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Darning Techniques

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Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00
14 November 2026 – 14 November 2026


Course Code: AD0926
Tutor: Rosina Godwin
Location: Mary Ward Centre, Stratford
Duration: 1 weeks
Full fee: £67
Concession fee: £67

Enrol

  • Course Overview

    Once associated with poverty, mending can be a bold statement of sustainability, while also adding aesthetic beauty, as the repair becomes part of the narrative of the work. On this course we will also consider the visual language of textiles, with holes and frayed surfaces representing broken systems and emotional trauma, with the act of repair being a metaphor for mental healing.

    The workshop will cover basic repair skills: -

    Standard patches and reversed patches.

    Strengthening stitches.

    Standard darning, darning knitwear, Swiss darning and simple pattern weaving.

    An exploration of artists pushing the creative boundaries of repair.

    Experimentation is encouraged, although pieces can be repaired in either a discrete or celebratory way. You will either leave the class with a collection of samples or repaired textile objects, or could choose to use the techniques to create a decorative or expressive piece of textile art.

    The workshop is suitable for all abilities. The session is aimed at anyone with an interest in textiles wishing to learn the basics of repair for both practical and artistic purposes.

    The workshop will cover basic repair skills: -

    Standard patches and reversed patches.

    Strengthening stitches.

    Standard darning, darning knitwear, Swiss darning and simple pattern weaving.

    An exploration of artists pushing the creative boundaries of repair.

    Experimentation is encouraged, although pieces can be repaired in either a discrete or celebratory way. You will either leave the class with a collection of samples or repaired textile objects, or could choose to use the techniques to create a decorative or expressive piece of textile art.

    The workshop is suitable for all abilities. The session is aimed at anyone with an interest in textiles wishing to learn the basics of repair for both practical and artistic purposes.

  • What will it be like?

    The morning will explore patching and strengthening stitches, while the afternoon will focus on several darning methods. There will be demonstrations of the techniques, plus a PowerPoint presentation to inspire further exploration.

  • What else do I need to buy or do?

    A small garment, such as a shirt, trousers, knitwear, socks or household items which need mending or some fabric to practice on.

    Needles, hand needles you feel comfortable using, plus a darning needle or tapestry needle.

    Darning thread, or soft embroidery thread.

    Scissors, for both fabric and threads.

    Fabric for patching, ideally something firm in either a bold, contrasting colour

  • What could it lead to?

    Other creative textile courses at the Mary Ward centre.

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Wednesday, 11:30 to 17:00
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Course Detail This course is now full
Course Code: AD0863
Tutor: Anastasia Kuatkhina
Location: Mary Ward Centre, Stratford
Duration: 1 weeks
Full fee: £50
Concession fee: £50
Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00
14 November 2026 – 14 November 2026


Course Code: AD0926
Tutor: Rosina Godwin
Location: Mary Ward Centre, Stratford
Duration: 1 weeks
Full fee: £67
Concession fee: £67

Enrol

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