We’re currently working with a high-end retailer on London’s Regent Street producing a sewing kit for sale in store at the end of this year.

The sewing kit will contain everything you need to get started from scissors to pins to chalk, but uniquely will actually contain patterns from emerging fashion graduates along with fabrics and trimmings, so when people purchase the kit, they have an immediate project to tuck into!

The idea for the kit came directly out of our fashion workshop with Richard Nicoll last year, where people could enter our cutting room and produce their own unique versions of Richard’s clothes using patterns from past collections. The workshop was almost immediately booked out and was featured in Time Out, The Guardian and was even on the TV! We wanted to extend the idea and allow people to get crafty in their own homes!

However, this project has a strong product design element to it as well as fashion. We’re sure there’s a more elegant solution to a sewing kit than a big box or basket where everything falls to the bottom and you can never find what you’re looking for.

We’re currently exploring the idea of using a wooden structure along with pull out canvas bag, but we’re keen for input.

How can you get involved?

We’d love to know your opinions – what makes a great sewing kit? What is the definitive list of what needs to be in your kit, what should it be made of? And so on.

Email us at ben@jotta.com

We’re looking for design, fashion and textile students and graduates who would like to get involved and potentially have their products featured.

1. Julia commented on Tuesday, 02 February

   India is in my head at the moment – how about in the design of an indian elephant? I see it made of felt and embellished with embroidery or 3d fabric paint. You can make it as big as you need, with pull out draws and/or the canvas bag you suggest. A great sewing kit has to have lots of different sized storage containers to organize all your bits! Somewhere where your cotton reels will not untwine around all your other kit!

2. jotta commented on Tuesday, 02 February

   Nice ideas – thanks Julia!

3. gaby commented on Wednesday, 03 February

   I have found that after moving several times I can keep my sewing projects together and save space by using a large hang able project. this looks similar to a shoe storage which hangs on the back of the door. with multiple pockets starting at the top i place all the tools i need in the first row of pouches pouches can also hold small plastic containers with snap tight lids if needed for small items. i.e. i buy bobbins in bulk for these normally come in a plastic box I can then slip them into a pocket or(pouch)depending on the size of the shoe keeper lower pouches can be combined to create larger pockets and hold larger items such as materials(fabric)others for lace or bulkier items. When storage is a problem the entire project can be folded and stored in a closet or under the bed when not in use. I have created my own using denim materials as well as sale cloth. each is marked one for quilting, one is marked for knitting and crochet supplies. I am presently using a suit luggage bag that folds and zips where the materials (fabric will hang like clothing) by adding pouches inside for other tools needed in the project, easy travel bag

4. Fran commented on Thursday, 04 February

   I guess it depends if you want a hand-sewing kit, or a machine-sewing kit (go hand-sewing, they’re prettier!)

   It should definitely include: * Hand turned darning mushroom * Thimble * Pin cushion (and pins with ornate tops) * Thread cutter * Crimping scissors * Reqular sharp scissors * Random selection of beautiful buttons (each kit with a unique selection)

   What about a box that folds out with multiple hinged layers? It’d be easier to use than one with pull out drawers

5. Dan commented on Thursday, 04 February

   Great ideas! We’re taking all this on board – think you’re going to like the design… ;)

6. Abby commented on Tuesday, 02 March

   ty