Make Do and Mend: A Sashiko, Embroidery & Visible Mending Workshop

Garment repair has become much more than a chore. In this workshop, a tear, a thinning knee, a frayed cuff, or a stain becomes the place where something new begins. We'll work with sashiko techniques inspired by Japanese Boro, running stitches as done in Indian Kantha, and the decorative embroidery stitches my grandmother taught me, adding pattern and texture to damaged cloth and turning it into a new surface design that enhances the object's beauty and illustrates its history.

Along the way, we'll explore the versatility and strength of embroidery for mark-making, settling into the slow, meditative rhythm of hand stitching and the pleasure of taking time to make and mend, learning visible mending techniques. Instead of hiding wear, we'll celebrate it, keeping an object's memories alive while making new ones.

Bring something worn, torn, stained (or just plain boring) that you'd like to transform. Each student receives a Mini Mending Kit with an assortment of dyed and printed scraps and hand-dyed thread. The indigo-dyed D-Core thread we use in class is also available here.

Classes are held in my Dye Garden Studio in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California (the address will be emailed after sign-up). Looking for dedicated 1-on-1 instruction, a private group stitching workshop, or a custom consultation on a personal textile project? Sessions can be hosted at my studio or at your venue. Request a private session.

visit my Pinterest page on visible mending for inspiration.

Hands pinning and stitching a patterned fabric patch onto a denim garment during the Make Do and Mend workshop by Carlyn Clark

 

Detail of visible mending on blue denim featuring orange sashiko running stitches surrounding a colorful striped fabric patch under a frayed tear
Arrangement of custom sashiko-mended jeans, boro patched textiles, stitching inspiration cards, and workshop materials by Carlyn Clark
Flat lay arrangement of colorful embroidery floss, patterned fabric swatches, vintage and lace trims, and sewing supplies prepared for the Make Do and Mend workshop by Carlyn Clark

Supplies provided:

  • One Mini-Mending Kit of your choice, to be selected in class

  • Threads

  • Photos of stitches and mending for inspiration

     

Supplies you should bring:

  • Damaged item(s) you’d like to repair

  • Scissors

  • Needles

  • Thimble

  • Patches, fabrics, threads that are meaningful to you (not a requirement)

See what past students created

  • Our standard classes are limited to 3 to 8 participants to ensure personal attention and room to work. We reserve the right to cancel a workshop if the minimum number of students is not met.

  • All classes and workshops must be paid in advance to reserve your space. You may change or cancel your registration up to 7 days prior to the first day of class to receive a refund issued as studio credit for a future workshop. Cancellations made after that window are non-refundable, and no make-ups or transfers are offered for missed classes.

  • If you are unable to attend, you are always welcome to transfer your registered spot to a friend. Simply let us know prior to the start of class so we can update our attendee list.

  • Private 1-on-1 instruction, customized small-group workshops, and individual project consultations are available. Sessions can be hosted at my studio or brought to your location. Inquire about a private session.