Clothing Repair & Alteration Supplies | Hem Tape, Iron-On Patches, Zipper Repair & Mending Kits

A torn pocket, a broken zip, a hem that's come loose — most clothing problems are fixable, often in minutes, with the right supplies on hand. This collection brings together iron-on patches, denim repair patches, hem tape, zipper repair kits and general mending essentials for everyone from professional tailors handling alteration work to anyone simply trying to get a few more years out of a favourite jacket. It's a category close to the everyday reality of haberdashery: at Accessoires Leduc, repair and alteration supplies have always sat alongside fabric and trims, because making things last is as much a part of sewing as making them in the first place.

Buying guide: choosing the right repair solution

For visible damage like holes or worn patches on denim and jackets, iron-on patches offer the fastest fix — applied with a hot iron and firm pressure, they bond to most woven fabrics within minutes and are a strong long-term solution rather than a temporary one. If you might want to remove or change a patch later, a sew-on patch or hem tape gives you more flexibility, since iron-on adhesive creates a permanent bond.

Hem tape is one of the most versatile items in this collection. Beyond its obvious use shortening trousers and skirts without sewing, it's commonly used for quick curtain hems, temporarily securing a fraying hem until it can be properly stitched, or even reinforcing a seam under stress. Always test hem tape on a small, hidden area of fabric first, particularly with delicate or heat-sensitive materials, since the bonding process involves heat.

For zippers, most "broken zip" problems are actually a damaged slider rather than a broken zipper tape — a zipper repair kit with replacement sliders in a few common sizes can fix the majority of stuck or separated zips without replacing the entire zipper, which is both faster and more cost-effective. Keep a small selection of slider sizes on hand, since sliders are sized to match the zipper's tooth width.

For tailoring studios doing alteration work regularly, building a small dedicated repair kit — a few patches, a roll of hem tape, an assortment of zipper sliders, and basic mending thread — means most walk-in repair requests can be handled on the spot rather than requiring a follow-up visit.

Collector highlights

Denim repair patches in classic indigo and faded blue tones are consistently popular, reflecting just how much denim repair has become part of mainstream sustainable fashion rather than a niche activity. Hem tape, despite being one of the simplest products in this collection, is also one of the most reordered — proof that the most useful items aren't always the most exciting ones.

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If a repair calls for a new button rather than a patch, our 4-hole sewing buttons and wooden buttons collections both include everyday replacement options. For repairs to bag straps and handles, our bag making webbing collection can supply replacement strap material. And for stocking a complete repair kit affordably, our budget sewing supplies under €3 cover the small notions that complement these repair essentials.

Frequently asked questions

Can iron-on patches be removed later if needed?

Iron-on patches create a strong bond intended for long-term wear and are not designed to be removed cleanly — for temporary repairs, consider sew-on patches or hem tape instead.

What's included in a zipper repair kit?

A typical zipper repair kit includes replacement sliders in various sizes, zip stops, and pull tabs, allowing you to fix a stuck or broken zipper slider without sewing in an entirely new zipper.

How do I apply an iron-on patch correctly?

Place the patch adhesive-side down on the repair area, cover with a thin cloth to protect the iron, and press firmly with a hot iron for the time specified on the patch (usually 20–30 seconds), then allow it to cool fully before handling the garment.

Is hem tape a permanent fix?

Hem tape creates a durable bond suitable for regular wear and washing, though for garments that will be worn and washed frequently over many years, a traditional stitched hem is generally more durable in the long run.

How do I know if my zipper needs a new slider or a full replacement?

If the zipper teeth themselves are intact but the zip won't stay closed, separates easily, or the pull has come off, a replacement slider usually solves the problem. If the teeth are missing, bent beyond repair, or the tape itself is torn, a full zipper replacement is needed.

Are these supplies suitable for repairing bags as well as clothing?

Yes — many items in this collection, particularly zipper repair kits, patches and hem tape, work equally well on bags, backpacks and accessories as they do on garments.