tips help give your clothes new life while also saving you some money.