STUDIO 24: External Patches: Stitches and Applique for Repairing Woven Fabric like Denim with Katrina Rodabaugh In-Person
Learn the magic of external patches and why they are so versatile and highly functional for repairing woven fabrics like denim. A simple external patch on the knee, elbow, or pocket can add beauty and durability. A collection of patches creates strong repairs alongside the opportunity to consider several design elements and make a fabric collage or mini quilt within the mending. We’ll cover useful knots, stitches, and design elements while focusing on external patches. The opportunities are endless with this simple, savvy repair. Please bring one clean textile to mend that’s made from woven fabric like denim, cotton, linen, flannel, or canvas—no sweaters or knits, please, we’ll cover those techniques in darning classes. (If you’d like a less visible repair, bring a patch that matches the content, color, and weight of your textile. A limited selection of patches will be provided.)
This Maker-In-Residence program is made possible with funding from the Boulder Library Foundation. The Foundation organizes local philanthropic support for innovation, capital improvements, creativity, and expanded outreach and literacy for Boulder's Libraries.
Join award-winning artist and best-selling author, Katrina Rodabaugh, for in-person mending workshops with the Boulder Public Library. Katrina is the author of Mending Matters (Abrams, 2018) and Make Thrift Mend (Abrams, 2021)—joyful and practical guides to mending and slow fashion. Visible mending is a series of hand-sewing techniques that combine patches, stitches, weavings, and design elements to make beautiful, long-lasting repairs. The classes will consider the creative opportunity in mending woven and knit fabrics through careful consideration of materials, design, and stitching techniques. All mending will focus on hand-sewing woven fabrics like denim, linen, cotton, and silk or knit fabrics like sweaters, socks, gloves, hats, etc. Mending is a wonderful way to practice hand-stitching and sustainability by extending the life of our textiles. Simple stitches transform torn or distressed garments and homewares through thoughtful repairs.
- Date:
- Wednesday, Aug 26 2026
- Time:
- 2:30pm - 4:30pm
- Location:
- STUDIO 24 Classroom, NoBo Library, Makerspace STUDIO 24
- Audience:
- Ages 12 to 18 Ages 18+
- Categories:
- Make & Create
This class will be at the STUDIO 24 Makerspace in the NoBo Library. Here are directions and parking information for the NoBo Library. Our Makerspace classes often have long waitlists. We sincerely hope that you can attend, but if you are for some reason unable to, please cancel your registration ASAP so that one of the people on our waiting list can take your place in the class. You can cancel by going back to your confirmation email and following the link.
All makerspace patrons are expected to adhere to makerspace and library rules and policies. All users and visitors must agree to and sign the Acknowledgment of Risk and Release Form each visit before entering the space.