Beyond Darning

Author Hikaru Noguchi is one of the leading designers and creators of darned fabrics and spear-headed the recent revival in darning. She moved to England from Japan in 1989 to study constructed textiles and after completing her studies at Middlesex University she developed new and innovative textiles with designers including Tom Dixon, Top Shop and projects for Barneys, Browns, Paul Smith women, Takashimaya New York and many others. Hikaru has participated in many shows and exhibitions all over the world, and her work is sold in boutiques and department stores in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo. Other publications include Darning: Repair, make, mend, Creative Mending and Made in France: Knitting.

'The pictures, diagrams and profiles are so inspiring. Mending clothes is an act of looking after yourself and others. It's essential work that Hikaru does with grace and beauty.' Celia Pym, shortlisted for the Women's Hour Craft Prize and author of On Mending ;'As the environmental impacts of overconsumption become ever more apparent, repair emerges as a powerful political act. This comprehensive compendium provides both instruction and inspiration and is sure to make every reader look at their wardrobe in a whole new light.' Dr Amy Twigger Holroyd, Associate Professor of Fashion and Sustainability, Nottingham Trent University; 'Colourful photography combined with an easily understood visual guide brings this wonderful book to life!' Sanae Kido: Textile Surgery; 'I've mended things since I learned to sew as a child, and thought I knew my stuff. Everything changed when Hikaru invited me to Japan to host a darning workshop alongside the launch of her book. The school of Hikaru teaches that techniques of mending are never ending. We love to mend because we don't want things to end, but as menders we continue to have new beginnings, just like the garments do. We are continually free to find new ways of doing things.'  Rachael Matthews, Textile Artist and author of Rag Manifesto; 'Hikaru Noguchi has a wonderful and considered approach to visible mending. In her book Darning she explains in great detail how to use a variety of darning and applique techniques, what materials are suitable, and step-by-step instructions. Last but not least, all techniques are accompanied by beautiful pictures for plenty of inspiration to do your own repairs.' Tom van Deijnen (Tom of Holland)Review for the Japanese edition on Amazon: 'Full of wonderful ideas! The book is rich in design and is fun just to look at. The instructions for stitching are clearly explained with photos, so you can use it not only for making brooches but also for darning.'

• Introduction 4Tools to use for darning and brooch making 18Basic tools / Materials to use for the brooch / Useful toolsRecommended types of threads and needles for Darning and brooch makingCloth used to make darning brooch 2220Part 1Basics of darning 23Basics of beginning and endings 24How to thread / How to use threader How to use darning mushrooms 26How to use embroidery hoop 27Cutting clothes into cloth 27Darning of Namiui 28Darning of Gomacio stitch 30Application of Namiui and Gomacio stitch 32Biropiro Darning/Mosha Mosha DarningDarning with blanket stitch 34Honeycomb stitch Honeycomb Flower Tambourine stitchingFan-shaped tambourine stitchingbasket stitchingCloth darning 50Various stitches 54Part 2How to sew a brooch ssHow to make a Soft brooch 56How to make a Mille-Feuille Brooch 58How to attach fringe 59How to make tassels 59How to attach a brooch pin 60Kururin Pin-Knit Pin 61How to put a quilt pin 62How to finish a macaron Brooch 63Macaron Brooch VariationsCloth brooch variationCollage cloth 74Conclusion 94Part 3How to enjoy brooches 75