Sustainable Fashion Week returns to Norland University
25 September 2026
Norland University of Early Childhood will once again take part in Sustainable Fashion Week, hosting a series of creative workshops for children and young people designed to encourage sustainable fashion choices through making, mending and upcycling.
Now in its third year of hosting Sustainable Fashion Week events, Norland will be supported by staff and students who will help deliver a day of creativity, learning and sustainable action.
Taking place on Saturday 3 October 2026 at Norland’s teaching campus in Oldfield Park, Bath, the workshops will bring together sustainability, creativity and practical sewing skills, helping participants explore the environmental impact of fashion while developing confidence, self-expression and lifelong making skills.
Led by Norland sewing lecturers alongside visible mending specialist Lizzie from Little Moth Mends, the programme forms part of the national Sustainable Fashion Week initiative.
This year’s programme includes three workshops tailored to different age groups.
This year's workshops
Create. Craft. Connect (ages 7–11)
This session invites children to create a fabric badge inspired by a cause or issue they care about, using reclaimed materials and simple sewing techniques.
Book your placeCreative Repair (ages 10+)
This workshop introduces participants to visible mending, helping them learn traditional hand-sewing skills to repair and personalise well-loved garments. This workshop is led by Lizzie from Little Moth Mends.
Book your placeRevamp. Rewear. Relove (ages 13–17)
This session explores clothing upcycling, supporting young people to transform existing garments into personalised pieces while considering the role fashion can play in creativity, self-expression and positive change.
Book your placeKate Jaeger, Sewing Lecturer and co-organiser, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in Sustainable Fashion Week once again and to welcome children and young people to Norland for a day of creativity, learning and fun. Through making, repairing and reimagining clothing, participants will develop practical skills while gaining a greater understanding of how small changes can help reduce waste and support a more sustainable future.”
Jo Price, Sewing Lecturer and co-organiser, said: “Sewing is a valuable life skill that encourages creativity, confidence and problem-solving. These workshops show that clothes don’t always need to be replaced when they’re damaged or no longer wanted. By learning to mend, adapt and upcycle, young people can make more sustainable choices while creating something unique and personal.”
Norland’s participation reflects its wider commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Students are encouraged to explore sustainable development and global citizenship throughout their studies and professional practice, while initiatives across the university help promote environmental responsibility and positive social impact. Norland students and staff will also support the event on the day, helping to welcome participants, share their skills and contribute to the workshops.
All proceeds from the workshops will be donated to Labour Behind the Label, a campaign organisation that works to improve conditions and protect workers’ rights throughout the global garment industry.
To date, the event has raised £375 for charitable causes, including £240 for Labour Behind the Label, demonstrating Norland’s commitment to supporting both local and global social impact initiatives.
Caroline Lewis, Fundraising Lead at Labour Behind the Label, said: “We’re so pleased that Norland is supporting Labour Behind the Label through this year’s Sustainable Fashion Week. Learning to make, mend and re-wear clothes is a great way to challenge the throwaway culture of fast fashion, while opening up conversations about the people who make our clothes. A huge thank you to Norland, its staff, students and everyone taking part for supporting Labour Behind the Label.”
Places are limited and advance booking is required. All workshops will take place at Norland’s teaching campus, 39–41 Upper Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 3LB.
Sustainable Fashion Week (SFW) is a UK-wide grassroots movement that promotes repair, reuse, upcycling and community action to tackle the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, encouraging people to make more conscious choices about clothing consumption.
