Mending is having a real moment, with the BBC reporting high street chains from Levi's to Primark now offering repairs and workshops, even as more independent UK fabric shops close their doors. On the machine front, Janome, Bernina and Brother have all announced new models this autumn, and Knit + Stitch Harrogate is less than three weeks away.
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The news
1High street chains embrace visible mending
Visible mending has grown from a hobby and community workshop practice into a wider fashion trend.
On 30 October the BBC reported that Levi's is running repair workshops (including a recent London launch), and that Uniqlo, Primark, Finisterre and Toast offer repairs. Finisterre says around a fifth of its mends are designed to be eye-catching; Toast says around a third of customers choose that option.
Why it matters: Mainstream interest means more demand for mending skills, classes and supplies, and more customers who value handwork.
Brands launched a wave of repair schemes in the first half of 2026.
FashionUnited cites Fédération de la Mode Circulaire and KPMG figures valuing Europe's clothing and footwear repair market at an estimated 2.8 billion euros in 2025, projected to reach 3.7 billion euros by 2030. In the UK, Next launched repairs with Sojo and Primark with The Seam.
Why it matters: Skilled repair and alteration work is a small but growing paid niche.
Fabric Land has traded on Old London Road, Kingston upon Thames, for over 40 years.
Fabric Land says its Kingston upon Thames branch on Old London Road closes on Saturday 28 November 2026. In its statement (quoted by Kingston Nub News, 29 Oct 2026) it says its website still takes orders and its Bristol store is open seven days a week. The shop's manager told the Kingston Courier (30 Oct 2026) that falling sewing skills, flooding in the building and economic pressures were behind the decision.
Why it matters: Another loss of a shop where you can feel fabric and colour-match in person.
4Barry's Fabrics in Digbeth closed at the end of October after about 90 years
Founded in Birmingham's Rag Market in the 1930s, Barry's moved to Digbeth in 2000.
Barry's told customers they had until the end of October 2026 to visit before it closed for good, because a compulsory purchase order for the Smithfield Development means it must leave its Digbeth shop (Brum Daily, 8 Sep 2026). Separately, the owners of Brewers Sewing Machines in Wolverhampton, trading since 1958, are retiring (BBC News, 1 Oct 2026).
Why it matters: Long-standing local sewing businesses are disappearing; support your local shop while you can.
5Brother announces the Expedition BX1 embroidery machine (Japan)
Some details unconfirmed: check the source.
It succeeds the Innovis VF1 in Brother's Japanese range.
Announced 27 October for mid-November release in Japan: a 36 x 20 cm embroidery area (6 cm longer than the VF1), 774 built-in designs including French knot and crochet couching styles, wireless Artspira app support, and a "curve sewing assist" that adjusts presser foot pressure. UK availability and pricing are not announced (uncertain).
Why it matters: Hints at where Brother's embroidery range is heading.
bernette is Bernina's more affordable brand; the new 50 series has two machines.
The bernette 59 sewing and embroidery machine has 515 stitches, 268 embroidery designs, Wi-Fi with the free StitchDirect app, and a multi-position hoop up to 120 x 300 mm. It launched in Germany and Switzerland in October; the bernette 57 follows later. UK timing is uncertain.
Why it matters: A combination machine with app-based design editing at the bernette price point.
7Janome UK refreshes two favourites, and a sew and overlock hybrid arrives in the US
Some details unconfirmed: check the source.
The 230DC and 360DC are popular computerised starter machines.
On 8 October Janome UK launched Limited Edition 230DC and 360DC models with an easy-set bobbin and a presser foot sensor; the 360DC LE adds a thread cutter. Separately, a US dealer lists the Janome SewSwitch 30, a sewing and two-thread overlock machine, arriving late October to early November. UK availability for the SewSwitch is uncertain.
Why it matters: Small but welcome fixes for beginners' commonest frustrations.
The show runs at Harrogate Convention Centre with 150+ exhibitors and 200+ workshops, plus a winning quilts gallery and the 10-metre Austen Tapestry by Kate Evans. General release adult tickets are £19.95 plus a £4.25 per-order fee, until 11 November.
Why it matters: Book by 11 November to save; quilters and embroiderers are especially well served.
Sewing Bee note: Series 12 ended on 15 September, won by Anna from North Yorkshire, and is on BBC iPlayer. Applications for series 13 closed in May; no air date found. (Radio Times)
Machines in the news
Prices are GBP including VAT, from one retailer on the date shown. No affiliate links.
Janome 230DC LE
30 stitches, 3 auto one-step buttonholes, easy-set bobbin, presser foot sensor, metal internal frame, hard cover, 2 year warranty. Update: the £399 offer has ended; Couling's RRP is £459 (checked 1 November 2026)
