YOU WILL NEED ■ A few pairs of old jeans ■ Lining fabric: 20x40in ■ Webbing: 64in, 15/8in wide ■ Denim sewing machine needle ■ Ruler (or quilting square) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ S

Eking out the life of your gear can save you £££. Here’s how to approach choosing, maintaining and fixing outdoor clothing for longevity

MATERIALS ■ Pair of loose-fitting trousers (to use as a template) ■ Lightweight fabric: 2.5mx140cm ■ Elastic for shorts, 3cm wide: your waist measurement + 5cm ■ Elastic for top, 3cm wide: your high b

The ‘make do and mend’ slogan may have been used in Britain during the Second World War to advise people how to be frugal during harsh rationing restrictions, but the sentiment is still alive and kick

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 1.5–2mx110cm ■ Elastic, 25mm wide: enough to fit around your waist ■ Brass eyelets, 7mm, and installation kit ■ Cotton cord, 4mm wide: 1m ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing

Celebrate your love of stitching with these delicate designs by Susan Bates 44 quick-and-easy motifs Susan Bates’ design inspiration Stitches for every skill level Helpful tips and advice Unique gift