Now that our kids are in the thick of remote learning, you may have found yourself purchasing the most basic clothes they need. And why not? With kids not having to wear “the cool” outfit every day at school, this is an excellent opportunity to save a bit of money. This is were mending comes in. Mending is not only a lesson in frugality; it is good for the environment, with Americans being one of the main culprits of textile waste.

Dictionary.com defines the word mend as “to make (something broken, worn, torn, or otherwise damaged) whole, sound, or usable by repairing.”

If looking to compile together a kit of products and items that will help give your family’s wardrobe more longevity, especially while we are in quarantine, here are five tips for easy at-home mending.

Psst…check out our Face Masks for Kids from Small New York Businesses That Have You Covered

Mending Your Kids’ Clothes

Mending Tape: Stitch Witchery Fusible Bonding Web

Fusible tape is an excellent no-sew technique for easy hemming repairs. From jeans to curtains that need a hem, Stitch Witchery Fusible Bonding Web works fast and can be thrown in the wash or dry cleaning. And don’t be wary of fixing your favorite blouse or dress — when done well, this tape is a clothing miracle. $2.67, amazon.com
Iron on Patches: Premium Quality Denim Iron on Jean Patches No-Sew Shades of Blue

Investing in simple or fun patches to cover up your kids’ holes is a crafty way to keep their wardrobe working throughout the year. Adding fabric durability such as a patch can buy up more wear time so they can grow out of the piece and maybe even pass it on to a younger sibling. $6.99, amazon.com
Fabric Glue: Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive

If sewing is not your thing or you are looking for a more straightforward method to patch and hem mass amount of clothes, try fabric glue. Fabric glue, like the fusible tape, is another way to bond fabrics and trims together. No iron or sewing required. $5.88, amazon.com
Decorative Easy Sewing: Sashiko Stitch

A Sashiko Japenese stitch is basically a running stitch. This form of folk embroidery is a cool way to sew up a denim patch for jeans or use it as a way of embellishment around a patch on any clothing such as a sweater or dress. The Sashiko Stitch is a way to create something new and unique with a simple stitch from the tears and holes of your pieces. We love this tutorial for mending for jeans with this stitch and follow @miniaturerhino for Sashiko Stitching inspiration.

Image: @visiblemend @miniaturerhino
DIY Patches

In the theme of spending as little as possible by wearing clothes until they are truly worn out, patches are a fun method to extend clothing. Cut pieces in squares, circles, or heart shapes. Indeed you are the creative engineer in this. Try using fabric that will not be hard form, yet will provide a durable shield so the new piece can be worn seamlessly by your child many times over.

Cucu's PlayHouse

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Interactive, live-streaming music and movement class in Spanish for babies, toddlers and preschoolers! Join us every day from Monday through Saturday at 1:30 pm EST to sing, dance and play together while learning Spanish from your home.</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">&nbsp;</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">This class is part of a Spanish Immersion Program where your child will be introduced to basic concepts like the animals, colors, numbers and letters. All of these through the universal language of Music. Each session is fun, interactive and engaging. A selection of Children Songs in Spanish guides the class from start to finish. Activities are related to the lyrics, in order to familiarize the children with the words and their meanings. Some of the songs encourage the children to dance. Nilda uses puppets, musical instruments, and props to teach children basic vocabulary through action and interaction, rather than through translation.</div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> The classes are streamed on Zoom's webinar platform. Participants (children, parents, nannies) are able to join the video from their homes and interact with us in real-time, it is a fun and engaging experience.</div>

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson! Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.

The Tutorverse

Join The Tutorverse for the highest quality in academic enrichment and test preparation! Whether your student is gearing up for the&nbsp;state exams, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, or SAT/ACT, our team of&nbsp;experienced and local professional educators&nbsp;can help. Have your student join a&nbsp;small-group class&nbsp;at our downtown or Upper East Side locations. Or, they can meet with a&nbsp;private tutor when and where it&rsquo;s most convenient for your family. Does your student need help building study skills or improving grades? Whether your middle or high schooler needs help with&nbsp;STEM or humanities, our patient and affirming tutors will teach them how to build&nbsp;confidence and content mastery.&nbsp;<a style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Send us an email</a> or give us a call&mdash;we'd love to hear more about how we can help!