From old to new:
Kintsugi DIY

Why not adopt a new perspective by learning about the Japanese art of Kintsugi? The ancient Japanese gold joinery technique, applied to pottery since the 15th century (or perhaps even longer), is based on the Wabi-Sabi philosophy, which finds beauty in broken things. In traditional Kintsugi, skilled craftsmen piece broken ceramics, china and other pottery items back together using gold lacquer, to make the crack shine like a beautiful embellishment and turn it into a desirable feature, rather than an unfortunate blemish.

When transferred onto your wardrobe, the Kintsugi approach can help you to reimagine the clothes that have seen better days and could use some TLC. By viewing imperfections as chapters in the fascinating story of your garments, rather than as unsightly imperfections, you can elevate your clothes and make old new again. For example, instead of mending tears and holes to be invisible, draw attention to them by stitching, patching and sewing them yourself in a way that not only allows you to become an active participant in their story, but also turns them from undesired rags into inspired and unique it-pieces.

Looking for inspiration? Our simple Kintsugi-inspired video and step-by-step guide shows you how easy it is to make old clothes new again.

What you need:

• a torn pair of jeans (ours got caught on barbed wire during a hike)
• colourful patterned fabric (we used an old tea towel)
• scissors
• pins
• tweezers
• needle and thread
   

What to do:

1. Select a part of the pattern that fits your tear
2. Make the tear bigger if needed to perfectly frame the part of the print you selected
3. Fray the edge bordering the fabric patch
4. Pin the patterned fabric to the inside of your jeans to underlay the tear
5. Sew in place
6. Embrace the beauty of imperfection!

Always keep in mind that Kintsugi is a lot more than a DIY idea. It’s a mindset based on the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Your new old pair of jeans is beautiful because of – not despite – its imperfections. Striking DIY stitching on a tear draws attention to their history and rather than concealing what happened to the garment, it tells its story.

It’s a great way to make old clothes new again by lending your jeans a new lease on life, so they can stay in your wardrobe a little longer. What’s more, the colourful thread concealing the tear will always remind you of the history you have shared.

What you need:

• A damaged item of clothing (moth-eaten jumper, cardigan with frayed sleeves and so on)
• Colourful fabric scraps, lace, sew- or iron-on patches, sequins, rhinestones or any other embellishment that fits the size of the hole, tear or damage
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle and thread, fabric glue or an iron
   

What to do:

1. Choose colours, patterns and shapes that stand out
2. Pick an embellishment that fits the damaged area or a thread in a striking colour
3. Glue, sew or iron on your embellishments and/or stitch a hole with colourful thread in an eye-catching pattern
    

Wear it with pride!