As a fast fashion powerhouse, Primark might not be the first name that comes to mind when it comes to sustainability. But, in recent years, with the launch of the Primark Cares range and the introduction of a vintage, second-hand section in Manchester’s Market Street store, they’re certainly taking steps to be more conscious, while remaining an affordable fashion option - something I feel particularly strong about amid the cost of living crisis.
Recently, Primark hosted a series of free-to-attend workshops at their Manchester city centre, Market Street store, led by fashion designer and lecturer at City of Westminster College and University of the Arts London, Lorraine Mitchell. The one-hour, quick fix masterclasses focused on basic hand-sewing techniques, from learning how to fix a zip to replacing buttons.
A third of all UK shoppers are said to be worried that the cost-of-living crisis will prevent them from making more sustainable choices, Primark found. However, these free and accessible workshops can give shoppers the tools and knowledge they need so that they’ll never have to throw a piece of clothing away ever again.
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So far this year, Primark has held 50 workshops in nine cities, educating over 642 colleagues and customers in new skills to repair their clothes. I joined one of their sessions to learn the previously widely taught skill of hand-sewing - something which has been phased out of school curriculums over the decades.
I must admit, I already take an interest in sewing, having purchased a sewing machine during lockdown one. That said, hand-sewing, as I quickly discovered, is a completely different ballgame.
I made my way downstairs to the Primark Cares Education Zone in Manchester’s Piccadilly store and was given everything I needed to get started, including a sewing booklet, a sewing kit - which I could take home with me - and some fabric.
Lorraine taught us how to complete a number of different stitches, from backstitching to running stitches, and the circumstances in which we might use them, including tacking clothes and making repairs.
I had a go at creating a sleeve that could be stitched onto a top or dress, as well as used a slip stitch to close together two pieces of fabric seamlessly - perfect for repairing holes in your favourite trousers.
“I’ve always loved sewing and I love cutting things up and putting them together,” said Lorraine. “There’s a real culture of throwing away clothes, I want people to just think twice about it and be imaginative and see what you can do with a piece of clothing before throwing it away.
“With the cost of living crisis it’s even more important to show people what they can do with their old clothes. You’ll notice the price of your food shop going up and luckily, the clothes at Primark are affordable, but no-one knows what will happen in the future so it’s important to have these skills. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being able to mend your own clothes, too.”
While tricky to pick up at first, I soon got the knack of hand sewing and will soon be able to make my way through that pile of clothes with torn seams or tiny holes. I have a dress I desperately didn’t want to throw out where the cuff had come away from the sleeve, but now I’m confident I’ll be able to find a way to repair it, instead of throwing it away.
I think it’s fantastic that Primark are encouraging customers and colleagues to keep and wear their clothes for longer through these repair workshops. It’s certainly made me twice before throwing things away.
Primark said: “We know that educating colleagues and customers on repair is only a small step forward in our journey to becoming a more sustainable business. However, through our scale, we hope more and more people can learn basic hand sewing and how to attach zips and buttons so they can love and wear their clothes for longer.
“Everyone needs to be part of moving towards a more sustainable fashion industry - if only a minority of people can afford sustainable clothing, we won’t make the changes at scale that are clearly needed.”
Primark is planning more sewing classes for 2023 - look out for announcements in store.
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