by S D Rios

Created on: January 02, 2011   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

Any parent who has bought a new pair of jeans for their child only to see that inevitable hole in the knee a few days later knows how important it is to find ways to make children's clothes last. If you are handy, there are many ways to hide the flaws that appear through wear and tear.  If you aren't, a local seamstress or tailor might be an affordable option for clothing repair. You can also easily modify clothes to grow along with your child. Get creative and find second uses for clothes that have outlasted their original purpose.

Add patches: Patches can be "cool", not the Mr. Rogers style from years ago. Craft and fabric stores sell a huge variety of iron-on patches that can be used singly or clustered to create a personalized pair of jeans sans holes. You can use old jeans to cut patches for newer jeans or use contrasting colors to create fun patches for pants. There are many online tutorials for creating patches: http://prairiebluestem.blogspot.com/2007/06/how-to-p atch-knees-of-jeans.html

Add ruffles, lace, and cuffs: Although this is clearly not a good option for older boys, younger boys and girls of many ages can continue to use pants that are too short if you add a cloth ruffle or cuff to the legs. http://swn-archive.sew-whats-up.com/archive/t-21280. html  Choose a colorful pattern or a solid fleece. Plaid and lace are also nice ways to add new life to old pants that still fit in the waist. 

Repurpose: Leggings that are slightly too short make comfortable pajama pants. Cut off too-short jeans and pants to create capris or shorts. http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2009/05/alterations-jea ns.html Create a skirt from old jeans. http://sewing.about.com/od/adultclothingprojects/ss/ jeanskirt.htm  Use contrasting cloth for the inserted panel to add even more interest to the jean skirt. Use the waistband of shorts to create a skirt by adding a skirt in a matching pattern.  Reuse a jean waistband and add a ruffle for a very cute skirt. http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2009/07/guest-blogger- time-again.html  Make footless leggings out of tights that are getting too short. Make a vest out of a jacket or jean jacket with arms that are too short. 

Cover spots and damage. Most parents have a drawer full of clothes that still fit but that have some sort of spot or other damaged area that just can't be corrected. Applique designs and iron-on patches and sequins are the easy way to hide little imperfections. Find free applique designs here http://www.freeapplique.com/ or simply create your own based on your child's interests. http://www.marthastewart.com/article/stain-cover-ups  http://crafterhours.blogspot.com/2010/10/plaid-produ ct-review-and-easiest-shirt.html

Exchange. Make your clothing budget last by exchanging still-viable clothes with a friend. Hold a swap with friends who have kids of different ages. Hold a clothing exchange at your school or preschool. So many parents have closets full of clothing in great, sometimes even new, condition that our kids just never got around to wearing or wearing out. Find someone who shares your taste in clothes and make some even exchanges! http://simpleorganic.net/green-goal-solution-clothin g-exchange/

Get creative to extend the life of your children's clothing. By adorning and repurposing items, you can give them new life. New or very gently used articles are great to pass on to a friend with little ones or to exchange in a friendly clothing swap with friends and neighbors. Check out the internet, the public library, and your local craft and fabric stores for many more resources for embellishing and transforming your kids' clothes into new and improved fashions. 

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