(Slow) Stitch & Bitch
Slow Stitch & Bitch: Building a Slow Fashion Community in Leytonstone
What if fighting fast fashion started with a needle and thread?
(Slow) Stitch & Bitch is a free monthly upcycling club in Leytonstone, created for adults who want to reduce fabric waste, rethink overconsumption, and spend a creative evening in good company.
Held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Stone Mini Market, this relaxed gathering is all about giving clothes a second life — and building a local community while we’re at it.
Why an Upcycling Club?
The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to global waste. Many of us have wardrobes full of clothes that only need a small repair — a missing button, a loose hem, a tiny tear — yet we often replace them instead. Sometimes, our clothes are perfectly fine but, we get bored — don't like the style or the colour anymore and we end up buying more.
(Slow) Stitch & Bitch exists to change that habit.
By learning simple hand-sewing techniques and sharing skills with each other, we can:
- Extend the life of our clothes
- Reduce textile waste
- Save money
- Step away from fast fashion culture
- Connect with like-minded people locally
It’s not a formal class. It’s a circle. A place to stitch, chat, learn and share.
What to Expect
This is a beginner-friendly, adults-only event.
Bring one garment that needs mending — torn seams, holes, frayed cuffs, missing buttons — or that is just "not loved" anymore, and we’ll work on it together. Some basic materials will be available, but feel free to bring anything you think might be useful.
There’s no pressure to be “good” at sewing. The aim is progress, not perfection.
The atmosphere is relaxed and social — equal parts practical repair session and community catch-up.
Why It’s Free
(Slow) Stitch & Bitch is free because it’s about access and community, not profit.
Initially, I was going to start a paid workshop (to cover room hiring fees and supplies), but I realised I don't know what people want or need. I realised I can keep it free by keeping it simple, no prep, no extra supplies (just some basic material that I have already gathered) and a free* room.
*I didn't find a totally free of charge place as there is a £10 minimum spend, but I guess if you're coming to a social gathering, you're going to get something to drink anyway? You can also grab something from the shop or get one of their product refill instead.
Join the Slow Fashion Movement in Leytonstone
If you’ve been wanting to:
- Make your wardrobe more sustainable
- Learn visible mending
- Meet creative, eco-conscious locals
- Do something practical about fast fashion
Then this is your invitation.
(Slow) Stitch & Bitch takes place on the second Tuesday of every month in Leytonstone starting Tuesday 10th March.
Bring something to mend/refresh. Bring a friend. Leave with new skills and a revived garment.
Repair. Rewear. Reconnect.
Still have some questions? Want to know more?
Join the WhatsApp group or write to wemakekidsclub@gmail.com.