Darn It!

Breathe new life into damaged old textiles and learn a new skill that will last you a lifetime!

Darning is a needle-weaving technique of mending holes in fabrics. It can be used to create an invisible mend, or as a way to take a flaw and turn it into a stand-out feature. In this workshop we’ll go over the darning method and practice the technique before you start mending your own items. You can choose from a wide range of yarns to mend with, or bring your own. The workshop is taught by weaver and textile designer (and darning-addict) Emma Wood, in her design studio in Wedding.

Just bring your clothes or home textiles that are in need of some repair, and take home not only some newly-mended pieces, but also a skill that will last you a lifetime.

What kind of textiles can be repaired?

This workshop is aimed at textiles with holes (from moths, tears, worn-out yarn, etc.) and can include items like: socks, sweaters, t-shirts, scarves, hats, blankets & cushions. If you’re bringing jeans, please only bring pairs with small holes, not with large tears (these need another mending method).

Do I already need to know how to sew?

No! This workshop is great for total beginners, even if you’ve never threaded a needle before.  All you need is curiosity and at least one item with a hole in it!

How many items should I bring?

You can bring as many as you like, and then see how many you repair during the course of the workshop.  The time for each repair will vary based on the size of the hole, the thickness of your repair yarn, and your natural sewing speed.  You can probably expect to repair between 2-3 pieces during the workshop.

What will I take home with me?

A handy skill that will last a lifetime, your repaired items, an illustrated booklet so you never forget your new skill, a darning needle, and your very own darning mushroom and embroidery hoop. You’ll also be able to take home extra yarns from Emma’s massive yarn library, so you can finish any items you may not have had time for during the workshop.

*** IMPORTANT: COVID-19 SAFETY RULES ***

To keep the workshop a safe environment, the workshop follows the 2G+ rules. All participants must bring:

1. Proof of full vaccination or recovery and matching photo ID.
2. Proof of booster vaccination (3rd dose) OR a same-day negative test. If you have received your booster, you do not need to take a same-day test.
3. Participants must wear a mask during the workshop.

Participants who do not provide proof of vaccination or recovery will not be allowed to take part in the workshop and will not receive a refund. If the existing regulations are changed between your booking and the workshop date, the new regulations will apply to the workshop.

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About Emma

Emma is a British-American weaver who has been based in Berlin for the last eight years.  She has a BA in Woven Textile Design, along with an MA in Weaving from the Royal College of Art in London.  She has worked across the textile industry in commercial design, performance materials, research, restoration and textile engineering.  Emma has her own label of woven interiors accessories and also works on independent projects, most of which are run from her studio in Wedding, filled with six looms and an unholy amount of yarn.

Emma is a weave-geek through and through, and loves being able to spread her passion for her craft through her collection, projects, blog and her series of workshops.

FAQs

Are there other workshop dates available?

To see the other available workshop dates, just visit our website.

What language is the workshop in?

The workshop takes place in English.

Is the workshop accessible?

There is an 8cm high step to enter the studio and the front door is approximately 85cm wide when opened. Unfortunately the bathroom is not wheelchair-accessible. The looms are placed on standing-height desks, but they can be lowered if needed. If you have accessibility requirements, contact emma@wovenbywood.com so we can discuss your needs.

How do I get to the workshop?

The nearest subway station is Reinickendorfer Straße (U6). The nearest S-Bahn stations are Wedding (S42 & S46) and Humboldthain (S1 & S2). Nearby buses are the M27, 120 and 247. 

What should I bring to the workshop?

All mending materials will be provided, but if you have any specific yarns you would like to match, please bring them with you.  You also need to bring whichever items you’d like to mend! 

Do I need to bring my printed ticket with me?

Please bring either your printed ticket or your confirmation on your phone.

I booked a ticket but can’t make the workshop, can I transfer my ticket or get a refund?

If you’re not able to make the workshop and want to transfer your ticket to another date or discuss a refund, please contact emma@wovenbywood.com so we can try to find the best solution.

How can I contact you with further questions?

Send any other questions to emma@wovenbywood.com.