Visible mending is a powerful way to breathe new life into your worn out clothes while embracing sustainability. Visible mending is about making the repairs the focal point; turning rips, holes, and frayed edges into creative statements rather than hiding them. This approach not only extends the life of your clothing but also allows you to showcase your personal style.
In this post, we’ll explore various visible mending techniques, from simple hand-stitching to intricate fabric patches, all of which can be used to give your favorite garments a second wind. Whether you’re looking to add a unique touch to a pair of jeans or repair a beloved jumper, these ideas will inspire you to get crafty and keep your clothes out of the landfill for longer.
Be inspired by these brilliant visible mending ideas
1. Sachiko
This is a great example of basic sachiko, using a running stitch to visibly mend and reinforce a hole in a pair of jeans.
2. Knee patches
Leggings on toddlers are bound to get holes at the knees and this is a perfect way to keep using them for longer. I think it looks better than the plain originals anyway!
3. Pre-emptive reinforcements
You don’t need to wait for clothing to get holes before visibly mending them. This clever creative reinforced distressed areas of the jeans while adding flair at the same time!
4. Patterned hems
Too-long jeans will always end up tattered at the hems. Adding extra material allows you to control the length of the jeans as well as choosing which colour or print you’d like to add.
5. Visibly mended furniture
I had never thought of visibly mending furniture before! What a great way to cover up cat scratches
6. Embrace the holes
Of course all visible mending is about celebrating the repair rather than hiding it, but I especially love how this artist has not made any effort to cover the holes but instead made a particular effort to highlight them.
7. Embroidery
I have spent a few too many hours watching these videos from the @theneedlecrafting, repairing holes with cute little stars, hearts and flowers.
8. Crochet patches
And lastly, an example of visible mending from the queen of sustainable fashion, Orsola de Castro herself. Crocheted granny squares to cover moth holes – splendid!
More sustainable fashion inspiration
- How to host the ultimate clothing swap party
- 20+ Places to buy second hand clothes online
- 10 Tips For Outfit Shopping At A Thrift Store
- 7 Steps to Embracing Conscious Fashion
- What is fast fashion? And how to identify it lurking all around…
- 40 Inspirational Sustainable Fashion Quotes