Visible Mending
At Production Mode, we LOVE clothes- not just our collection, but very the idea of clothes and what they represent: how certain pieces are so wrapped up with our identities and evoke memories of events, people, places, and even eras. Our designer, Jamie Hayes, even created two bodies of artwork devoted to this idea.
To us, clothes are precious. In addition to the joy they bring us, we value the vast amount of natural and human resources necessary to create clothing. The fusion of these ideas is the foundation of our commitment to slow fashion.
We now refer all visible mending inquiries to designer and mending expert Lucy Leith of LucyDreamsOf; Production Mode no longer accepts mending dropoffs. By darning holes, patching tears, & reinforcing seams, Lucy can repair your garments, while adding another layer of interest and history to your clothing.
Darning
Using thread to weave a fresh new patch of threads over a hole or tear, this process can be traced back to the early 18th century.
Invisible Mending
Using different mending techniques and matching threads that blend in with the fabric of the garment. Look close, or you’ll miss it!
Embroidery
A whimsical way to cover up holes. A great option for moth-eaten garments.
Running Stitch Patchwork
A technique that uses short running stitches and scraps of fabric to reinforce a tear or hole—inspired by the Japanese form of visible mending called Sashiko. Sashiko originates in the Edo Period in northern Japan around the 17th century and was developed to extend the life of valuable fabrics in a decorative way. This technique can be used to draw attention to the raw edges that are left behind by each tear and create a beautiful point of interest. Small patches of scrap fabrics are incorporated, using layers of these stitches to bond the layers together.
Machine Darning
Creating a strong, durable fabric by stitching the fabric to a backing many times over. Since this much stitching makes the fabric quite stiff, we reserve this technique for items like denim jeans. A good option for crotch repairs, especially if you want the mend to blend in.