No-Sew Stitching

If your sewing typically draws blood, try Dritz Stitch Witchery, an iron-on adhesive (shown). Use it to alter lengths or fix fallen hems on pants, skirts, and dresses. It's durable and easy to use, and it survives the washing machine. It won't look as sharp as a professional hem job, but it does work in a bind. $2, www.joann.com

Needle and Thread

Unless you're an avid seamstress, you can kiss the Singer good-bye and instead opt for a few needles and spools of thread (buy colors in your wardrobe palette). Keep a strip of felt with threaded needles on it for basic tears and button repairs, advises fashion-show manager Audrey Smaltz. Then the specter of having to thread a needle won't stop you from a quick stitch-up.