The Amish don't throw away clothes with holes. Clothing is repaired as long as the fabric holds.
Darning
Stretch fabric over a hard object (darning egg, lightbulb). Sew a thread grid across the hole: first parallel threads one direction, then weave perpendicular. Creates a thread patch. Primary method for socks.
Patches
Cut fabric 2 cm larger than the hole on each side. Turn edges under. Sew with hidden stitch from the inside — nearly invisible outside. The Amish use fabric from old clothes of the same color.
Reinforcement
Elbows, knees, pockets — sew an extra fabric layer BEFORE it wears through. Children's clothing is reinforced immediately — cheaper than mending later.
Philosophy
Clothing is function, not fashion. A shirt serves 5–10 years, then best pieces go to quilts, the rest becomes cleaning rags. Full cycle, zero waste.