A new initiative aimed at promoting sustainable fashion has received nearly £850,000 in funding. The four-year project, named Restitch the Future, focuses on inspiring climate action through practical engagement in sustainable practices, including year-round clothing swaps, repair cafes, and upcycling workshops. It is a collaboration between Bath Spa University and the Bristol-based community interest company A Single Thread, funded by the National Lottery's Community Action Fund.
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Amelia Twine, founder of A Single Thread, stated that sustainable fashion is often viewed as expensive or inaccessible; the initiative seeks to change this perception. She highlighted that fashion contributes to about 10% of global carbon emissions, and by making sustainable options more approachable, the project aims to empower communities to embrace climate action.
The Restitch the Future project plans to establish permanent community hubs across the UK, building on temporary locations already set up in cities like Bristol, Bath, Wellington, Stroud, and Cheltenham. Twine emphasized the importance of encouraging consumers to shop differently and reduce their reliance on fast fashion, which is vital for systemic change.
In addition to community engagement, A Single Thread intends to advocate for government regulations aimed at holding fashion brands accountable. Bath Spa University will conduct research to identify barriers to sustainable fashion participation, such as affordability and representation. Last year, the university launched another initiative, Future Fashion Works, to connect students with local creatives and independent designers.
Tamara Parsons-Baker, head of Future Fashion Works, expressed the desire to understand how to facilitate lasting behavior change in fashion consumption, noting that this project will provide crucial evidence while promoting social and environmental benefits throughout the UK.