Hand sewing for repairs & upcycling

[belaire55]

Hey everyone! I started hand sewing to fix clothes and now I’m hooked on upcycling. I’ve added embroidery to old jeans and patched jackets with visible mending. What needles and threads work best for thicker fabrics? thanks in advanc e!

 

[fastkiwi22]

Hey everyone! I started hand sewing to fix clothes and now I’m hooked on upcycling. I’ve added embroidery to old jeans and patched jackets with visible mending. What needles and threads work best for thicker fabrics? thanks in advanc e!

Upcycling is so cool! Hoping to try my hands on that. But to answer your question, for hand sewing thicker fabrics, I go with leather or upholstery needles and buttonhole or topstitch thread. If you're doing decorative work, thicker embroidery floss adds texture. Do you ever use a thimble or needle gripper for tough spots?

 

[stitchitg00d]

Upcycling is so cool! Hoping to try my hands on that. But to answer your question, for hand sewing thicker fabrics, I go with leather or upholstery needles and buttonhole or topstitch thread. If you're doing decorative work, thicker embroidery floss adds texture. Do you ever use a thimble or needle gripper for tough spots?

I’ve been collecting old denim and canvas bags to turn into aprons and tool rolls. Thanks for the needle tips! Do you find certain brands hold up better when pushing through layers? I’ve bent a few already!

 

[SherylG]

I made some lined denim purses a few years ago with zipper closings. I made most of it by hand since it was way too hard for my machine. It was hard work. I used the heavy needles for leather with blades on the tips and thimbles and pliers to do the thickest parts. It was still a lot of work and time. I don't think I would do it again, but I was pleased with the results. I painted flowers on them with beads and a mountain scene on one. I picked up old purses at the thrift store bag sale and used parts from those to finish the purses I made. I used the red leather handles from one that were just like new. I collected huge size jeans in a bag sale and used that for the denim. I used some of the zippers from those, as well. I like the look of recycled denim!