About this course

Learn how to work woven darns for your woollies as well as patching with decorative stitches for woven fabrics. Bring along your own items and together we will bring them back to life.

Course Description

Learning the art of mending not only promotes sustainability but also contributes to the movement against fast fashion. In this one-day workshop, you will delve into the world of visible mending, mastering techniques such as woven darns for wool garments and decorative patching for woven fabrics in need of repair.

Throughout the session, you will explore various stitching methods including tambourine, blanket, and honeycomb stitches, understanding their applications and when to utilise each technique effectively. By the end of the workshop, you will feel confident to tackle your own mending projects, proudly wearing your restored garments.

Feel free to bring along any items from your personal collection that require a touch of tender loving care. Together, we will revive and breathe new life into your cherished pieces. Katy Beven, is renowned for her expertise in darning, with three published books on the subject.

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course the tutor will supply all yarn, needles and darning mushrooms for use during the course.

What students need to bring

  • Bring your holely items that need repair and any mending conundrums.

Available to buy

  • Available from tutor:
  • Additional needles and mushrooms will be available to buy from the tutor.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Timetable

Timetable for one day courses

Students should arrive by 9am for registration.

Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm

Lunch is included.

General Information

Tutors

Katy Bevan

Katy Bevan is a curator, writer and educator specialising in knitting and crochet. She has worked in craft book and magazine publishing for 20 years and writes about the history and art of knitting and textiles for magazines such as Selvedge, The Knitter and Rowan, writes a blog at thecrafter.me and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Trustee of the Heritage Crafts Association. She believes in the benefits of craft for health and wellbeing and is usually to be found knitting.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.