How To: Mend Clothing Workshop - Stitching Generations

It is time to stitch generations together by passing on valuable repair skills and the make-do and mend mindset. Whether you bring your daughter, cousin, grandad or brother, everyone will learn how to repair clothing to ensure they're treasured for years to come.

ELWA is offering this free workshop for residents in Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Redbridge 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!

In the session you'll:

• Get creative while learning to sew a button and practice a range of stitches enabling you to repair your own clothing at home
• Practice hand sewing & make your own fabric stitch journal

• Problem solving - working together on real life repairs. Bring along an item of clothing you want to repair (perhaps a piece of school uniform, club uniform, or a favourite t-shirt)

Location: Studio 2, Redbridge Central Library, Clements Rd, Ilford, IG1 1EA

(First floor of the library, there is a lift for access)

What to bring:

• A plus one - This event is designed so that you can learn together and share skills that can be passed through generations

• Lunch - we'll take a break for lunch halfway through. Bring a packed lunch or pop to one of the shops nearby.
• All equipment will be provided, but you're welcome to bring in an item of clothing that you’d like to mend - There is no guarantee that this will be mended in the sesison, but instead you may get started with the repair, or get advice on how to bring it back to life.
• Plus, if you've been to one of these events before, bring your stitch journal with you to add to in the session.

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] or call us on 0208 724 5803

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 8+, and under 18's must be joined by a parent or guardian, who will also take part in the workshop. For this specific workshop you must attend with another person.

• 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]

Sign up to our newsletter to hear about the latest news and other opportunities to get involved in.

Event venue & nearby stays

Redbridge Central Library and Museum, Clements Road, Ilford, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag