Within the textile industry there are various repair services available to extend the life and quality of a product. Throughout the textile life cycle, from weaving the fabric to the end product, repairs and mending are key stages to ensure high standards and longevity.
Repairs can include replacing broken or lost components such as zippers, buttons or rivets or the repairing of rips and snags in the fabric itself. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates repairs could increase a garment's use by 75% and reduce its carbon emissions by 30%.
Manufacture Repair Services
During the manufacturing process, fabrics must always be checked for imperfections. When fabrics are woven at high speeds, some yarns will inevitably break, and tying the two broken ends together results in a knot but allows the weaving process to continue. The fabric is then examined by hand and eye to expertly "mend" all the knots and any other faults arising from weaving.
Greasy mending/darning
Greasy mending/darning is the term used when the fabric is inspected and repaired before it is washed and finished.
Dry mending/darning
Dry mending/darning occurs prior to final finishing (e.g. pressing), the fabric is carefully inspected again and any minor faults are attended to.
At LLUK we offer a mending/darning service to manufacturers who require an expert eye to identify faults and a skilled hand to mend/darn them.
If you’re a manufacturer and would like to discuss your mending / darning needs, connect with our Private Label Manager, Alexandra Mitchell via LinkedIn or contact us here.
Brand Repair Services
At the moment for many, buying something new can be seen as the only solution to wardrobe malfunctions. But when brands offer clear and easy repair services, customers are more likely to become receptive to the concept and reflect on their behaviours. Clearly communicating repair services ensures understanding for the customer and creates engagement.
Repairs can generally be broken into two categories: invisible mending and visible mending.
Invisible mending is highly skilled and much harder to achieve than visible mending. It requires that exact same yarn as the garment for a seamless look and requires excellent knowledge of knitwear and its construction.
Visible mending gives the opportunity for a more creative approach; deliberately using different coloured yarn to the garment and using various techniques of repair such as:
Patching: Sewing a piece of fabric over a hole or worn area to repair or decorate it.
Appliqué: Attaching pieces of fabric onto a larger fabric surface to create a design or pattern.
Crochet: Using a hooked needle to create fabric by looping yarn together in intricate patterns
Knitting: Using two (or more) needles to interlock loops of yarn.
Embroidery: Stitching decorative designs onto fabric.
Clothing alteration services are a testament to the transformative power of skilled craftsmanship. From Hemming; Folding and sewing the fabric edge to prevent fraying and create a clean finish, to Tapering; Gradually narrowing a piece of clothing, like trousers or sleeves, to create a slimmer fit, these alterations allow customers to transcend the constraints of standard sizing and achieve a personalised fit that resonates with their unique bodies.
Consumers are looking for more than just access to mending, they are looking for a skilled maker they can meet who offers solutions and advice. For brands who want to offer an elevated repair service, Luxury Lockstitch UK can partner with you, offering a white label service that allows access to our skilled repairers.
If you’re a brand and would like to discuss your customer repair / alteration service needs, connect with our Private Label Manager, Alexandra Mitchell via LinkedIn or contact us here.
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