Fixing Up Your Favorite Dress: Simple DIY Solutions

The best dresses are the ones that stay in our wardrobes for decades. They’re so worn and loved that we literally wear them until the buttons fall off, holes and stains appear, and the dress is no longer suitable for public outings. It’s hard to find dresses we love this much, but when you do, you want to hold on to them as long as possible. It’s better for the environment, better for your budget, and better for your comfort and self-expression to have a dress you can always rely on.

A dress you’ve loved for years is bound to pick up some wear and tear. Here are a few ways you can fix up your damaged dress, even if your sewing skills are minimal.

Embroidery – This is one of my favorite methods for covering a small hole or stain. You don’t need to know how to needlepoint to create a simple abstract design. Or, if you prefer a more guided approach, there are tons of YouTube videos with easy embroidery stitches and designs. Embroidery floss is inexpensive and available in dozens of colors at most craft stores, and the only other tools you need are a needle and scissors. If the hole is larger than a pea, consider adding a basic fabric patch on the wrong side of the fabric before embroidering over it.

Patch it – Adding a patch is the most straightforward way to mend a hole, but it doesn’t have to be boring. There are tons of adorable iron-on patches available at craft stores or online. If cutesy patches aren’t your style or you want something more durable, you can also find plain fabric iron-on patches.

Dyeing – Large stains or fading are perfect candidates for dyeing. This requires a bit of setup but no sewing skill, and it’s a fun way to breathe new life into an older garment. When selecting dye, make sure you research the brand, as some dyes can bleed badly when washed. Before dyeing the whole garment, it’s a good idea to trim and test a small fabric swatch from a seam to see how the color will turn out.

Trim – If the stain or hole is near the hem, neckline, sleeve, or another seam, adding trim can easily conceal the damage and give your garment a fresh look. While it’s easier to add trim with a sewing machine, it can definitely be done by hand if you’re patient. Just be sure to consider the care requirements of the trim, as not all trims are machine-washable.

External pockets – Depending on where the damage is, you might be able to cover it with an external pocket. For standard-sized pockets, you’ll need just a quarter of a yard of contrasting fabric. Like trim, this is easier to sew with a machine, but it can also be done by hand with some patience. If you’re covering a hole, I recommend adding a patch before attaching the pocket over it—the perk is that the patch can be done messily since the pocket will hide it.

Turn it into a new piece – Sometimes, a garment is too far gone to be saved with small fixes, but you’re still attached to it. If there are large sections of usable fabric, you can transform it into something new. If you’re a beginner sewer, consider turning it into a pillow or tote bag—both are great beginner projects. Or, if you want to keep wearing it, you can mix the fabric with a contrasting one to create a new dress design. Many sewists specialize in this kind of garment upcycling. Either approach is a great way to honor your original garment and give it new life.

If you’re not ready to give up on your favorite dress, try out one of these methods. You’ll get more years of wear out of it and take pride in knowing you fixed up your beloved piece.