What do you think?
Rate this book
Creative Mending: Beautiful Darning, Patching and Stitching Techniques
Mend, rethink, transform, recreate!
Mending your favorite fabric items--from jeans to sweaters to sofa covers--becomes a true art form in Creative Mending . In this book, mending guru Hikaru Noguchi shows you her entire range of valuable techniques--from embroidery and patching to darning and felting--that are just challenging enough for experienced menders.
Noguchi's basic rules of mending are that the repair should suit the fabric and its user, and that there are lots of creative ways to create beautifully customized repairs--some subtle, others making a statement.
She provides 13 techniques that show you how
The 13 illustrated lessons and over 300 color photos in this book provide detailed examples for all the basic techniques. Lots of variations plus plenty of tips and examples (67 in all) provide you with all the guidance you need to rethink and repair beautifully.
The stunning photos will inspire you to get creative on that fraying neckline or worn elbow!
Mending your favorite fabric items--from jeans to sweaters to sofa covers--becomes a true art form in Creative Mending . In this book, mending guru Hikaru Noguchi shows you her entire range of valuable techniques--from embroidery and patching to darning and felting--that are just challenging enough for experienced menders.
Noguchi's basic rules of mending are that the repair should suit the fabric and its user, and that there are lots of creative ways to create beautifully customized repairs--some subtle, others making a statement.
She provides 13 techniques that show you how
The 13 illustrated lessons and over 300 color photos in this book provide detailed examples for all the basic techniques. Lots of variations plus plenty of tips and examples (67 in all) provide you with all the guidance you need to rethink and repair beautifully.
The stunning photos will inspire you to get creative on that fraying neckline or worn elbow!
104 pages, Hardcover
Published March 8, 2022
17 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 10, 2022
This was an impulse grab at the library. I keep entertaining ideas of fixing a few favorite items of clothing. Because of this book I finally understand darning socks and those crazy wooden 'eggs' or 'mushrooms' and how to use them. I learned a few new stitches and can't wait to try out repairs. Cool color photos really enhanced the text. This book delivers:)
May 13, 2024
Lovely book detailing various decorative clothes mending techniques, not much about knits which is what I favour. Beautiful photos and detailed instructions. The text font size is uncomfortably small but then I may just be suffering from effete vision 🤯 due to excessive 🧚♀️ing!
October 18, 2022
My mother taught me to mend and darn the invisible way, which I did for many years — I quit because it was so tedious and I was never good enough that the repairs were truly invisible, so they just looked tatty and sad.
I love the concept of visible mending, and enjoy so much how this book expresses it. There's just so much joy in it! The repaired garments look like something new and loved. I love this aesthetic.
Mending is not my art or hobby— I just want it done simply and easily, and if possible, in a pretty way. The techniques in this book are simple and few: really just four basic techniques, with minor variations. They are repeated over different fabric types, weights, and types of repairs, which makes the process seem easy and tractable. The examples are beautiful and inspiring, and seem possible to do. I like the idea that with just a few stitches and a few threads of different weights and colors, I can make something wearable and beautiful again.
I have already fixed a few things, including a fancy sweater with moth holes, which took mere minutes! I did not use the special Japanese cotton thread — just used perle coton (aka pearl cotton), available from many craft / art supply stores and comes in many colors and a few different weights. The book freed me from rules and perfectionism, which for me, can be an impediment to starting any new project.
I looked at a few other books, including a couple by Noriko Misumi, which left me overwhelmed with technique. I would say start with this book to get going and see what & how much you can do with this small set of techniques, then if you want to incorporate more embroidery / felting / crocheting (which this does cover briefly, in its advanced techniques sections) move on to other books.
A must for cat owners!
I love the concept of visible mending, and enjoy so much how this book expresses it. There's just so much joy in it! The repaired garments look like something new and loved. I love this aesthetic.
Mending is not my art or hobby— I just want it done simply and easily, and if possible, in a pretty way. The techniques in this book are simple and few: really just four basic techniques, with minor variations. They are repeated over different fabric types, weights, and types of repairs, which makes the process seem easy and tractable. The examples are beautiful and inspiring, and seem possible to do. I like the idea that with just a few stitches and a few threads of different weights and colors, I can make something wearable and beautiful again.
I have already fixed a few things, including a fancy sweater with moth holes, which took mere minutes! I did not use the special Japanese cotton thread — just used perle coton (aka pearl cotton), available from many craft / art supply stores and comes in many colors and a few different weights. The book freed me from rules and perfectionism, which for me, can be an impediment to starting any new project.
I looked at a few other books, including a couple by Noriko Misumi, which left me overwhelmed with technique. I would say start with this book to get going and see what & how much you can do with this small set of techniques, then if you want to incorporate more embroidery / felting / crocheting (which this does cover briefly, in its advanced techniques sections) move on to other books.
