There are moments in sustainability that remind us of the power of community — when small stitches come together to create something truly world-changing. The Great Global Mend was one of those moments.
Saturday gone, people from across Australia gathered to take part in an unofficial world record making event celebrating the art of repair. From denim to dog beds, jackets to jeans, 298 people came together to mend and restore — proving that sustainability can be joyful, social, and deeply impactful.
The Heart Behind the Mend
The Great Global Mend wasn’t just an event — it was a movement. Designed to spotlight the power of mending, it brought local councils, repair enthusiasts, and everyday Australians together to champion one message: repair over replace.
At the center of it all were two incredible women — Steph and Hazel — whose dedication made this massive coordination possible. Steph worked tirelessly on the ground, collaborating with councils and rallying communities. Hazel, with her vision for the Circular Fashion Festival, saw the potential for something bigger — a city wide celebration of creativity and conscious living.
Their combined efforts, supported by FabPatch and our amazing partners, turned an idea into a citywide story of sustainability in action.
298 Menders, One Mission
At exactly 11am, menders across Perth were there for the countdown — patching, sewing, repairing, and laughing. The collective energy was contagious. Together, they achieved an unofficial world record with 298 participants mending simultaneously.
That’s not just a number. It represents approximately 5 tonnes of CO₂ saved, or the electricity used by three average-sized households in a year. Every stitch told a story of change — and every repair was a small act of resistance against fast fashion and waste culture.
FabPatch’s Role in the Revolution
For FabPatch, this event was more than a milestone — it was a celebration of our purpose. Our mission has always been to make mending easy, stylish, and accessible for everyone.
From denim patches to fabric repair kits, FabPatch gives clothing a second life — because we believe the most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own. Participating in The Great Global Mend was a perfect reflection of that philosophy: bringing people together to repair what matters and reduce textile waste, one patch at a time.
Why Mending Matters
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tonnes of textiles end up in landfill. But simple acts of repair can drastically reduce that number. Mending keeps fabrics in circulation, cuts carbon emissions, and connects us to our belongings in more meaningful ways.
The Great Global Mend proved that sustainable habits can be fun and community-driven — not just an individual act of responsibility. When we mend together, we create momentum for real change.
