Why do we mend?

We're continuing are discussion on the theme of mending by asking some of our Selvedge writers and contributors to tell us why they mend, and what repairing textiles and fabrics means to them. Explore more in our latest issue, Issue 102 Mend.

Katarina Brieditis and Katarina Evans of Studio Brieditis & Evans

Why do you mend?
We all have them: favourite clothes that we want to last longer. Some might have holes, others have lost their shape and some might just feel a little out of date. Darning and patching of clothes is problem solving that involves a creative challenge. To mend can become a fun and interesting craft project at the same time as old clothes are being salvaged, maybe with a new attitude or other qualities that give them a new role in the wardrobe.

What does repairing textiles/fabrics mean to you?
We produce more clothes than we need, we buy more clothes than we need and we throw away more clothes than we have to. It doesn't have to be that way. By giving our existing clothes some time and love we can continue wearing them rather than throwing them away. The pile of clothes that need mending gets a new value, it’s no longer a chore and a task, but an exciting crafts project where you can add a personal touch to garments. The most sustainable clothes in your wardrobe is the one that already there. We hope our work inspires others to mend more.

Tom Van Deijnen of Tom of Holland
I’m interested in sustainability in fashion and textiles and sharing the small and creative ways that I have found that can make a difference in my day-to-day life. I favour not the new and perfect but the old and imperfect, as this allows me to highlight the relationship between item and user. In my practice the acts of creating and mending are in constant conversation with each other. I want to show people a way to wear their existing clothes for longer, with the beautiful darn worn as a badge of honour.

Hikaru Noguchi - darning expert and knitwear designer

Why do you mend?
Because I like to see the broken, worthless, old or damaged object be instilled with value after mending. Mending is not commonplace nowadays, so mending has become a very special experience for many people. I love to be involved with those excitements from my darning teaching.

What does repairing textiles/fabrics mean to you?
All fiber has LIFE. Therefore I feel I have duty to use up those fiber/ textile/ fabric as much as possible. That’s why I repair textiles when they have damage. I also believe important to help people have knowledge, skill and creative ideas through mending.

To find out more about Issue 102 Mend, visit the Selvedge website.