The E-darning Sampler: Exploring E-textile Repair with Darning Looms

Abstract

Extending the life of our clothes is the most effective intervention of all current sustainable textile practices. Taking this into consideration, this paper explores how we can upcycle and repair our clothes with e-textiles, and how to share these techniques with other makers and crafters. To do so the author interviewed 4 visible mending educators about their teaching practices and personal experiences with mending. These interviews were then used to inform the design of the E-Darning Sampler for the TEI 2021 swatchbook, which includes examples of different e-textile darning patterns and functionalities made with darning looms. This paper contributes insights on how to design educational samples for encouraging sustainable making practices.