There’s a coat hanging by the door that I’ve worn for years. It’s from Sweden, from the beloved company Gudrun Sjödén, and it has become one of those deeply personal pieces of clothing—my all-time favourite. The wool has remained strong and beautiful, but over the years, the cotton trim around the cuffs and pockets began to wear away. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to it. This coat has shared so many seasons with me—and now, with a little care, it’s ready for many more.
When the fall a shipment from Disana arrived, it included something wonderful: Merino Wool Edging Strips. The moment I saw them, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I was going to mend my coat.
This little repair project turned into a meditative and deeply satisfying afternoon on the front porch. If you’ve ever wanted to breathe new life into a well-loved piece, here’s how I did it:
What I Used:
- Stitch ripper or seam ripper
- Scissors
- Needles and thread
- Pins
-
Disana Merino Wool Edging Strips
Pocket Repair:
First, I carefully removed the stitching holding the pockets in place—just the top two inches on each side. The pockets themselves were still sturdy, but the cotton trim had frayed with time. I basted the loose top edge of the pocket lining to keep everything tidy.
Then came the wool edging. I cut my strips with a little extra length just in case, and pinned them into place, making sure the seam of the strip would line up nicely on top of the pocket. I used a tiny running stitch on the front to attach it.
On the back side, I put the wool strip in place, anchored it with pins, and whip-stitched the trim down tightly, securing it in place and giving it a clean finish.
Finally, I sewed the pockets back onto the coat, carefully keeping the lining free from my stitches. And just like that, the pockets were refreshed and sturdy again.
Cuff Repair:
The sleeves were repaired much the same way. I wrapped the edging around each cuff, cutting enough to go all the way around and a bit extra to create an overlap. It created a lovely, durable edge—no more fraying.
Now, my beautiful coat is ready for many more winters. The wool edging gives it new life while keeping its original charm. And while I won’t be wearing it just yet—I plan to enjoy every minute of this lovely summer—it brings me joy to know it’s ready when the snow returns.
This kind of mending is more than just practical—it’s deeply rewarding. There’s something special about caring for what we already have, making it last, and adding a personal touch along the way.
If you have a garment that’s showing signs of a little too much love and use, I encourage you to try a simple wool trim repair. With a few tools, a little time, and something as beautiful as Disana’s Merino edging strips, you might just fall in love with your old favourite all over again.
Looking for edging strips to start your own repair project? You can find them here.
By Heather at Warmth and Weather