A must for cat owners!
January 22, 2024
Beginner to mending, but I was so excited to find this book at the library and try out the basket technique to mend a hole in my favorite gloves. I think I did ok! :) I found some of the explanations slightly confusing, but overall great book and very useful. Also nice to see all the photos of different creatively mended clothing.
March 11, 2024
Lovely collection of inspiring mending techniques. I learned a bunch of new approaches to repairing both knit and flat woven garments. I especially appreciated the numerous mentions of damage from cats 🤣
January 8, 2025
(Written as I read the book)
This book is packed with information. Some of the photos are extremely dark and hard to see. Some of the explanations have to be read through several times before you understand what she's done. And frankly, her mending looks good because she clearly has an eye for balance and color and other artistic concepts. But for the average person trying to mend a garment, the information is here.
The organization of the book is a little off in that for some reason they show examples of mending stitches as much as 30 pages before you get to the page that explains that stitch or 50 pages after the explanation. I can find no reason for this difficult organization of the book. It's a little offputting.
But it's worth dealing with all of that to get the content of this book. You will be well rewarded for your patience.
There are many good examples of mending holes in common places on garments. If you chose to use a matching thread rather than the contrasting threads she usually uses for herself and for illustrative purposes, the mending would be less obvious. The mending adds an artistic flare as shown, but if you feel that mending should be "invisible", just use matching thread. She also has a wonderful array of thread used in her mending, which adds a terrific look to the embroidery aspect of her mending.
My Notes:
P 8. Terrific list of different types of threads for mending.
P 53. Reversible blanket stitch if both sides of fabric visible.
P 69. She claims that this old and worn bag is so far gone that it's "stylish". It looks like a bag lady's bag to me. However, it does make me wonder if I still have that old Ghurka bag that I might could repair?
p 91. Kogin embroidery needle is very long. Good to use when picking up multiple war threats at once.
P 92. Frankendarning is basically blanket, stitching alternating on each side of a straight long tear. I never thought about it before, but it does seem like this would be a good way of strengthening the fabric along a tear, especially if you put fabric underneath.
P 93. How to cover stain on a knitted sweater making it look like part of the sweater. I'm not sure this would work on something that was torn. But if you had something that was a pulled thread or stain, this could look very good.
This book is packed with information. Some of the photos are extremely dark and hard to see. Some of the explanations have to be read through several times before you understand what she's done. And frankly, her mending looks good because she clearly has an eye for balance and color and other artistic concepts. But for the average person trying to mend a garment, the information is here.
The organization of the book is a little off in that for some reason they show examples of mending stitches as much as 30 pages before you get to the page that explains that stitch or 50 pages after the explanation. I can find no reason for this difficult organization of the book. It's a little offputting.
But it's worth dealing with all of that to get the content of this book. You will be well rewarded for your patience.
There are many good examples of mending holes in common places on garments. If you chose to use a matching thread rather than the contrasting threads she usually uses for herself and for illustrative purposes, the mending would be less obvious. The mending adds an artistic flare as shown, but if you feel that mending should be "invisible", just use matching thread. She also has a wonderful array of thread used in her mending, which adds a terrific look to the embroidery aspect of her mending.
My Notes:
P 8. Terrific list of different types of threads for mending.
P 53. Reversible blanket stitch if both sides of fabric visible.
P 69. She claims that this old and worn bag is so far gone that it's "stylish". It looks like a bag lady's bag to me. However, it does make me wonder if I still have that old Ghurka bag that I might could repair?
p 91. Kogin embroidery needle is very long. Good to use when picking up multiple war threats at once.
P 92. Frankendarning is basically blanket, stitching alternating on each side of a straight long tear. I never thought about it before, but it does seem like this would be a good way of strengthening the fabric along a tear, especially if you put fabric underneath.
P 93. How to cover stain on a knitted sweater making it look like part of the sweater. I'm not sure this would work on something that was torn. But if you had something that was a pulled thread or stain, this could look very good.
February 16, 2024
-2-3 stars. not impressed. i didnt think any of the stitching to be beautiful. instead i found it to be a clashing riot of a mess. this book is clearly not for me.
the goma-shio darning is an ugly mess of stitches.
the honeycomb darning and tambourine darning were done too loosely compared to what i've seen online and instead of making a *solid* patch covering the hole, you could see through them and see the hole beneath. which does not create effective darning, does not reinforce the hole in the piece of clothing.
lots of color pictures, but many didn't have 'before' pictures, only 'after' pictures. some did, but ones without i found confusing.
i did not like this book. especially not the recommendations to leave loose threads hanging on the outside of the work for 'artistic effect'.
it had one technique called 'frankendarning', but i felt like the entire book was nothing but ugly clashing frankendarning.
the goma-shio darning is an ugly mess of stitches.
the honeycomb darning and tambourine darning were done too loosely compared to what i've seen online and instead of making a *solid* patch covering the hole, you could see through them and see the hole beneath. which does not create effective darning, does not reinforce the hole in the piece of clothing.
lots of color pictures, but many didn't have 'before' pictures, only 'after' pictures. some did, but ones without i found confusing.
i did not like this book. especially not the recommendations to leave loose threads hanging on the outside of the work for 'artistic effect'.
it had one technique called 'frankendarning', but i felt like the entire book was nothing but ugly clashing frankendarning.
