Hole lot of Love: The care and repair of knitted woollen garments

Have you ever wondered what causes those dreaded holes in your knitted woollen garments?

Learn which bugs eat your woollens, how to stop them and what to do if you don’t. You will also learn how to store and wash knitted garments. Finally, we’ll fall in love with holes and learn how to darn and repair them.

The workshop will include a Powerpoint presentation to learn about insects, how to prevent them eating your woollens and what to do if you find an infestation. It will include hands on experience on how to store, wash and repair garments.
You will be provided with an example of a hole and have the opportunity to learn how to repair it. You will also be encouraged to bring along woollen garments that are damaged and we can discuss how best they might be repaired.

By the end of the session you will be better able to identify pests, treat infestations, care, store, wash and repair woollen knitted garments.

About the workshop facilitator

Kristin Phillips, is the Senior Textile Conservator at Artlab Australia in Adelaide South Australia. With 38 years of experience working with textile collections belonging to the South Australian collecting institutions such as the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, the History Trust of South Australia and the State Library of South Australia and private museums, galleries and collectors she has vast knowledge about woollen textiles. This includes how to deal with insects, storage, cleaning and repair of woollen textiles. As an enthusiastic knitter and lover of hand-knits Kristin also has knowledge of how to darn and repair them.

What you need to know:

• We provide foundation materials (including handy darning mushrooms) but please bring your woollen / knitted garment that you want to ask questions about or repair. Also bring along your favourite darning needles and wool to use for repairs.

• Suitable for beginners 15 years and older.

• We will be having a break so please bring your own snacks. Tea and coffee and buscuits provided.

• If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend this workshop, please email niki.vouis@ahc.sa.gov.au before 5pm Thursday 6 August 2026. We cannot issue refunds after this time and date.

Here's Kristin darning a knitted garment. Also showing with an amazing array of knits and useful timber darning mushrooms - makes darning easier.