There are nearly as many ways to darn as there are ways to get holes in clothes. In this class, expert sewist Cal Patch demonstrates her very favorite techniques for mending. She'll show you how to darn knits and woven fabrics using crochet on both flat and curved surfaces. You'll also learn an invisible method of traditional darning on a sweater, then with a contrasting yarn on some socks. Finally, Cal covers several methods of mending with patches. Who knew that mending could be so decorative?    

Darning is an artful technique that goes far beyond simple mending. Heidi Parkes, a skilled fiber artist from Milwaukee, often uses darning to embellish her beautiful and unique quilts. She adds texture to her creations by weaving threads in neat, straight lines or manipulating the warp and weft to form intricate, decorative shapes. With just a needle and thread, Heidi demonstrates how darning can be a quick and effective way to add dimension to any textile art, or even just a piece of clothing.

There's no need to fret if you find a hole in your clothes. Mending with natural wool felt is not only practical but also decorative, fun, and possibly easier than you might think. Fiber artist and handwork teacher Melissa of Hex House Crowns demonstrates two ways to mend clothing with needle felting. First, mend directly onto the fabric, which is a good method for lighter, more delicate fabrics - Melissa demonstrates a sweet heart shape as well as a sun. Then, learn to needle felt a patch, which is best for thicker fabrics like canvas and denim. Melissa walks you through making a rainbow patch and a mushroom, and also how to use the blanket stitch to finish the edge of a patch and sew it to a garment. You'll soon see that you have the freedom to create any shape or design that you want, and that you've learned a new way to repair your clothes to make them as unique as you.

Learn how one stitch can provide you with inspiration for a lifetime of creative practice. Using the running stitch as a base, mixed media artist Lisa Solomon shows you the Japanese tradition of sashiko stitching as well as a plethora of ideas for creative and practical use. You’ll learn how to work with traditional patterns (or make your own designs based on a grid layout) to make decorative pieces or mend and patch garments. No matter the method you choose, you’ll find that sashiko is a great way to slow down and stitch with intention, creating beauty from simplicity. 

Using the running stitch as a base, mixed media artist Lisa Solomon shows you 30 designs in the Japanese tradition of sashiko stitching. This beautiful and functional embroidery we enjoy today can be traced back to the thriftiness of 17th century Japanese peasant women. You will learn their traditional patterns which you can then use to make decorative pieces or mend and patch garments. No matter the method you choose, you’ll find that sashiko is a great way to slow down and stitch with intention, creating beauty from simplicity.

Learn three ways to patch holes in your favorite sweater with Faith. This is a recording of a Facebook Live event held on March 9, 2017. 

When a button falls off a shirt, it's all too easy to replace the entire garment, but the process of reattaching a button can be simple and empowering. In this quick technique class, learn the most secure method of reattaching a button, ensuring it remains on your garment for as long as you need it to. The first few times will take a bit of focus but like any hand skill, it will get easier each time you try it.