Free textile repair workshop: Rags to Riches

As part of Repair Week, the are joining forces with Alina Koztepe from Divine Couture London to host two clothing repair and upcycling workshops. See below for more information on each workshop.

All skill levels and abilities are welcome! Please bring along:

• old clothes with holes, stains, rips, tears,
• scraps of material from home
• plain items of clothing / fabric to add creative flair to rather than throwing away

If you don't have any of your own materials, don't worry, some materials will be provided.

Booking a free ticket is essential to participate in this 'Rags to Riches' workshop.

See below for the schedule for the clothing repair workshops taking place at Artizan Street Library throughout the day – please note you need to register for each event separately:

10 AM - 12 PM - Repair with Flair

Learn how to do simple repairs on your clothing and other fabrics, turning rips, holes and stains into beautiful artistic features you can be proud of. Colourful patches and creative embroidery with give your old clothes new life.

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn the following skills:

• Basic hand sewing, including:

• Repair stitches for rips
• Sewing on a button
• Embroidery

• How to mend holes and cover stains using artistic patches or embroidery

• Developing an eye for changing old & ‘ruined’ items into artistic features

1 PM - 3 PM - Rags to Riches

Turn scraps of material you may have otherwise thrown out into wall hangings, sofa arm covers, keyrings, necklaces or bracelets. Turn your would-be trash into beautiful handmade treasure.

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn the following skills:

• Basic hand sewing, including:

• Embroidery
• Variation of stitches for repair and creativity

• Creating accessories out of fabric scraps (eg Fabric keyring / necklace / bracelet)

• Giving new life to old clothes by adding texture and simple creative designs

• How to compose and create artistic wall hangings for the home or as a gift

• How to make a pair of socks from material scraps

Accessibility: Artizan Street Library & Community Centre has step free access and a disabled toilet.

Alina Koztepe is a Deaf fashion designer based in the City of London, an accomplished seamstress, and the founder of Divine Couture London and more recently Deaf Couture C.I.C. With extensive experience in the fashion industry, she leads inclusive sewing and craft workshops designed to empower individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

At Divine Couture London, sewing is more than just a technical skill. It is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive experience where creativity flourishes, connections deepen, and every participant takes pride in creating with both their hands and their hearts.

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