Waltham forest Adult Learning Service
Course Information Sheet
Clothes Mending for Families – Repair, Reuse & Create (Adults Only)
Wednesday 14th January 2026 – 11th February 2026
10am –12pm
Queens Road Family HUB 215 Queens Road E17 8PJ
Course Description
This 5-week course introduces adults to simple, practical textile mending and creative reuse techniques perfect for family life.
Learners will repair everyday garments using accessible, beginner-friendly hand-sewing methods and transform sentimental or outgrown children’s clothes into small keepsakes such as soft toys, lavender sachets, cushions, or simple bags.
The aim is to support families in reducing textile waste, saving money and preserving meaningful memories — all through achievable, confidence-building sewing skills.
Who Is This Course For?
Adults who want to:
Repair clothing at home using simple hand stitches
Extend the life of family garments
Turn children’s clothes into creative keepsakes
Learn sustainable and mindful making techniques
Build confidence in basic sewing and simple construction
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, learners will be able
Identify common garment issues (small holes, seams coming undone, missing buttons).
Perform beginner-friendly repairs using running stitch, backstitch, whip stitch and ladder stitch.
Patch and reinforce areas on woven fabrics (trousers, shirts, children’s garments).
Apply visible decorative mending techniques to personalise repairs.
Repurpose old children’s clothing or fabric scraps into small items such as soft toys, keepsakes, lavender sachets, or simple bags.
Cut fabric safely, pin accurately, and sew simple seams by hand.
Evaluate which repairs are achievable at home and how to extend the life of textiles.
Course Content by Week
Week 1 – Getting Started with Simple Mending
Introduction to sustainable mending
Unde
Prosp Content 