NEW! The Art of Visible Mending
Starts 2 Nov 2026 | 5 weeks | Evenings
Select your tickets:
Tutor - Ilaria Padovani
Mondays, 6pm - 8.30pm | 5 weeks
Starts Monday 2 November 2026
Discover the creative and mindful practice of visible mending, where worn and damaged textiles are repaired and strengthened in ways that celebrate, rather than conceal, their history.
Using simple hand-stitch techniques, you will learn how to reinforce holes, tears and weakened areas while adding colour, texture and personality to your fabric. Drawing inspiration from traditional mending practices such as sashiko and darning, alongside more expressive and intuitive stitch, this workshop encourages creativity, experimentation and a fresh perspective on repair.
Whether you are extending the life of a much-loved garment or simply exploring the beauty of stitch, you will leave with practical skills and a renewed appreciation for the art of making do with care and imagination.
Please bring a basic sewing kit (fabric scissors, pins, needles, etc.).
You are welcome to bring a pair of worn trousers, a favourite garment, or another textile in need of repair, or, if you prefer, work on the fabric samples provided. You are welcome to bring along any fabrics you wish to use, but there will also be plenty of fabrics available for you to use, provided by the tutor.
Please wear clothes and footwear suitable for a studio environment, and bring a bag or portfolio suitable for taking work home with you.
Buying as a gift?
When buying a course or workshop you will be automatically emailed a confirmation which you can print off and include in a card for your loved one. Gift vouchers can also be bought if you aren't sure which course they would prefer. Please email us the name and email address of the person attending on drawingschool@rwa.org.uk
Before booking we ask everyone please read our updated Terms and Conditions.
Participants must be 18 or over.
If eligible, discounts must be applied when first purchasing your class and cannot be given retrospectively. Please contact us if the discount code is not working.
If you have a disability, learning difficulty or mental health issue which you feel may affect your participation in your chosen class, please either email drawingschool@rwa.org.uk or call 07745694563, prior to booking, so we are aware of any needs you may have.
Refund/transfer and Cancellation Policy: We are unable to offer full or part cash refunds, but you are eligible for an RWA gift voucher or transfer, minus an admin fee*, provided you notify us more than 14 days before the start of your class with us. If we cancel a course or workshop for any reason, then participants will be offered a different date, course/workshop or RWA gift voucher.
*Admin fee for courses £25, Admin fee for workshops £15
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