Join expert embroiderer and repair specialist, Beth Somerville, for a hands-on workshop focused on darning jumpers and secretly repairing jeans using a sewing machine.

In this workshop, you will learn practical techniques for reviving your favourite garments. From mending woollen-jumpers with delicate darning techniques to repairing the often-worn areas of jeans without anyone noticing, you'll discover how simple and satisfying it is to extend the life of your clothes. Beth will also lead an insightful discussion about the environmental impact of fast fashion and how repair skills play a crucial role in the sustainable fashion movement.

In the morning, you will learn how to choose appropriate thread to mend moth holes or worn areas in knitted jumpers. Beth will teach the woven method of darning and the you will be able to choose from a wide range of colours to create either contrasting or subtle mends. The method can also be applied to woven wool blankets and coats.

In the afternoon, you will learn how to choose the appropriate fabric to reinforce and repair denim, depending on the colour and thickness of cloth. Beth will introduce the method of using iron-on adhesive to give initial stabilisation to the mend. There will be an induction into how to use a domestic sewing machine, and then you will have the skills to machine repair your denim garment for the rest of the afternoon, creating an almost invisible repair.

You will leave this workshop with the skills to repair and breathe new life into your wardrobe, helping reduce your fashion footprint. Prolonging the life of your clothes, saving money, and taking a step towards a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion.

Please bring along your own garments to work on, knitted jumpers, thick wool coats or blankets and denim jeans/skirt are appropriate. This workshop is not suitable for sweatshirt or t-shirt material.

Tutor: Beth Somerville
Date & Time: Saturday 26th April, 10am - 4pm
Venue: Scissors Studio, New Brewery Arts
PRICE: £90.00 (£0.00 VAT)

Please note that this workshop is for those aged 18 and over.

• You are welcome to bring a lidded bottle of water with you but we kindly ask that you do not bring food into the studio. 

• Our on-site café Blend is open until 4pm each day.

For more information:
Visit our FAQ page

Who is this workshop for?

Suitable for beginners however prior experience on a sewing machine would be useful.

This workshop is perfect for anyone eager to be part of the fashion revolution—repairing, reusing, and reducing waste. Rather than buying new

What you will need:

All mending materials provided.

Please bring along your own garments to work on, knitted jumpers, thick wool coats or blankets and denim jeans/skirt are appropriate.

This workshop is not suitable for sweatshirt or t-shirt material.

Accommodation: 
Residential option available. Find out about our accommodation, costs and how to book here.

MEET YOUR TUTOR

Beth designs and creates embroidery that she works directly onto clothes to give them new life and value. With a hands-on approach to design, she realises ideas through rigorous exploration of process based in the context of stitch and fabric manipulation, often mixing machine with hand techniques.

Interested in biomimicry, Beth takes visual information from details in nature. With a strong focus on sustainability and craftsmanship, her work reflects not only technical expertise but also a deep passion for creating meaningful, environmentally conscious designs.

Beth graduated from Falmouth University in the summer of 2023 with a degree in textile design, where she specialised in mixed media and embroidery. Recognised for the “bravery, juxtaposition and beauty” of her work, Beth was awarded the New Designer of the Year award at New Designers 2023 as well as being named an Embroiderer’s Guild Graduate. Having also been awarded the Wilcom Associate Prize, Beth was able to continue her exploration into digital embroidery, using the technique to develop new fabrics and ultimately a zero-waste garment.

Beth is a recent graduate of the CHANEL and King’s Foundation Métiers D’Art Fellowship. As part of the program, she was professionally trained at Lesage where she gained and refined hand embroidery techniques for the luxury market.