Weekly Mending Cafe + Clothes Swap

MEND. SWAP. MEET.

Bring along clothing that needs a little care and learn the practical hand-sewing skills to repair it yourself.

The Visible Mending Café + Clothes Swap is a relaxed weekly gathering centred around slowing down, mending with our hands, keeping clothing in use for longer and connecting with other people through making.

You might patch a hole, repair a small tear, sew on a missing button or explore visible mending techniques that celebrate rather than hide the history of a garment.

Each Wednesday, our clothes swap is also open. Bring along good-quality pieces you no longer wear, add them to the swap and see if you find something new-to-you to take home.

No previous sewing experience is needed. Basic hand-sewing tools, shared materials and guidance are available, and everyone works at their own pace.

This is primarily a hand-mending space rather than a machine-sewing class. Sewing machines will be available for occasional basic repairs where appropriate, but the focus is on accessible techniques you can easily continue at home.

YOU CAN LEARN

Slow stitching
Visible mending
Hand sewing
Patching holes and worn areas
Buttons and small repairs
Simple hand-finished hems
Creative repair techniques

WHAT TO BRING

Bring one or two garments that need a simple repair and, if you'd like to take part in the swap, some clean, good-quality clothing you’re ready to pass on.

You're welcome to bring your own needles, thread, patches or fabric scraps, although shared supplies will be available.

Please leave major alterations, garment construction and projects requiring extensive machine sewing for our sewing classes — Wednesday afternoons are about mending, swapping, slowing down and learning together.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Complete beginners, experienced makers and anyone interested in making their clothing last longer.

Come alone or bring a friend. Come every week or just drop in when you have something to mend, something to swap or feel like spending an afternoon making with others.

Every Wednesday | 2–3.45pm | $10

Lennox Head Cultural Centre

Pre-booking is recommended.