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Darning

Repair, Make, Mend

Paperback
December 2019
9781912480159
More details
  • Publisher
    Hawthorn Press
  • Published
    17th December 2019
  • ISBN 9781912480159
  • Pages 96 pp.
  • Size 7.5" x 10"
$27.00

Climate and economic change is making many of us rethink the ways we use resources by reusing and repairing our clothes, which has become a mark of pride and style. This is visible mending, more akin to embroidery and embellishment. It makes your favorite clothing even more personal and saves it from landfill.

• Fully illustrated with color photography throughout
• Detailed, step-by-step images
• Easy to follow techniques—even for beginners
• Plenty of inspiration for adventurous menders

Twelve darning Techniques are covered in detail with step-by-step instructions include: Seed stitch, square darning, Reversible darns, Seed and square darn, Triangular darns, English darning, Accordion darning, Appliqué, Reverse appliqué, Chain darning, Honeycomb Darning and the decorative Tambourine darning. Ten chapters cover mending sweaters, shirts, denim, items in the home as well as accessories, such as scarves and bags.

This is the first English edition of the cult darning book by Hikaru Noguchi, who has become the guru of visible darning in Japan. This detailed, step-by-step guide makes the methods easy to follow, even for non-sewers. The stylish photography highlights the artistic and minimalist style of the designer’s work.

“Hikaru’s book, Darning: Repair Make Mend, is an invaluable teaching resource. I use it at every workshop. The pictures, diagrams and profiles are so inspiring. Mending clothes is an act of looking after yourself and others. It’s essential work that Hikaru does with grace and beauty.”
Celia Pym, Textile Artist

“I’ve mended things since I learned to sew as a child, and thought I knew my stuff. Everything changed when Hikaru invited me to Japan to host a darning workshop alongside the launch of her book. The school of Hikaru teaches that techniques of mending are never ending. We love to mend because we don’t want things to end, but as menders We continue to have new beginnings, just like the garments do. We are continually free to find new ways of doing things.”  
Rachael Matthews, Textile Artist and Writer

“Colourful photography combined with an easily understood visual guide brings this wonderful book to life!”  
Sanae Kido, Textile Surgery

“The humble tradition of darning is elevated to an artform in this guide by Hikaru Noguchi. She explores fundamental techniques to repair worn-out socks and moth-eaten sweaters, and also provides ideas for making your darning stitches into attractive features on your clothing. This guide has step-by-step tutorials and beautiful photography.”
The Knitter

“Hikaru Noguchi has a wonderful and considered approach to visible mending. In her book Darning she explains in great detail how to use a variety of darning and appliqué techniques, what materials are suitable, and step-by-step instructions. Last but not least, all techniques are accompanied by beautiful pictures for plenty of inspiration to do your own repairs.”
— Tom van Deijnen (Tom of Holland)

Hikaru Noguchi

Hikaru Noguchi studied constructed textiles in England, specializing in knit and having previously earned a degree in graphic design at Musashino Art University in her native Tokyo. Her work combines traditional knit patterns and techniques such as fair-isle and Aran, focusing on color and texture and using juxtaposition to create pieces that are sophisticated yet playful. Hikaru has created designs for several British labels, including Tom Dixon, Top Shop, and projects for Barneys, Browns, Paul Smith women, Takashimaya New York, and many others. Her book Darning, translated from Japanese, gives a step-by-step guide to mending garments with twelve exquisite but achievable techniques that celebrate the wear and repair of the fabric.