My dear son-in-law gave me a new challenge at Christmas time. He is in construction and landscaping and his hard work is reflected in these sweatshirts! (I do suspect he asks me to try to mend things just for fun.)
This particular challenge involved two hooded sweatshirts that probably should be thrown out, but the main issue was the pocket pouch on the front of each. They were ripped and shredded because he shoves his keys and tools, etc. into them. He also gave me a third sweatshirt that I could use as replacement fabric. Apparently, he wants to have his company logo visible, not a football team. I offered to buy him a new sweatshirt, but noooo, he thought I should try to fix these! See what I mean…he’s teasing me!
Here are the steps I followed to mend them:
First, I cut the damaged pocket pouches off the shirts.
Next, I prepped the inside front of the shirt with a large piece of sturdy cotton so the pocket would have a stable base to be sewn to.
Then I used the old pocket as a pattern on the extra sweatshirt to cut two new pockets. I used the fabric under the arm because it didn’t have much wear and tear.
I sewed a hem on the curved sides of each pocket and placed them on the front of the shirt. I was not about to try to unstitch the leftover pieces of the old pocket. They aren’t pretty, but don’t affect the new pocket’s use.
I pinned and sewed the new pocket down.
I also took the ribbing off the bottom edge of one of the old shirts because it was shredded. I used the ribbing off the replacement shirt and fixed that too.
If either of these sweatshirts end up back in my mending basket, I guarantee they will be disposed of! However, each time I take on a job like this, I learn something new! Enjoy!
Please comment or send me an email directly at marykisner@comcast.net.