Visible mending is a creative way to repair and extend the life of clothing. In this hands-on class, students will learn a few useful hand stitches commonly used in decorative repair, including running stitch, blanket stitch, French knots, and how to hand weave a patch. Working on a square of 10” denim fabric, participants will practice the stitches and explore how they can be applied to reinforce worn areas or cover small holes in lightweight woven garments such as jeans or shirts. This class focuses on foundational techniques, tools and supplies used, and is suitable for beginners or anyone new to visible mending. Students leave with a completed sampler and the confidence to begin repairing their own garments at home.

Arlene Westen is thrilled to guide you through an afternoon of visible surface mending techniques. Stitching, a universal visual language, bridges cultural divides and fosters shared creativity. The calming and therapeutic effects of mending, offer a profound sense of accomplishment and a canvas for personal expression in addition to being a versatile skill for repair, adornment, and reinforcement of fabrics.

INSTRUCTION: Students interested in slow-stitching, visible mending and patchwork will be introduced to the rich history of the running stitch used in various cultures around the world. Using this simple stitch and integrating a few decorative stitches, students will create a one-of-a-kind sampler in the form of a small fabric collage that includes the techniques of darning a hole, needle weaving, mending with a patch and sewing with different yarn weights for added design and contrast elements.

PREREQUISITE: None.

WHAT TO BRING: All materials will be included. Students are asked to bring their own beverages and a snack.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Due to very small class sizes, we are unable to offer refunds on workshops. If for any reason you are unable to attend, you can send someone in your place. Any classes cancelled by us due to low registration or health mandates will have the option for a refund or transfer to future date.

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time. Class end time may vary.Please arrive 5-10 minutes before class start time. Class end time may vary.