Make, Sew And Mend: Sustainable Techniques For Clothes

This is more than a sewing book. It’s a guide to taking care of your clothes, extending their life, and connecting with centuries of handcraft. Bernadette Banner walks you through traditional techniques—darning, patching, pad stitching, lace insertion—that help you repair, refashion, and honor every garment in your wardrobe.

The instructions are approachable, detailed, and full of historical context, making it easy to follow whether you’re a seasoned hand-stitcher or just beginning to explore slow sewing. Every stitch becomes part of a story: your story, the story of the clothes, and the centuries of craft that came before.

At Approved Textiles, we love this book because it’s aligned with our ethos: thoughtful making, sustainable practice, and celebrating the art of handwork. It’s about process, care, and the joy of keeping things in use rather than tossing them aside.

Why you’ll love it:

• Traditional hand sewing techniques to mend, patch, and refashion
• Guidance on tools, fabrics, and garment care
• Accessible for beginners and enriching for experienced makers
• Encourages slow, thoughtful, and sustainable clothing practices

Repair, refashion, and cherish your clothes. Make them last, make them yours.