Beyond Darning: Creative mending techniques

by Hikaru Noguchi

Genres: Sewing

96 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2025

Reviews

[Irene Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Hikaru Noguchi's visible mending style but I didn't love this book in comparision to some of the earlier ones. I can't see myself using brooches or patches like these on the whole. Maybe the more geometric styles such as the N0 5 Sea Bubble or the No 22 Pink Cell Mix.

Having said that, there are a wealth of ideas and techniques demonstrated in this book, and you can't replicate the projects anyway. As always, the techniques are very well illustrated and the steps / stitches easy to follow. And I was inspired by the photo on pg 17 to repair some wool tights in bright colours, even if only I will see it and smile.

Contents:
Introduction / Tools for darning and brooch making / Recommended types of thread and needles for darning / Fabrics for darning brooches.

Part 1 - Basics of darning
- Starting and finishing stitches
- How to use a darning mushroom
- Using an embroidery hoop
Cut clothes into cloth
Darning with running stitch
Darning with seed stitch
Working with strips of fabric
Darning with blanket stitch
Darning with honeycomb stitch
Parallel honeycomb stitch
Honeycomb flower stitch
Tambourine stitch
Fan-shaped tambourine stitch
Woven square darning
Darning with applique
A variety of stitches

Part 2 - Marking brooches
How to make a soft brooch
How to make a millefeuille brooch
Adding a fringe
Making a tassel
Attach a brooch pin
How to attach kilt pins
How to make a macaron brooch
Macaron brooch variations
Patch and brooch combination
A collage of patches

Part 3 - Enjoying your brooches
Conclusion

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally received my copy of this inspiring guide to stitched brooches and mementos.
Beautifully presented, a wonderful resource.