Window Screens

PHOTO: AARON DYER

A perfect screen is made up of thousands of small holes, but add one more, and it’s ruined. Luckily, you can easily fashion a patch for an unwanted perforation. Begin by trimming around the tear to create a small, clean-edged rectangular hole. Then, cut a piece of screen about a 1/2-inch larger on each side than the hole. Cover the hole with the patch, carefully weaving the wires into the surrounding screen. To help disguise the patchwork, try stitching the house number in colorful nylon twine directly into the mesh of a front door screen. If you’re extra crafty, you can even incorporate a floral flourish or other decorative embellishment.

Ceramics

PHOTO: ADDIE JUELL

Broken ceramics like plates and mugs can be repaired if you act quickly. First, find out if the ceramic is porous or not. Porous ceramic should be moistened on the broken edges before applying glue. This helps the glue to bond stronger to the ceramic. Then, very gently put the pieces together and allow them to dry.

You’ll only have a couple of minutes to set a broken piece once you apply the glue, so clean the vessel with denatured alcohol, have all your materials ready, and work quickly. Apply the epoxy using a paper clip or pin. Hold the broken piece in place with small pieces of modeling clay; let it cure for at least an hour. Scrape off any excess epoxy carefully with a razor blade, and it should flake right off.

Stuffed Animals and Toys

PHOTO: JOHNNY MILLER

Your child’s favorite toy doesn’t have to mysteriously disappear when it rips. Sometimes all it takes is some time to re-stuff the toy, repair its seams, patch up any holes with needle and thread, and give it a good washing. Your little one will appreciate the TLC you’ve given their plush friend.

Your Favorite Sweater

Repair holes and unraveled seams in your favorite sweater to make the garment look like new again. And if you’re so inclined, you can also give it a fresh look by fixing the hole with a vibrant color of thread.

Handbags and Purses

PHOTO: JOHNNY MILLER

Worn or frayed straps can be replaced and reinforced with new hardware. Stains on leather can be treated and buffed out with white vinegar. And if the leather is untreated, a neutral shoe polish will work. Boost your tote’s functionality by adding a grommet and a carabiner for keys, side pockets for stashing items on-the-go, or lining the interior for added practicality and style.

Even if your bag is damaged beyond repair, don’t let that become an excuse to discard it. Thankfully, most used textiles can be recycled or repurposed.

Jewelry and Watches

PHOTO: VICTOR PRADO

The workmanship of your grandfather’s Swiss timepiece or your mother’s diamond earrings is what makes these family pieces heirloom–worthy. And while some things are best left to a jeweler’s detailed hand, there are some adjustments you can make at home with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Shoes

PHOTO: MARCUS SMITH

When your day is spent pounding the pavement, it’s inevitable that your shoes begin to show signs of wear and tear. Whether it’s a pair of casual kick-around sneakers or Italian leather loafers, you can fix worn soles or damaged heels by taking them to an expert or using shoe glue. To prevent damage altogether, use a shoe protector spray and seal galoshes, waders, or rubber boots.

Planting Pots

Your clay planting pots will inevitably experience a few cracks in their lifetime. So try this: Thread a piece of straight copper wire through the cracks and twist the ends of it together inside of the pot. You won’t need glue or pliers for this repair. Other cracks may need a resin epoxy.

Even completely shattered clay pots could be pieced back together. Use an epoxy adhesive to rebuild the pot, filler bonding to strengthen the areas that were cracked, and finish it off with gentle sanding and color glazes.

Scuffed Furniture

PHOTO: RAYMOND HOM

Never let a few scuffs on your furniture scare you away. Scuffs and water rings on furniture can easily be remedied with the right tools and some patience. The repair techniques depend on the type of damage. For example, you can remove water rings by putting salt over the ring and using some heat to draw out the water. Lining your dresser drawers can cover minor damage to the interior, as well. However, if the damage is truly bad—like from termites—you may want to consider replacing the entire piece of furniture.

Outdoor Furniture

PHOTO: PERNILLE LOOF

Outdoor furniture is bound to get some rust on it after being battered on a regular basis from the weather. To repair it, start by getting rid of loose rust by using a wire brush or a super-stripper. When your outdoor pieces are rust-free once again, you can apply a rust-proof primer and some paint to restore their original look.

Rugs and Carpets

PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER BAKER

Your rugs and carpets are an investment, so you probably want to get the most out of them before buying new. While it depends on the damage, you may be able to patch a rug with similar pieces of other rugs and dying the fabric to match the original pattern. Liquid restoration makes your rug look practically like new.

While restoration is the best idea, you may want to replace a rug that is so severely damaged it’s no longer cost effective. Consult with an expert on what options are available to you. Even rugs that appear badly damaged to the untrained eye may be able to be restored.

Patchwork Quilt

PHOTO: RAYMOND HOM

A handmade patchwork quilt is bound to have some wear and tear after years of being lovingly used. Mend any rips and tears, holes, or frayed seams using a few easy sewing techniques. Cut out patches in the shapes you need to mimic, and always prewash new fabric before sewing.