January 11, 2023
This book is lovely and full of great instructions and clear ideas for repairing and extending the life of clothing you already own. And let's face it, if you buy quality items, they are likely to need repairs long before their lifespan is over. If you buy fast fashion, you can still extend it's life with creative mending - in fact anything you can do to reduce the tons of fiber that end up in landfills is a good thing to do. As both my clothing and my style is already eclectic (some might say I dress like a clown. Whatever, haters!) visible patches and creative mends suit me perfectly. I was sad to return this book to the library, as it is one I want to reference again and again. In chatting with my kiddo, they informed me that they have this book, and would love to 'store' it in my library! Lucky, lucky me!!
August 12, 2023
This is the perfect mending manual, I think. The past few years have seen a slew of mending books in the English-language market, and they're greatly skewed in favor of the Japanese mending technique sashiko to the detriment (or even complete absence!) of all other mending techniques. Now, don't get me wrong - sashiko is wonderful, and it's worth knowing about. It's just a shame that authors have jumped so far onto the trendy sashiko train that they've neglected all other mending techniques.
Enter Hikaru Noguchi's book. Ironically, it takes a Japanese mending book to get comprehensive mending skills, not solely sashiko. There are many different techniques here, explained in beautiful detail with clear instructions and good photos. It's definitely worth a spot on my sewing reference bookshelf.
Enter Hikaru Noguchi's book. Ironically, it takes a Japanese mending book to get comprehensive mending skills, not solely sashiko. There are many different techniques here, explained in beautiful detail with clear instructions and good photos. It's definitely worth a spot on my sewing reference bookshelf.
September 26, 2022
I found this book inspiring. I learned some new techniques though I have been mending, and reading about mending, for a long time.
The 'Tools for Darning' section shows how you can use what you have around the house, but some of those darning tools on page 7?
The 'Threads for Darning' section is excellent, both in the range of threads and their properties and uses.
Although it is impossible to replicate the projects, this is an excellent reference book of techniques to apply to your own worn textiles. The photos show the over-all effect of the visible mending on the garment, the detail and the step by step instructions for the techniques mentioned.
Worth reading right to the little tiny text at the bottom of page 103.
The 'Tools for Darning' section shows how you can use what you have around the house, but some of those darning tools on page 7?
The 'Threads for Darning' section is excellent, both in the range of threads and their properties and uses.
Although it is impossible to replicate the projects, this is an excellent reference book of techniques to apply to your own worn textiles. The photos show the over-all effect of the visible mending on the garment, the detail and the step by step instructions for the techniques mentioned.
Worth reading right to the little tiny text at the bottom of page 103.
February 9, 2024
I've been reading a bunch of books on mending and darning and this is, so far, the most creative. There are tons of photos of items before and after the repair and many more photos of repair in progress step-by-steps that are incredibly helpful. The author even mends damage to an upholstered armchair! Text is clear but leans hard on the viewpoint that "... a change in your relationship with clothing and objects" will change. Some of the repairs are left too "unrepaired" for my tastes (p 73: "As the tattered look is part of this jacket's charm, it was repaired as little as possible to prevent further tears, and threads from darning were left hanging." I have invisibly mended sweaters, matching yarn, color, and stitch, and unfortunately, this isn't covered at all in this book.
November 21, 2022
[3.5 stars]
I found some of the instructions in the book confusing, but that might just be me. The book teaches a few techniques and shows tons of examples. A lot of it is very decorative, but seems like it wouldn’t last very long—with trailing threads or loose stitches that could get snagged on things easily. It’s a very distinct aesthetic that’s not for me, but I appreciate the basic techniques and the encouragement of trying new things, like preferring to sew designs with the “back” on the outside or not to provide different looks.
I found some of the instructions in the book confusing, but that might just be me. The book teaches a few techniques and shows tons of examples. A lot of it is very decorative, but seems like it wouldn’t last very long—with trailing threads or loose stitches that could get snagged on things easily. It’s a very distinct aesthetic that’s not for me, but I appreciate the basic techniques and the encouragement of trying new things, like preferring to sew designs with the “back” on the outside or not to provide different looks.
