A DIY sewing kit that lets children make their own clothes

The kit aims to protect children from the disconnection of fast fashion while teaching them skills

Spotted: Design studio Almaborealis has launched a modular DIY kit that allows children to sew their own clothes. The kit contains fabric, and is designed to be assembled like a puzzle.

With busy schedules, and inexpensive fast fashion, fewer people are teaching their children how to sew. Likewise, knitting and sewing classes are less and less prevalent in schools, as are a number of other skills previously offered in home economics.

Drawing from early learning theories, Almaborealis founder Maija Nygren wanted to design something that would encourage children to connect with what they are wearing. “This generation and those to come are losing not only the skills to make clothing, but all that comes with it; understanding the value of materials and the skilled makers of our clothing, and where these everyday items come from,” Nygren explains.

The kit, which is called Puzzleware, includes fully biodegradable patches of bright Scottish lambswool, a chunky blunt knitting needle and a ‘Learn to Stitch’ card. The pieces come with lace holes, allowing children to sew the fabric together to make themselves a garment. Bright colours attract children visually, while the wearable outcome acts as a reward for learning a new skill.

Springwise has seen a number of ‘do-it-yourself’ fashion innovations including a twist on the sweat shop—the ‘sweat-yourself-shop’—where customers can create their own bags. These innovations often have a sustainability angle. Almoborealis’s focus on early years education offers a new and interesting take on the fashion industry and its challenges.