The Art of Visible Mending

There's something deeply satisfying about visible mending. Rather than hiding repairs, we celebrate them—turning worn spots into opportunities for beauty and storytelling.

Why Visible Mending Matters

In a culture that treats clothing as disposable, choosing to mend is an act of care. Visible mending takes this further: it honors the life of a garment, showing where it's been loved, worn, and renewed.

Techniques to Explore

Sashiko is a Japanese technique using running stitches in geometric patterns. Originally used to reinforce fabric, it's now celebrated for its meditative quality and striking visual impact.

Darning weaves new thread through worn areas, creating a patch that's both functional and decorative. Swiss darning and pattern darning add color and texture.

Patching with contrasting fabric makes a bold statement. Choose prints, colors, or textures that complement or contrast with the original garment.

Getting Started

Start with something low-stakes: a favorite pair of jeans with a small hole, or a sweater with a moth bite. Gather your supplies—embroidery floss, a darning needle, and perhaps some scrap fabric—and begin.

The beauty of visible mending is that perfection isn't the goal. Each stitch is a record of time spent, care given, and a choice to keep something rather than discard it.