The Art of Visible Mending

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Image credits
1. Image: Some of Tobi's beautiful mending skills! @i.have.a.stitch
2. annwoodhandmade.com (find on our Visible Mending Pinterest board!)

The Art of Visible Mending: Reviving Textiles with Purpose and Style

Once a necessity, now an art form, visible mending involves repairing damaged textiles in a way that highlights the patchwork, stitches, and creative techniques used to restore garments. Far from hiding flaws, this method embraces them, turning wear and tear into a statement of sustainability, creativity, and personal expression.

Visible mending has roots in traditional Japanese techniques such as sashiko and boro—methods that transformed the act of repairing into a cultural practice. These textiles, often worn by farmers and working-class people, were patched and stitched with care, creating intricate, decorative patterns. Over time, this practice evolved from functional repair to a form of artistic expression, with mended clothes often becoming more beautiful and unique than their original state.

Today, visible mending is making a resurgence, not only as a way to extend the life of garments but also as part of a broader movement toward sustainability and resistance to fast fashion. By embracing mending, we challenge the throwaway culture of mass-produced clothing and promote a more mindful, eco-conscious approach to fashion.

Tools and Stitches to Learn

Visible mending requires a few essential tools and basic skills. Here are the key items and techniques you’ll need to get started:

Tools:

Needles: A variety of needles, such as a hand-sewing needle for delicate fabrics and a larger needle for thicker fabrics, will allow you to tackle various projects.
Thread: Choose threads that are strong and durable—embroidery floss, denim thread, or cotton threads are common choices.
Scissors: A sharp pair of fabric scissors will help you trim threads and fabric for clean edges.
Thimble: A thimble protects your fingers when pushing the needle through thick materials.
Fabric Scraps or Patches: Using leftover fabric or scraps allows you to recycle and repurpose materials creatively.

Stitches to Learn:

Running Stitch: A simple, versatile stitch that can be used for basic mending or decorative borders.
Sashiko Stitch: A traditional Japanese technique characterized by small, even running stitches, often used to create geometric patterns over worn areas.
Darning: A method of weaving new thread over holes in fabric, particularly useful for socks, sweaters, or denim.
Appliqué: A decorative technique where fabric patches are stitched onto a garment, adding both functional repair and artistic flair.
Reverse Appliqué: A method where the top layer of fabric is cut away to reveal a contrasting fabric beneath, creating a layered, textured effect.

Mending can be a deeply personal practice, allowing individuals to connect with their clothing in a meaningful way. Each repair tells a story—whether it’s a patch from a favourite old shirt or a stitch that was sewn with love and care. With a few tools, some basic stitches, and a bit of patience, you can transform your worn-out garments into something new, functional, and beautiful.

Start your journey...

If you are interested in learning more about Visible Mending, our wonderful team member Tobi (@i.have.a.stitch on instagram) is a ray of knowledgable sunshine in this area! Tobi is one of our Tuesday Sit + Stitch hosts, so every second Tuesday afternoon you can come along to Calico + Ivy and learn wonderful mending techniques from her! All experience levels are welcome - you can find more information about the class here.

Please find links to all image sources on this blog post over at our Visible Mending Pinterest Board - it is full of mending ideas and stitches!