Sun 25 Oct
|Sew Susie, Saffron Walden
Creative Darning: Weaving Patterns
"When I was a little girl you used to learn to sew all the holes in things, darning socks, but nobody mends things anymore" - Vivienne Westwood A relaxed afternoon of mindful mending. Learn to mend your clothes with beautiful woven patterns.
Date and Time
25 Oct 2026, 12:00 – 16:00
Sew Susie, Saffron Walden
Do your favourite jeans need mending? Or is there an old jumper at the back of your wardrobe that needs an update? Visible mending is a fantastic way to extend the life of your clothes, reduce overconsumption, be creative and learn a new skill in the process!
This workshop will focus on using weaving techniques to create simple two-colour patterns in your darning. Darning is a versatile technique that can be used to repair denim, knitwear and many other textiles. Darning was traditionally made to go unnoticed, but where's the fun in that? Adding colour, patterns and creative flair to your darning is a great way to celebrate the act of repairing, and add your own personal style to your clothes.
In this workshop we will go over the theory of designing and weaving patterns in your darning. We will practice three different woven patterns, exploring different fabric bases and darning materials. This workshop is an intermediate-level class and previous experience of darning or weaving will be helpful. You are welcome to bring your own garment in need of a patch, or practice with provided samples.
Examples of patterned darns 
Darning a practice sample in shades of purpleat Sew Susie, Saffron Walden, June 2026 
Darning a pink patch on a black wool jumper 
Diamond pattern red and orange darn 
Around the table at the start of a workshop, Sew Susie, Saffron Walden, June 2026 
Darning a practice sample in blues and purples at Haddenham Arts Centre, March 2026 
Houndstooth pattern green and yellow darn 
Group photo of the workshop group at Sew Susie, Saffron Walden, June 2026 
Around the table at Haddenham Arts Centre workshop, March 2026 
2x2 twill pattern blue and white darn 
A darned dress from the Haddenham Arts Centre workshop, March 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT
Four hour, half-day workshop
Materials and equipment provided
Bring your own mend, or practice with provided materials
Tea and coffee
Relaxed and welcoming environment
WHAT WILL I DO?
Starting out
Practice weaving a simple 2x2 twill pattern. Learn how to set up your warp, and weave your weft following a pattern sheet.
Add some creativity
Learn to design your own two-colour pattern, or use a template to create your own custom patch.
Perfect your skills
Apply your new skills to weave a traditional houndstooth pattern.
WHAT WILL I TAKE AWAY?
Three darned samples with woven patches in different patterns.
MATERIALS
natural wool yarn
vintage cotton embroidery threads
cotton and knitwear practice samples
garment of your choice (optional)
VENUE ADDRESS
Sew Susie, 13 Market Row, Saffron Walden CB10 1HB (google maps)
ACCESSIBILITY
Details to be confirmed with the venue.
If you have any accessibility requirements or questions please get in touch - I am very happy to make adjustments where possible.
BOOK NOW
Tickets
Standard Ticket
Sale ends
23 Oct, 21:00
£45.00
Total
£0.00
