Safeguarding

Key Facts

  • Starting
    26 Feb 2026
    Location
    Tooting
    Start Time
    13:00
    End Time
    15:30
    Duration
    5 Weeks
    Study Mode
    Part Time Day
    Days
    Thursday
    Start Date
    26 Feb 2026
    Level
    Short Course
    Code
    TABX351TL

    Fees

    19+ Fee
    £ 63

    Enrol

Sustainable Textiles: Repair, Reuse and Repurpose

Sustainable Textiles: Repair, Reuse and Repurpose

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This course will teach you skills for working with textiles in a sustainable way. You will learn various mending and recycling techniques such as quilting, appliqué and patchwork to give a new lease of life to fabrics that might otherwise be unusable. You will also learn about traditional sustainable textile crafts such as kantha(India), sashiko and boro (Japan) and how to embrace the aesthetics of recycling.

  • Entry Requirements


    There are no entry requirements for this course. but some material is required: Fabric scraps Sewing and embroidery threads Assorted needles Small scissors

  • Course Content


    Learn 5-8 different hand sewing techniques to repair or recycle textiles. Choose the appropriate mending method to fix a hole or tear in different types of fabrics. Learn to do small alterations in clothes and textile objects. Become environmentally aware and reduce fabric wastage. *Learn the cultural history of various traditional sustainable textiles.

  • Progression Next Steps


    You might explore other clothes-making, textile or craft courses at South Thames College. You might go onto employment in a business that makes or alters garments; or build your own self employed clothes making business.

  • Additional Information


    The tutor: Bonita Ahuja studied textile design at UAL Chelsea College of Art, graduating with a First Class Honours. She has been working as a professional textile artist/ designer since 2004, specialising in hand woven and hand embroidered fabrics.

    Alongside running her own textile practice, Bonita has been teaching creative embroidery and textile related courses for over 14 years. Her teaching style marries contemporary design with ancient textile traditions, laying emphasis on creativity, learning through experimentation and development of individual style.

    All courses run subject to demand and the content listed here should be used as a guide only. Course content may vary according to a range of factors such as course duration, campus, teaching staff and requirements from awarding bodies. Check our course and fee guidelines for further details. If you are on a low wage, unemployed or claim Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) then you can have a reduction.

  • Course Structure


    This course runs over five weeks, with sessions held on Thursday afternoons. It introduces learners to the fundamentals of repairing and recycling textiles, cutting down waste and knowledge of ancient sustainable textile traditions. Each session includes tutor demonstrations, guided practice, and individual project work, with opportunities for challenge and extension.

  • Assessment Details


    Assessment is on-going with teacher feedback, self assessment and individual learning plans.

  • Teaching and Learning


    Learning takes place through a mix of demonstrations, guided practice, and individual project work. You will have the opportunity to plan and create your own projects under the guidance of an experienced tutor. There will be time in each session for discussion, feedback, and developing your practical techniques.