In today’s throw –away society it’s easy to toss a shirt with a missing button or unraveled seam when replacing it only costs 10 bucks. A vintage wedding dress or your grandmother’s handmade sweater is another story.
Restoring vintage clothing can be much more than simply closing a seam or replacing a broken zipper. Like artwork, properly caring for and repairing vintage clothing can increase its value.
Having the Right Tools
With so many sewing machines on the market, it is important to determine what features you need. Do you need a programmable machine or one that offers embroidery? Or do you just need the basics so that you can make and repair button holes, put in zippers and fix seams? It is important to compare different sewing machines once you determine what you need. Also, read the manual thoroughly. Using a sewing machine improperly cannot only harm the machine and you, but damage delicate fabric.
Caring for Vintage Clothing
It is also important to store and care for vintage clothing properly. Nothing is worse than finding your mother’s cashmere sweater set full of holes. Although moths favor wool, they can damage other materials like fur and silk. Keeping your fabrics clean when storing them will reduce their attraction to insects, as will keeping them in sealed containers. Using moth balls and cedar blocks or hangers will also help limit damage.
It is generally a good idea to avoid ironing and dry cleaning of vintage items, if possible. Cotton and linen can both be washed or dry cleaned as needed but silk should never be washed. If the clothing still has its original tags, try to follow those instructions for care.