Learn to Darn: Repair and Revive Your Knitwear

Winter is coming — which means it’s time to pull out your favourite jumpers and cosy knits! But what if your go-to sweater has a hole, a few bobbles, or has been visited by moths? Don’t worry — you don’t need to throw it out. You just need to give it a little TLC.

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll show you how to care for and repair your knitwear — whether it’s darning holes, de-bobbling pilled jumpers, or learning how to prevent moth damage. You’ll walk away with practical skills to extend the life of your clothes and keep your winter wardrobe in great shape.

Because the most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own, learning to mend is more than just a useful skill — it’s a step towards a more conscious, less wasteful lifestyle. Small changes can make a big difference, for both the planet and your pocket.

What to Expect:

• Bring along any knitwear that needs fixing or freshening up
• We’ll guide you through visible and invisible darning techniques
• Learn how to de-bobble properly and prevent future fuzz
• Discover simple ways to protect your knits from moths
• Work at your own pace with individual support

This workshop is perfect for absolute beginners and experienced stitchers alike — no prior sewing experience needed! Whether you're mending your first jumper or just want a refresher focused on knitwear, we’ve got you covered.

Please Note:

This workshop is focused on mending and refreshing your knitwear — not altering it. We’ll be repairing holes, removing bobbles, and learning preventative care techniques, but we won’t be covering alterations such as resizing, reshaping, or reknitting garments.

If you're unsure whether your item is suitable, feel free to get in touch before the workshop!

About The Preloved Studio

The Preloved Studio is Sustainable Merton’s community textile hub based at Canons House, Mitcham. Launched in May 2023, it’s a creative space where sustainability meets style. Through drop-in sewing sessions, workshops and events, we empower people to mend, upcycle, and reimagine their wardrobes — reducing textile waste and supporting a circular fashion future.

Powered by Sustainable Merton – Merton’s local environmental charity.

Meet Your Facilitator: Fiona Graham

Fiona brings decades of experience in the clothing and home textiles industry, with a background in manufacturing and product development for high street retailers. She’s a skilled and supportive facilitator with a lifelong passion for sewing and making.

Small Group Setting

To keep things relaxed and ensure everyone gets one-on-one attention, the group is capped at 8 participants.

What to Bring:

We’ll provide all the essential tools and materials, including:

• Needles
• Embroidery hoops
• Darning mushrooms
• Bobble removers
• Light refreshments
• And more

We recommend bringing a maximum of three garments per person, so you have time to work through them.

We have a small variety of yarns and threads for repairs, but if you'd like to colour-match your knitwear perfectly, we recommend bringing your own matching yarn.

You’re also welcome to bring your own tools if you prefer working with them.

What You’ll Take Away:

• Up to three of your own knitwear items repaired and refreshed, ready to wear again with pride
• Hands-on skills in darning, de-bobbling, and moth-proofing that you can apply to the rest of your wardrobe
• The confidence and knowledge to care for your clothes sustainably — saving money, reducing waste, and extending the life of the pieces you love

Please note: This workshop is non-refundable. However, if Sustainable Merton cancels the event, a full refund will be issued.