Specialist Garment Repair Tools

I was going to share how to re-line a bag today but because it is taking such a long time (and frustration!) I have decided to share that with you next Friday! So remember to tune in next week. Instead, I'm going to share two great tools that I discovered.  My repair journey has been pretty exciting so far, but I've come to realise that you can't rely on your good old sewing machine or basic needle and thread to get the job done.  Here are the specialist tools I have found on the internet, and would like to purchase (or make!). Note, although I've said "specialist", I think these will make a great addition to your sewing kit!

Speedweve Darner / Darn Easy

It's touted as the smallest weaving loom ever, but it is ever so useful in helping you with your darning! If you have ever darned your clothes, you will have probably squinted and cursed at how hard it is to weave between the warp strands.  With the Speed Weve, the metal prongs lift and lower the alternating warp strands so that you can feed your needle in between them - no more eye strain, and you get extremely neat darning!

Image: Wondertrading

I would really love to get one of these but because they are no longer in production many of the ones on the market are from the 40s and 50s - scream, VINTAGE! If you're wondering how to operate one, pop over to darning expert, Tom of Holland, where he does a good job explaining the mechanics behind the machine.

Sewing Awl

This great tool is capable of going through thick textiles that your sewing machine is unable to, and it also takes away the need for painful hand sewing.  The sewing awl comes with sturdy sharp needles, a bobbin and waxed thread.  This video shows you how it's all done.  It may look slow, but you will have strong stitches once the sewing has been done.

 

What garment repair tools have you come across and have found useful?

Image at top courtesy: http://www.thechandleryonline.com/