Skill Level: Beginner

In a world where fast fashion dominates, the art of mending clothes is making a stylish comeback. Visible mending, once considered a necessity, is now a creative way to breathe new life into worn-out garments. Not only does it extend the life of your favorite clothing, but it also offers a chance to showcase your personal style and reduce waste. In this post, we’ll dive into two exciting visible mending techniques using Camelot’s Mixology fabrics and FuseWeb, a fusible webbing that makes the process easy and fun. Whether you're looking to hide a pesky stain or repair a tear with flair, these methods will help you turn imperfections into design statements.

Supplies Needed:

• Items that need repair
• FuseWeb – paper backed version
• Assorted Mixology fabrics from Camelot Fabrics
• Cutting tools
• Small sharp scissors
• Iron and Board
• Basic Sewing Supplies
• Matching Threads
• Frixion Pen
• Open Toe Foot

Visible Mending – Patch Method

I recently found a cool messenger bag at a thrift store, but the printed graphic on the front wasn’t quite my style. Instead of passing on this great find, I decided to give it a fresh look using the fabric patch technique. With the help of FuseWeb, I selected a vibrant piece of Camelot Mixology fabric that perfectly complemented the bag’s color. In this section I will walk you through the steps I used for this technique. The patch not only covered the unwanted print, but it also added a bold, personalized touch to the bag. Now, it feels completely unique, blending the old and the new with a pop of pattern that’s distinctly mine.

Patch Method Steps

1. Select the object that needs the graphics, or a stain covered. Measure the area that you would like cover. Decide if you are creating one patch or a collage of patches as shown here.
   
   
2. Cut a piece or pieces of paper backed fuse web ¼” larger than the desired size.
   
   
3. Lay the patch or patches on top of the item to make sure it will cover the spot. 
   
   
4. Center the FuseWeb in the middle of the patch fabric, following the manufacturer’s instructions and press the FuseWeb to the wrong side of the fabric. 
   
   
5. Trim each patch a ¼” larger than the FuseWeb Shape. 
   
   
6. Clip the corners of the fabric patch up to the FuseWeb shape as needed. 
   
   
7. Remove the paper backing from the Fuse Web. Fold the fabric edge over to the back of the fabric and carefully press along the edge. Be careful not to touch the exposed FuseWeb with the iron. 
   
   
   
   
   
8. Repeat Step 7 with all the patches. 
   
   
9. Place the finished patch or patches on top of the area that is to be covered as desired. 
   
   
10. Following the manufacturer’s instructions to iron the patches onto the item. 
    
    
    
11. Select threads that either match or compliment the patch color. 
    
    
12. Stitch around the patch with a straight stitch or decorative stitch to permanently attach the patch or patches to the item. 
    
    

Visible Mending – Reverse Applique Method

When I discovered a hole in my favorite T-shirt, instead of tossing them aside, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to try out the reverse applique technique. This method doesn't just hide imperfections; it transforms them into standout features. Using FuseWeb and Camelot's Mixology fabrics, the result was a stylish design that not only repaired the shirt but gave it a whole new personality, turning a flaw into a fashionable detail.

Reverse Applique Method Steps

1. Turn the T-shirt inside out. 
   
   
2. Using a wash out pen draw the design you want to create onto the t-shirt to finalize your design.
   
   
3. Trace the final design onto the paper side of the FuseWeb and if needed trace the design onto a piece of paper to use a template in Step 8. 
   
   
4. Cut out the traced FuseWeb shapes 1/4” – 3/8” outside the drawn lines. 
   
   
5. Cut out the center of each FuseWeb shape on the drawn line. 
   
   
6. Press the FuseWeb shape to the wrong side of the chosen fabric for the patch.
7. Now position and press the Fabric with FuseWeb onto the t-shirt.
   
   
8. Turn the T-shirt right side out. Trace the final design shape on the T-shirt over the fused fabric from Step 6. 
   
   
9. Stitch on the drawn line of the design by hand or machine to anchor the fused patch to the T-shirt. 
   
   
10. Use a pair of small sharp scissors to cut away the T-shirt material on top of the fabric patch to expose the patch fabric. 
    
    
    
    
11. Now finish the raw edge of the T-shirt with a decorative stitch to finish the raw edge, if desired. 
    
    

This technique is so versatile and fun that you can use it on any article of clothing, even if there's no hole to repair. It's a creative way to add unique accents and personalize your wardrobe with eye-catching designs.

By incorporating these two visible mending techniques—fabric patches and reverse applique—you can transform worn or damaged clothing into unique, stylish pieces. With the help of FuseWeb and Camelot’s Mixology fabrics, mending becomes an opportunity for creativity rather than a chore. Whether you're covering up a graphic with a patch or using reverse applique to highlight a tear, these techniques make it easy to create eye-catching designs that tell a story. So next time your favorite shirt gets a rip or a stain, don’t toss it—get creative with visible mending and let your clothing reflect your personal touch!