How To: Mend Clothing Workshop - introduction to hand repairs

Seam coming apart on your favourite shirt? Button fallen off your lucky jeans? No need to get rid! Learn how to repair your own clothing and ensure they're treasured for years to come.

ELWA is funding places for residents in Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge to attend a half-day workshop for beginners to learn How To: Mend Clothing.

In the workshop, textiles repair experts will teach you how to make common repairs by hand on a range of clothing items, practice your skills on scrap fabric, then try it for real!

You’ll learn how to:

• Sew a button

• Repair a hem

• Practice a range of stitches: running stitch, back stitch, ladder stitch, invisible stitch, and learn when to use each one
• Problem solve & mend various items of clothing

Location: The Bandstand in Raphael Park, Romford, RM2 5EB

What to bring:

• Lunch - we'll take a break for lunch halfway through. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the garden, or pop to one of the shops nearby.
• Prepare for the weather - this event is taking place in a garden. There is a shelter in case of rain, but there is no running water. Please bring a bottle of water and clothes suitable for being outside.
• All equipment will be provided, but we encourage you to bring in an item of clothing to that you’d like to repair. Please note that due to time limitations we may not always be able to help everyone repair thier item within the session, but either way you'll be able to get expert advice on how to repair it.

Please note that this is not a repair cafe. You’ll be expected to stay for the full duration of the workshop to learn to repair items yourself, through the guidance and support of our facilitators.

This community event is led by The Sew London Project and Joy-Z, and funded by East London Waste Authority.

Need help completing the booking form? Email us at [email protected]

Terms & Conditions

• Due to funding requirements and limited availability, this event is only open to residents in Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham & Redbridge. If you live outside these boroughs, I'm afraid we will have to cancel your ticket.
• The workshop is suitable for attendees aged 14+, and under 18's must be joined by a parent or guardian, who will also take part in the workshop.

• You must book a ticket to attend as there is limited space. There is a waitlist and Eventbrite will be in touch should a ticket free up.

• These sessions are completely free, but spaces are limited, so please give us notice if you can no longer attend.

• Not been able to get a ticket? Go to www.eastlondonwaste.gov.uk/howto to express interest in future sessions.

• This event is a collaboration between East London Waste Authority (ELWA), The Sew London Project and Joy-Z. By booking a ticket, you consent to your answers being shared with both organisations, for reporting purposes. Your personal information will not be included in any reporting, however the organisations may use your name and email address to contact you for follow-up (e.g. to share updates or request further feedback). You can opt out any time by emailing [email protected]

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Info: Please bring any lunch or snacks with you. We can sit and eat together in the park, or you're welcome to take the time for yourself.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Raphael Park, Main Road, Romford, United Kingdom

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