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In 2023 the WOVEN team and makers set about developing a way to get every child in Kirklees to learn 5 simple stitches before they leave primary school. We all believe that if every child is confident to stitch they will go on to be more aware of repairing their clothes at a later stage in their lives, help their family to repair and help the planet to repair!
In 2023 led by Julia Roebuck WOVEN delivered a Mission to Mend Roadshow in which 5 towns and villages took part in mending activities, looking at the heritage of the area and learning new textile skills. Find out more here.
Following on from the roadshow at the Scout Hut in Golcar we were able to secure funding from the local Cllrs Members Local Project Fund Grant to work with Golcar Junior and Nursery School and St John’s CE (VA) Junior and Infant School.
Each maker had been involved in the Mission to Mend Roadshows and was keen to support young children to be super stitchers!
Debbie, Alison and Louise worked with teachers at both schools to understand what the children could achieve and following a planning session decided on the following:
Golcar Junior and Nursery Year One students created characterful sock puppets using a running stitch to attach felt and materials to the sock with buttons for eyes. Putting these new found skills to the test, they each made a section of bunting each that was then sewn together for the class to share.
Year Two made a jazzy badge for themselves and a section of bunting. Again using running stitch, buttons and adding beads and patches.
In St Johns, the pupils carried out a spot of creative and colourful DIY badge making, made bunting segments and were also inspired to make a Christmas decoration to take home.
"The parents that I've spoken to in the some of the sessions were like, I've never done this before, or, you know, Wow, I've had a go, and it's really nice to sew with my child."
"Some of the children who have concentration issues really enjoyed it, I was very surprised that they took it on so well."
"We really enjoyed the project and you can see how well the pupils have come on with their stitching in 4 weeks."
“Supporting and developing children’s sewing skills during this project has been such a privilege. Working closely with year 1 & 2 pupils and seeing their dexterity develop throughout the various sewing activities each week has been a truly rewarding and insightful experience. Imparting practical skills and equally knowledge of the fashion and textiles industry including sustainable practices such as mending has been beneficial at an early learning age. During the sharing session at the end of the project, children presented their wonderful sewing efforts to parents and grandparents, which was a lovely celebration of their achievements and a vital element of the project in terms of revitalising sewing skills for multiple generations. As an educator, researcher and practitioner, I have enjoyed working alongside other artists with a shared enthusiasm and appreciation for the value of textiles within the curriculum.”
"Sewing with the children has been such a rewarding experience for both the kids and the adults involved. It brought us all together, helping us understand the importance of mending, rather than discarding, while also showing the joy that comes from creating something with your own hands. It's so valuable to see how accessible sewing is—both financially and creatively. Not only does it save money on clothes, but it also helps develop fine motor skills, and teaches both children and adults the valuable lesson that practice and patience lead to improvement. It's more than just sewing; it's about resilience, creativity, and learning to appreciate the things we already have."
"Working in the schools with the children, teaching staff, parents, grandparents and guardians enabled us to share valuable sewing and repair skills, enabling understanding about the importance of re-using and upcycling clothing and textiles in a fun and interesting way. The skills we shared not only developed the children's sewing skills but allowed them to understand how textiles can be reused time and time again, making new things and being creative. It was lovely to invite parents, grandparents and guardians into the schools for the children to show them their new skills".
Thousands of needles were re-threaded in the making of this project!
WOVEN and the schools would like to give a massive big thank you to all the parents, grandparents and guardians who came into school to support the children in their stitch challenge!
If you want to develop your own Every Child Challenge or a school / group Mission to Mend have a look at our resources and get in touch!
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