Twil Tex Rhyl

Welcome to Our Workshop

Tucked away in a Victorian building on West Parade, our family workshop has been caring for treasured textiles for over forty years. What began as my grandmother's passion for mending vintage Welsh quilts has grown into a dedicated restoration practice serving collectors, museums, and families across North Wales and beyond.

We work with all manner of fabrics – from delicate Victorian lace and Edwardian embroidery to mid-century upholstery and beloved family quilts. Each piece that comes through our door carries its own story, and we treat it with the respect and attention it deserves. Our approach combines time-honoured techniques passed down through our family with careful research into period-appropriate methods.

Our Services

Every textile is unique, and so is our approach to its care. We begin with a thorough assessment, examining fibres, dyes, construction methods and the extent of any damage. From there, we develop a tailored conservation plan that prioritises preserving the original fabric and character of the piece.

• Repair and reinforcement of antique quilts, blankets and coverlets
• Cleaning and stain removal using gentle, archival-safe methods
• Stabilisation of fragile or deteriorating fabrics
• Reweaving and invisible mending for woolens and tapestries
• Conservation mounting for display pieces
• Consultation and condition reports for insurance or sale

How We Work

Once you contact us, we arrange either a visit to our workshop or ask you to post the item securely. We provide detailed photography and a written assessment within a week, along with an honest estimate of time and cost. Some repairs take a few days; others, particularly large or fragile pieces, may need several weeks.

We never rush. Complex restoration cannot be hurried, and we would rather take the time to do something properly than compromise the integrity of your textile. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involve you in any decisions about approach or materials. When the work is complete, we provide care instructions to help you preserve the piece for years to come.

What We Specialise In

While we work with textiles of all kinds, we have particular expertise in Welsh quilts and coverlets, especially those made in the traditional carthenni and cawell patterns. My grandmother learned her skills from older quilters in the Conwy Valley, and she passed that knowledge on to us. We understand the construction, the wool, the stitching techniques that make these pieces so distinctive.

We also restore Victorian and Edwardian household linens – the embroidered tablecloths, monogrammed sheets, lace curtains and crocheted bedspreads that were once everyday items and are now precious heirlooms. Many families bring us pieces that have been tucked away in attics for decades, and it is deeply satisfying to return them to a condition where they can be used or displayed again.

A Few Words on Pricing

Textile restoration is skilled, time-intensive work, and our pricing reflects that honestly. Simple repairs – a torn seam, a small stain, a loose binding – typically start around £45 to £85. More involved projects, such as stabilising a fragile quilt or reweaving a section of tapestry, are quoted individually based on the hours required. Most projects fall somewhere between £120 and £400, though large or museum-quality pieces may be more.

We provide a detailed written estimate before any work begins, and we will never proceed beyond that without discussing it with you first. If a piece turns out to be beyond practical repair, we will tell you that too. Our aim is not to sell you services you do not need, but to help you make the best decision for your textile.

Visit the Workshop

We welcome visitors by appointment, Tuesday through Friday between 10am and 4pm. Our workshop is a calm, unhurried space filled with works in progress, shelves of carefully organised threads and fabric scraps, and the tools of the trade. If you are curious about how restoration is done, or if you have a piece you would like us to see in person, we are happy to show you around and talk through what might be possible.

Rhyl itself is worth a visit if you have not been in a while. After you leave us, you might walk along the promenade, stop in at one of the cafés near the pier, or explore the quirky little antique shops dotted along the high street. Many of our clients make a day of it.