So what happens when you buy clothing from Shein or Temu and it comes with an issue? The sleeves are sheer, it’s too long, or the hem is too wide for you. When you’ve spent under $30 on a dress, it feels silly to spend money altering it professionally.

Here are some of my quick and easy no-sew fixes that I actually use, shocking as some of them may be.

Fix #1 – Don’t Be Scared of Scissors

I use scissors for everything. If I love the shirt but it has a mock neck when I want a crew neck, I cut it off. If a dress made of mesh or tulle is too long, I cut it. If the sleeves are sheer and I need to wear a shell but don’t want it peeking over the collar, I cut out a scoop neckline for myself.

It sounds extreme, but when the item is inexpensive, it’s often worth trying. Don’t be discouraged by small snags from the scissors, no one has ever noticed them on me.

Fix #2 – Hem Tape

If a dress is too long, or some seam needs joining or hemming, iron-on hem tape (https://tinyurl.com/mw2n3afe) is incredibly useful. Just place the tape where you want the seam, fold the fabric over it, and lightly run an iron over the area to bond the fabric together. I used this on one of my favorite dresses, and it worked perfectly!

Fix #3 – Stitchy

Although I don’t (yet) own one of these little helpers, I’ve wanted one for a long time. A Stitchy is a small tool that creates a single stitch in your clothing. (https://tinyurl.com/374rhb7c)

It’s perfect for button-down shirts or dresses with uncomfortable gaps, falling hems, curtains, or other fabrics around your house. It’s great for quick or temporary fashion fixes.

Fix #4 – Fabric Glue

This handy glue (https://tinyurl.com/6paxnbj4) comes in different strengths and can be used on everything from satin to denim (thank G-d!). If something is fraying or falling apart, you simply apply a small dot of glue and use the clip that comes with the product to hold the pieces together while it dries.

Fix #5 – Neckline Repair Kit

This is very useful for necklines that are too big, waistlines that are too loose, or anywhere elastic needs to be added.

The kit (https://tinyurl.com/3b2yh6ey) comes with a large needle and elastic. You carefully pull the elastic through the entire hem of the neckline and tie it off, creating a tighter opening.

Fix #6 – Handheld Steamer

This is perfect for those moments when you have the ideal outfit planned, wake up, and realize your skirt is completely wrinkled. Just run the steamer (https://tinyurl.com/3ykh7d8b) over the fabric and watch the wrinkles smooth out. It’s small enough to take places, and works amazingly well.

Most of these products are cheap, buy-once-use-many-times items. I keep them in my closet and pull them out whenever I need them. But remember, as Jewish women, we already have plenty of practice with the best and most versatile tznius tool of all: safety pins.