April 18, 2023
This book is so creative and beautifully illustrated that it belongs on the coffee table as well as the mending basket. The author brings beautiful Japanese stitching and artistry to the practical mission of mending beloved clothing from underarm seams of delicate dresses and inner thigh wear on rugged jeans, from subtle barely seen repair to explosions of colour and texture that celebrate the stitchers' creativity in reclaiming a beloved garment. Creative Mending is a practical technique manual and an inspirational guide to discovering personal creativity.
March 27, 2025
Excellent array of techniques
My only minor caveat (based on the ebook version) is that when techniques are mentioned elsewhere, they are not linked, so I have to go searching. This is not a concern with the hard copy books, of course.
Not only are there several step by step photos, there are before and after pictures, and multiple examples, on real clothes. Each one specifies what yarn or thread and what techniques are used. They range from simple to complex, minor mends to major.
This is a valuable addition to my mending library.
My only minor caveat (based on the ebook version) is that when techniques are mentioned elsewhere, they are not linked, so I have to go searching. This is not a concern with the hard copy books, of course.
Not only are there several step by step photos, there are before and after pictures, and multiple examples, on real clothes. Each one specifies what yarn or thread and what techniques are used. They range from simple to complex, minor mends to major.
This is a valuable addition to my mending library.
April 3, 2022
This book has lavish color photography throughout, but I didn't like it quite as much as some other books I've read about mending. Most of the mends here were designed to be very noticeable, and I often found them distracting and unappealing, particularly when a hole in an awkward spot was mended with bright colors and shapes. I would recommend this to people for the detailed procedural instructions, but I didn't find as many of the example finished products inspiring.
June 7, 2022
Despite the dreadful cover design and dopey font, this book is incredible. I love Noguchi's style, her instruction is meticulous, and a wide variety of repairs are discussed. This book makes me wish all my clothes were worn out so I could fix them. I particularly appreciate that fabrics and items not usually seen as darning or patching candidates are fair game here; she darns synthetics, athletic gear, and, be still my heart...an armchair. I am suddenly thankful for my gross old couch.
December 15, 2023
Straight up, I didn’t learn much from this book. All the stitches are very basic.
However, using needle felting and hairy yarn like mohair is bloody genius! The photos were incredibly well shot, showing all the details. The captions for each included both the techniques and the fibre content of the item and yarn which was super informative. Mostly though this book was very inspiring and I immediately went through my jerseys to find things in need of repair
However, using needle felting and hairy yarn like mohair is bloody genius! The photos were incredibly well shot, showing all the details. The captions for each included both the techniques and the fibre content of the item and yarn which was super informative. Mostly though this book was very inspiring and I immediately went through my jerseys to find things in need of repair
June 24, 2025
fabulous & inventive combination of mending & decorative stitching
I really love this book! Hikaru Noguchi has elegantly devised a variety of methods to repair and/or decorate loved clothing to enhance and extend their use. I hope she will continue to document her clothing art and publish more books.
I really love this book! Hikaru Noguchi has elegantly devised a variety of methods to repair and/or decorate loved clothing to enhance and extend their use. I hope she will continue to document her clothing art and publish more books.
March 9, 2022
I have a lot of mending books and this is by far and away the best one yet. Tons of photos at every stage really help with enough designs to inspire. Recommend to buy as a book rather than kindle (personal experience).
December 28, 2022
This book delivers very clear instructions for a variety of mending methods with several pictures of the steps and examples of what the finished product can look like. Big ups for the translators. This book is Japanese, but the English version reads very organically.
March 20, 2023
Darn it!
Several techniques I haven't tried in darning. The author encourages bold choices and obvious, not concealed repairs, to incorporate cool design elements. The book provides a selection of tools maybe not considered also.
Several techniques I haven't tried in darning. The author encourages bold choices and obvious, not concealed repairs, to incorporate cool design elements. The book provides a selection of tools maybe not considered also.
May 8, 2023
I bought this book to use as a reference, and the time to use it came today. I followed the instructions for basket and accordion darning for mending a hold on a couch. The instructions were clear, and the examples helped.
September 21, 2025
I am sorry to say that I liked the idea better than the execution. It took a lot of work for some of the clothes to still look shabby. Perhaps it was the colors of the thread chosen that caused that to happen.
March 22, 2022
There are some really interesting ideas in this book.
April 13, 2022
I love Hikaru's approach to mending. She sees everything with such texture and vibrancy.
October 23, 2022
Great information and inspiration to mend and darn. I liked many of the techniques. Beautiful book.
October 28, 2022
I loved the tutorials, and the pictures. The book was quite informative even if it was out of my skill range.
April 4, 2023
Lots of pictures help illustrate various mending techniques.
May 3, 2023
Beautiful book
Very inspiring. So simple and cozy. I want to put holes in everything I own so I can mend it.
Very inspiring. So simple and cozy. I want to put holes in everything I own so I can mend it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews