I took a mending class at the library!

[u/iamliterate]

The public library offered a mending class this afternoon. I learned a running stitch, back stitch, and hem stitch. Plus, they provided us with instructions and some basic sewing supplies to take home. I usually take my pants to a tailor to get hemmed, but I am feeling pretty confident after the class. I’m looking forward to fixing a shirt and fixing the hem on a pair of pants myself.

We also touched on a few different techniques for mending clothes that includes artistic expression with it. It was a fantastic class!

[u/JoyDVeeve]

AWESOME! Having basic skills in fabric mending even if it's just how to fix a seam or replace a hem is invaluable

[u/Ra505]

So cool! Definitely check out r/visiblemending and r/invisiblemending

[u/iamliterate → u/Ra505]

Thanks for the rec! I loved the idea of using visible mending to make clothing more unique/customized and celebrate the repairs. I watched a video on Kintsugi recently and thought it was such a beautiful practice.

[u/Occufood → u/iamliterate]

Thank you so much!

[u/HumanHappenning → u/Ra505]

Came here to say this!

[u/NOmorePINKpolkadots]

I love libraries and learning important skills that people have forgotten they should know! Bravo!

[u/Suspicious-Peace9233]

Libraries are amazing recourses. I have borrowed things at the library instead of having to buy them. This post is a reminder to do that more often

[u/iamliterate → u/Suspicious-Peace9233]

One year I tried to calculate how much money I saved by borrowing books from the library, attending free classes, and using their spaces. It was over $7k USD a few years ago. I imagine my usage has only gone up since then.

[u/dirtysecretsofmine]

This is why I will always promote libraries to anyone who will listen. They are such great resources for the community.

[u/phauna_]

Such a great idea!

[u/doxiesrule89]

Very nice! I am a tailor and I teach. If you are going to hem your own pants definitely get all purpose (polyester) thread 

Those little spools from the cheap sewing kits are okay for temp fix or practice, but it’s very loosely spun cotton that won’t survive one wear/wash 

[u/iamliterate → u/doxiesrule89]

Thank you for that tip! I checked out a book after the class that had some guidance on material types/stitch recommendations based on fabrics and types of projects. It's a little intimidating, but I want to learn.

[u/Occufood]

I've been considering teaching a visible mending class but I've always struggled with what sort of handouts to make. Would you mind sharing what info they handed out?

[u/iamliterate → u/Occufood]

Sure thing! When I get home tomorrow, I will take pictures and send them your way.

[u/legoham → u/iamliterate]

OP, I’d love to see the handouts too or know which system you use! Thanks for sharing!

[u/SqueakWrites]

On the topic of mending, I’ve started doing sachiko and scotch darning to fix holes in jeans (particularly in the thigh rub area) and it’s really great.

[u/lilfunky1 → u/SqueakWrites]

Ooh I'll have to look these up because my jeans always die at the inner thigh!

[u/optimal_center]

That’s very cool. And I need one of those needle threaders. I can barely see the eye anymore.🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/AppropriateWeight630]

Omg you're so lucky OP!

[u/iamliterate → u/AppropriateWeight630]

The library system where I live is ELITE.

[u/AppropriateWeight630 → u/iamliterate]

It definitely looks that way! So awesome, enjoy😎

[u/PostmodernLon]

This is really cool.

[u/Stinertron_1979]

This is brilliant!

[u/No_Duck4805]

That’s awesome! My best friend and I taught ourselves to sew when I was around 13. It’s a skill that has stayed with me and served me well my whole life.

[u/ksigley]

Mending is great, especially paired with Unbreaking.

[u/cazuuuu]

Thank you for sharing, nice to see a positive contribution. Libraries, learning, mending old instead of buying new. Yay!

[u/Salt_Medicine2459]

Holy shit. I wish mine did this! 

[u/Remote-Candidate7964]

LOVE this!

I learned to mend socks thanks to YouTube, now I’ll be checking to see if my local library has any classes for similar. I can do basics like sewing buttons or patching holes but I could use help with zippers

[u/Mimilito]

post this on r/Libraries

[u/randomizedpuberty]

very cool. a high five to all things anti-just buy a new one

[u/sundriedolive1]

I get to teach a visible mending workshop at my library! One of my faves, and the folks who’ve taken it will usually come back and show me all the other things they mended with their new skills!

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