Mending Skills: Intro to Darning

Come learn darning at the library! It's not just for socks! Darning is a versatile repair technique that can be used to repair any fabric - jeans, sweaters, even canvas shoes and bags (and yes, also socks :) But what exactly is darning? Darning is replacing missing or worn out fabric by creating new fabric on top using nothing more than needle and thread. In this beginner friendly course students will learn how to repair small holes with a few simple darns, though depending on time and skill level, we may get to some more advanced patterns and techniques as well. But even a complete beginner can learn to make a durable and professional looking darn in this two hour class.

All materials will be provided by the library, but if you have a damaged garment - or accessory - you would like to repair, you are welcome to bring it! What damage is a good candidate for darning? We will be darning with cotton thread. So while darning can be done on any textile (such as wool sweaters, for example) for this class any items students bring must also be made of cotton. To keep repairs within the two hour time frame, please make sure the damage is fairly small. If the damage can fit entirely under your Contra Costa County library card, then it should be fine. But we will also have enough scrap fabric on hand for anyone to learn this valuable mending skill.

Cirrus Wood is a self-taught artisan who enjoys learning and coming up with fun ways to make clothes more visually appealing and more durable. His mending and tailoring business came about after years of casually combining elements of Japanese and Western sewing techniques in his own wardrobe. Explore more of his work at Dollars & Yen.

Space is limited, so please be sure to register for the number of people who will attend. We will most likely not be able to accommodate any walk-ins.