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Discover the art of Japanese embroidery and sustainable fashion at De Steek’s Visible Mending Workshop in Amsterdam West. Learn a traditional technique that transforms clothing while creating unique, decorative repairs.
Discover the art of Japanese embroidery and sustainable fashion at De Steek’s Visible Mending Workshop in Amsterdam West. Learn a traditional technique that transforms clothing while creating unique, decorative repairs.
Book with De Steek
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Operated by De Steek · Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Amsterdam, known for its vibrant art scene and innovative crafts, offers a distinctive way to connect with textiles through the Visible Mending Workshop at De Steek. Located in the lively Amsterdam West neighborhood, this workshop invites both beginners and seasoned crafters to step into the world of Japanese fabric repair techniques. Participants will learn the traditional Sashiko embroidery method, inspired by Boro fabric preservation, transforming worn or torn clothing into works of art. The experience isn’t just about mending but elevating everyday garments into statement pieces with intricate stitchwork.
What makes De Steek truly standout is its focus on sustainability paired with craftsmanship. Guests get hands-on with all provided materials, allowing them to leave with a personalized, beautifully repaired item. Whether you're fixing a favorite jeans pocket or embellishing a jacket, you'll gain practical skills amid a welcoming atmosphere. The workshop highlights the cultural significance of Japanese textile traditions, offering a meaningful connection to an ancient craft that counters disposable fashion.
Amsterdam West, a hub for creativity and forward-thinking, fosters a perfect backdrop for this engaging activity. The workshop fits easily into a day of museum visits, canal strolls, or food adventures in the city. Its approachable nature makes it ideal for craft lovers, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone eager to try something new. Participants often leave inspired by the elegance of Sashiko, empowered to repair and upcycle their clothes.
The De Steek Visible Mending Workshop makes a memorable addition to any visit, blending artistry, function, and sustainability—showcasing how traditional techniques can find new life in modern wardrobes. Whether you’re looking to improve your sewing skills or create personalized wardrobe pieces, this session offers a meaningful, hands-on experience that reflects Amsterdam’s inventive spirit.
easy.
2–3 hours.
No special fitness required, just a steady hand and patience
No prior sewing experience is necessary; all skill levels are welcome.
All materials are provided during the workshop, so just bring your curiosity and favorite garment if you wish to mend something.
Ideally, bring one item to focus on during the session to get the most out of your experience.
The workshop is best suited for teenagers and adults, as it involves detailed sewing.
Most workshops last between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the project complexity.
Yes, it promotes sustainable practices by encouraging garment repair and reuse.
Dutch Boro-inspired Sashiko has roots in rural Japan, originally used for reinforcing clothing in the early 20th century.
The workshop emphasizes repairing existing clothing, reducing waste, and promoting slow fashion in an eco-conscious city.
De Steek is a Amsterdam‑based craft studio and teaching collective offering hands‑on sewing, upcycling and fibre craft workshops across De Pijp and Amsterdam West. The programme includes structured multi‑session courses such as beginner sewing series and lingerie workshops, short one‑day projects like upcycled baby sets and puff top classes, plus walk‑in and drop‑in lessons in a community Sewing Café. Experienced makers and named instructors teach many sessions — for example, designer Ulara leads lingerie workshops, Michelle teaches sewing classes in Amsterdam West, Studio Itske runs upcycled baby projects, and illustrator Monique Clara contributes a punch needle workshop to special events. Classes cover practical skills such as machine basics, pattern work, repairing and visible mending, and garment construction from bralettes and underwire bras to skirts, pants and children’s clothes. De Steek also hosts craft lessons for kids and teens, guided knitting, crochet, embroidery, punch needle and weaving sessions in the craft café, and offers table rentals for independent makers. Several offerings explicitly blend sustainability and reuse, with upcycling workshops to transform existing garments. Sessions and lessons are scheduled across neighbourhood studios and the craft café, with formats ranging from guided single‑project lessons to multi‑week courses for skill progression. De Steek is listed on The Adventure Collective and presents its full schedule and booking options through that platform and direct studio listings.
Book with De Steek