Visible mending workshop - Amsterdam-Oost

Do you have a favorite sweater tucked away in your closet that you no longer wear because it has a hole? Or has that perfectly fitting pair of jeans been ruined by an impossible stain?

Come join one of our free visible mending workshops at the Buurtkringloop in Amsterdam-Oost, where we teach you to repair your garment yourself — together with others in a relaxed, social setting — and fall in love with wearing it again.

What is visible mending?
Visible mending is a way of repairing clothing in which the repair is intentionally made visible. Instead of hiding damage, holes or stains, areas are restored using contrasting stitches, colors, or materials. This gives a garment a new character and turns repair into a creative, positive choice rather than a last resort.

Practical information

• Time: 13.00 o'clock – 16:00 o'clock

During the first hour, we’ll give a short introduction to visible mending and demonstrate a few basic techniques. You’ll then have the remaining two hours to get started yourself. Expect to repair one or two small holes during a single workshop.

• What should I bring?

Just bring one or more pieces of clothing you’d like to repair. We’ll provide all other materials. There will also be coffee, tea, and some delicious cookies.

• Do I need experience in sewing, embroidery, or garment repair to join?

Not at all. The workshop is designed so that everyone — regardless of experience — feels welcome and will have mended a garment by the end of it.

• Where does the workshop take place?

The workshop is held at the Buurtkringloop in Amsterdam-Oost. This shop plays an active role in reuse and circular initiatives in the neighborhood and has a warm relationship with local residents who are interested in sustainability and social issues.

• Do you organize this workshop more often?

Yes, we’re hosting this workshop a total of six times: three sessions at the Kolenkitkas in West and three at Buurtkringloop in Oost. All dates can also be found on MeetUp (in Dutch and English).

• What is Gaatjesmakers?

Gaatjesmakers is an initiative by Linde and Marieke, born from the desire to combine creativity, connection and sustainability. Through these visible mending workshops, we aim to quite literally and figuratively bring people and fabric together in a joyful way.