Stitches in Time
Where creativity becomes confidence, belonging and opportunity.
Stitches in Time began in 1993 as an experiment to see whether sewing could spark conversations between strangers. More than 30 years later, that simple idea has grown into a trusted community charity rooted in Tower Hamlets, working alongside women to build confidence, develop agency and create positive change in their lives.
We work primarily with migrant women and women from Bangladeshi and other minority communities experiencing multiple and intersecting barriers, including poverty, social isolation, limited English, digital exclusion, caring responsibilities and exclusion from education and employment.
Many women first come through our doors for a sewing class or creative activity, but stay because they find friendship, confidence, trusted support and opportunities that help them shape their own futures.
At Stitches in Time, creativity opens the door. Belonging builds confidence. Trusted support removes barriers. Opportunity creates lasting change.
Our projects are devised with and at the request of our diverse local community. Our imaginative textile and creative arts projects focus on increasing integration, confidence and community development.
Our mission:
Creating inclusive spaces where people from diverse cultural backgrounds can connect, share and collaborate.
Delivering holistic programmes that raise achievement, mental well-being and confidence.
Working with marginalised women to develop contemporary craft practices and explore cultural heritage and caring for our archive.
Developing textile, sewing and English language skills, providing pathways to learning, training and employment.
Working with partners in voluntary, statutory, and private sectors to strengthen community cohesion and facilitate systemic change in East London.
How we create change
Everything we do is built around three interconnected elements that support women to connect, overcome barriers and progress towards the futures they choose.
Connect
Creativity is at the heart of our approach. Through sewing, textiles and creative learning, women build confidence, improve their English language and communication skills, develop friendships and reduce social isolation. Sewing is a familiar, culturally accessible way to engage women who may not otherwise access mainstream services, creating welcoming, women-only spaces where trust grows, wellbeing improves and a genuine sense of belonging develops. For many women, this is the first step towards recognising their strengths, broadening their horizons and imagining new possibilities for themselves and their families.
Support
We provide specialist, whole-person support that is culturally appropriate and responsive to each woman's circumstances. Alongside Matrix-accredited Information, Advice and Guidance, we offer support around housing and welfare, benefits, financial wellbeing, digital inclusion, domestic abuse, understanding rights and entitlements, citizenship, referrals and personalised progression planning. By helping women navigate services, overcome practical barriers and make informed choices, we enable greater confidence, independence and agency.
Progress
When women are ready, we create pathways into accredited training, volunteering, work experience, employment and enterprise. Through FabricWorks London, our social enterprise, women can apply and develop their textile skills in a real working environment, gaining industry experience, confidence and paid employment opportunities. Together, Stitches in Time and FabricWorks provide a continuum of support that enables women to progress at their own pace towards greater economic independence, self-belief and opportunity.
Some of our partners and funders
