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.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, just a steady hand and patience
Wildlife
History
Dutch Boro-inspired Sashiko has roots in rural Japan, originally used for reinforcing clothing in the early 20th century.
Conservation
The workshop emphasizes repairing existing clothing, reducing waste, and promoting slow fashion in an eco-conscious city.
De Steek
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.
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.
Location
Amsterdam, Noord‑Holland
Workshops in De Pijp and Amsterdam West
Workshops
69 experiences
Sewing, knitting, crochet and more
Named Instructors
Ulara, Michelle, Studio Itske
Designers and guest makers teach classes
Venues
De Pijp & Amsterdam West
Multiple neighbourhood studios
Browse De Steek workshops in De Pijp and Amsterdam West and reserve a spot in sewing, upcycling, knitting, crochet or a craft walk‑in today.
Bring an item to mend
Choose a favorite or worn piece of clothing to practice your mending skills.
Wear comfortable clothes
You’ll be sewing, so dress casually and ready to get a little fabric on your hands.
Arrive early
Getting settled early ensures you have ample time to learn and craft.
Ask about cultural history
Inquire about the origins of Boro and Sashiko for deeper understanding.
Magnifying glass
Helpful for detailed stitching, especially on delicate fabrics.
Lighting lamp
Ensures good visibility while working on fine embroidery.
Comfortable sewing chair
Provides comfort during the hands-on session.
Notebook to sketch designs
Capture inspiration and design ideas for your projects.