A B O U T U S
FabricWorks creates high quality commissions whilst creating training opportunities and routes to employment.
Our FabricWorks training programme gives opportunities to local women, from a variety of backgrounds and skills levels, to take part in textile design and production courses.
But our weekly courses are more than just learning how to sew...
We provide:
- A welcoming space - for local women to meet, to learn, to create together. Some women want to progress to work in industry, but are long-term unemployed and face multiple barriers to employment. Some want the social contact. All are welcome.
- A range of industry standard machining, hand sewing and garment production classes.
- Expert teachers, and supportive sewing classes taught in Arabic, English and Bengali
- One-to-one support in both sewing and personal issues
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- C.V and portfolio development sessions
These courses have a direct impact on benefitting local communities in East London and beyond, by allowing us to provide progression opportunities to our FabricWorks production team and towards sustainable employment.
Fatheha,
Senior Production Team
"When I came to England from Bangladesh with my family, aged 14, I found it very difficult, moving from beautiful countryside to a crowded house on Brick Lane.
I couldn’t find work, and was very unhappy, but when I found the FabricWorks sewing class in 2005, I didn’t want to leave! I could only sew to a basic level, but I have now progressed, and am now an employed member of the FabricWorks Production team.
It was only when I found FabricWorks and Stitches in TIme that I didn’t want to go home anymore!”
Nehar,
FabricWorks Student
"At first I found the course a little bit hard, but I am really enjoying learning. I look forward to coming in and feel like a really valued part of a team. I felt depressed when I was at home, with nothing to do, but coming in regularly has improved my health.
I am sleeping better since I have been volunteering, I don’t feel lazy. This is my first experience of working and I have enjoyed it. It feels like a family, like a home, and I feel part of something, and important."
Zulfa,
FabricWorks Student
"I was unhappy and miserable before I came here, and was stuck at home. I was isolated and felt so alone. I had my own fears about joining the course, but coming here has made me realise there are things
I can do with myself and my life. I'm now excited to come. I came to learn to sew but I've gained so much, it's been life-changing.”
FabricWorks is the enterprise arm of charity
Stitches in Time began as an experiment to see if sewing could start conversations between strangers.
This small experiment in 1993 turned into our giant founding project, the creation of 50 tapestries made by over 3,000 local people. See one here----->>>
FabricWorks began as a project of Stitches in Time in 2014, to match the need for London based, ethical manufacture with the need for supportive employment for local women.
Our aim is to match the interest and skill in sewing in East London with the need for London-based garment and textile manufacture.
We proudly support individuals start-ups, small and large brands. We’ll work with you to make what you need, from a one-off sample, to full-scale manufacturing.
Work with us and support an ethical supply chain. We will not only produce your items to the highest quality, you can proudly state you are choosing to manufacture ethically and in the UK.
Some stories from our studio
Meet some of our team
Fatheha,
Senior Production Team
Originally from Bangladesh, Fatheha has worked with us for 15 years and is highly skilled within many areas of production. She first came to the UK in 1990 and wanted to learn sewing but couldn't find anything in the area that enabled her to learn about quality. She found our studio and hasn't left since! You'll find her working on samples, sewing for bulk production, teaching in our production classes, or treating the team to her delicious cooking. She prides herself on the quality of her sewing and is passionate about making new trend lead items.
When asked what she enjoys about working at FabricWorks she says "I love coming here, everyone is so nice and kind, we call it our second home. I enjoy earning for my family, meeting clients and making their designs".
Malika,
Senior Production Team
Originally from Morocco, Malika has been with us for 11 years. She initially came to join our production classes and at first was terrified on the machines. Now she is one of our most experienced sewers and is meticulous in her quality. Malika has an amazing sense of humour and constantly keeps the team entertained whilst sewing.
When asked what she enjoys about FabricWorks she says "I really enjoy seeing everyone and having a chat, I love making so many different things and teaching other women how to sew. It's great seeing others gain confidence and happy with things they make"
Mitale,
Senior Production Team
Mitale, originally from Bangladesh has been part of our production team for three years. She begun, after completing our training programme, undertaking some work experience and deciding the world of sewing is for her! It’s her first ever job and she is very passionate about learning new skills. Her dream is to eventually become a sewing teacher, supporting others to gain employment.
Mitale says: “before I came to the workshop I only knew a little bit of sewing and embroidery but now I understand how to make lots of things at a high level. I am really happy and enjoy coming to the workshop every day to make things and earn a wage. I especially like making clothing and accessories such as bags. I like working with different brands and fabrics and look forward to learning to make more products.”
By choosing to manufacture with us you are:
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Supporting a transparent supply chain
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Reducing environmental impact caused by overseas shipping
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Supporting local communities
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Empowering women through supportive work