Be Part of the Yorkshire Calico Dress

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Three people sewing coloured fabric onto a dress on a dressmaker's mannequin

Following the incredible success of the Red Dress in June 2025, WOVEN is thrilled to launch the West Yorkshire Calico Dress Project, part of the global Calico Garment Initiative led by Red Dress artist Kirstie Macleod.

This inspiring project invites communities to adorn a specially made Calico Dress designed by Kirstie, with their embroidered stories in the form of a patch. Each patch will speak of an individual’s cultural identity, heritage or creative journey.

It’s a chance for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to come together and share their diverse stories in a series of dresses, one for each district of West Yorkshire!  

Find out more about the 5 West Yorkshire Calico Dresses across Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield below.

Kirkees Calico Dress

In Kirklees, WOVEN is partnering with Ravensthorpe Community Centre to bring the project to life. Several local groups are already on board representing Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Slaithwaite, Batley, Skelmenthorpe, Kirkburton, Meltham, and Holme Valley. 

Join us to find out more at World Stitch Day on Sunday 7th June at Oakwell Hall.  

A montage of images of the calico dress and patch making

WAKEFIELD Calico Dress

In Wakefield the Dress is being developed by Apple Tree Community Garden and Spectrum People. Many groups and individuals are already signed up and making their patches along with a fantastic Facebook community developing alongside the project. 

LEEDS Calico Dress

The Leeds Calico Dress is launching at Threads Festival 2026 at Sunnybank Mills!

  • Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May, 10am-5pm
    Location:  Threads Festival at Sunnybank Mills Museum & Archive,  Farsley, LS28 5UJ

You can also join our information gathering session for group leaders and individuals wanting to get involved:

  • Wednesday 27th May, 2-4pm
    Location: Leeds Art Gallery, LS1 3AA 

Plus we’ve got Stitch Socials for anyone wanting to stitch their patch in the company of others and get peer support from the friendly team

  • Tuesday 26th May, 2-4pm (then every other week)
    Location: Fabrication, Leeds, LS1 6LH

     

A group of 3 people working on a calico dress on a mannequin

BRADFORD Calico Dress

In Bradford we will be launching with two information gathering events.  We’d love you to join us on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 3rd June, 10.30am – 12.30pm
    Location: Heritage Craft Space at Bradford Industrial Museum, BD2 3HP

  • Thursday 11th June, 10.30am – 12.30pm
    Location: Learning Room, Cartwright Hall, BD9 4NS

The Bradford Dress will be supported by WOVEN and Mussarat Rahman, Director of the Intercultured Festival.

CALDERDALE Calico Dress

Plans for the Calderdale Calico Dress gatherings are currently underway with partners – stay tuned for more information coming soon.

The completed 5 dresses will be showcased at WOVEN Festival 2027, celebrating the rich tapestry of community voices across West Yorkshire.

For more information about each of the events please visit our What’s on Page.