When our favourite textile items rip or tear it can be tempting to just throw it out and buy something new to replace it. However, the UK produces over 206 tonnes of textile waste every year, this figure could be reduced if we changed our habits and considered the possibility of mending our textile items instead of throwing them out!

There are lots of creative and fun ways you can mend and repair textile items. During this workshop you will join textile artist Elnaz to learn how to mend your textile items using a method called darning! Darning is a sewing technique used for repairing holes or worn areas of fabric or knitting using needle and thread by hand.

This technique can be both functional and decorative! Darning is extremely mindful and rewarding to do as you will come away from the workshop feeling proud that you have extended the life of your favourite textile item.

The workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some sewing experience, all levels are welcome.

Please bring along an item of clothing that needs mending to the workshop for example a t-shirt, jumper, jeans or socks that have a hole or rip in. All other materials for the workshop are included.

After the workshop feel free to stay in Meanwood Community Centre and visit the monthly Leeds repair cafe which runs from 1-4pm. You can bring other items (including clothing) for their volunteers to repair, come and find out more about what they do, meet like-minded people and maybe learn some fixing skills.

To ensure this Darning and Mending Workshop is accessible to everyone we have made it Pay What You Can. We have suggested £20 per person to help cover costs but if this is not affordable for you then please input what you can. (When booking, please add a donation of however much you can afford for the workshop). Any donation is welcome.

If you have any questions about bookings, please contact us by email on stitchup.liz@gmail.com or pop into the Stitch-Up Studio.

Stitch-Up CIC is a social enterprise and any profits we make are reinvested straight back into delivering our creative community projects supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Leeds to learn new skills and improve wellbeing.

Hot drinks & biscuits included.

We are really looking forward to welcoming you in.

COVID SAFETY MEASURES:

* Please do not attend the studio if you are feeling unwell, have Covid 19 or have experienced any symptoms of Covid 19 in the 7 days prior to attending or have been in contact with anyone else who has had symptoms.

* Please use hand sanitiser on entry and exit of the studio.

You can follow us on Instagram @stitch_up or Facebook to keep up to date with what we are up to or visit our website stitch-up.org.uk.

There is ample parking available at the Community Centre Car Park. If you cannot fit in the Car Park, please park on the main part of Stainbeck Avenue, with consideration to the residents please do not park in the cul-de-sac.

The Stitch-Up Studio is to the rear of the Community Centre. Once you arrive in reception please follow the signs for Stitch-Up.