Spread the word of fixing clothes – Part 1

Introduce the assignment: Today you’ll run a hands-on workshop to teach younger students four simple mends: fixing buttons, closing holes, sewing on patches and basic embroidery. Show them, let them try, and help them practise. Focus on neat, safe stitching, not perfection.

Assign roles using the Competency Groups method:

• Lead tutors: demonstrates and coaches
• Helpers: pass materials, tie knots, assist learners
• Evidence keeper: photos/log of finished repairs

Set up 4 stations, with one skill per station:

• Station A: Buttons — cloth sample with loose button, needles, thread, scissors, toothpicks (for shank).
• Station B: Small holes / closing — cloth with small holes, darning eggs or cardboard, needles, thread.
• Station C: Patches — pre-cut fabric patches, pins, needles, thread, optional iron-on patches (adult only).
• Station D: Embroidery — small hoops, transfer templates, embroidery needles, stranded thread, scissors.

Label each station with the short goal and one-sentence safety rules.

This step includes all steps for the 4 stations, which students first need to learn, in order to teach this to other students. Give them time to study these steps (also explained in the resource Steps for fixing clothes):

A — Fixing a button (5–8 steps)

1. Thread needle (use doubled thread for strength) and knot the end.
2. From the garment’s underside, push needle up through one hole of the button.
3. Go down through the opposite hole and repeat 4–6 times (or 3–4 for kids).
4. For 4-hole buttons: make an X or two parallel stitches.
5. Optional: to give space (shank) for thick fabric, place a toothpick over button while stitching and remove it before knotting.
6. Finish with 2 small backstitches on the underside, tie a secure knot and trim thread.

B — Closing a small hole (simple running / whipstitch)

1. Trim loose threads and place cloth over a darning egg/cardboard to stretch fabric flat.
2. For tiny holes: use running stitch across the hole to pull threads together.
3. For larger holes: place a small patch behind the hole and use whipstitch around the edge to secure.
4. Tie off underneath and check from front for neatness.

C — Sewing on a patch

1. Cut patch ~1–2 cm larger than hole. Pin patch in place (under or over the hole).
2. Use a running or blanket stitch around the edge, keeping stitches even (about 3–5 mm).
3. For fast options, use iron-on patches but an adult must handle the iron; reinforce with a few stitches.

D — Simple embroidery (outline/backstitch + lazy daisy)

1. Transfer a small, simple shape (heart/flower) onto fabric. Hoop fabric taut.
2. Start with a backstitch for outlines (good for names/letters).
3. For petals, teach lazy daisy: loop stitch anchored with a small tack stitch.
4. Finish by knotting thread at the back and trimming.