If you've ever looked at a hole in your favourite jeans and thought, well, that's the end of that, we’ve got good news: it’s not.

There’s a whole world of creative, clever, and downright cool people proving that mending isn’t just practical—it’s an art form.

From intricate hand-stitching to bold, visible repairs, these menders are transforming imperfections into expressions of personality and creativity. It’s not just about fixing what's broken, but about embracing the opportunity to add something unique to your clothes.

 

Our Faves to Follow for Mending Inspo

Georgia @okwithmyhands is our go-to for thrifting, upcycling, and DIY magician; turning second-hand finds into first-rate treasures, one creative project at a time.

Steph @thegumnuttrade - the ultimate stain queen, Steph is our trusted guide for whatever toddler mess gets thrown our way.

Daisy @_diydaisy - master of turning op-shop finds into fab, one-of-a-kind treasures; one person's old is Daisy's new masterpiece.

Why Mending Matters

Australia has a bit of a fashion problem. Not the stylish kind—more like the throwaway kind. We rank worst in the world for overconsumption, with the average Australian buying up to 56 garments, and throwing away 23kg of textile waste each year

The result of this overconsumption - more than 200,000 tonnes of clothes ending up in landfills every year. That’s nearly four Sydney Harbour Bridges worth of textile waste. Yikes.

But here’s the thing: most of those clothes could’ve had a longer life. A missing button, a tiny hole, or a worn-out seam isn’t a reason to say goodbye—it’s an opportunity to mend.

 

Enter: Mending March

This month is all about slowing fashion down, fixing what’s broken, and keeping your favourite pieces in your wardrobe (not in landfill). It’s a chance to get creative with your clothes, to make them yours in new ways; whether that’s through a simple patch, a little embroidery, or even just some thoughtful repairs. It's about embracing imperfections, celebrating the stories that each piece tells, and making the conscious choice to wear what you love for years to come.

 

Got a mending win? Share it with us on Instagram - tag us @thedirtcompany and show us your handiwork 💙

Zoe Goldberg