#Menditmay 2026
Sewing machines are more than tools—they are instruments of creativity, sustainability, and resilience. In a world where fast fashion dominates and textile waste clogs landfills, the ability to repair, upcycle, and create your own clothing is a quiet but powerful act of defiance. A sewing machine doesn’t just mend fabric; it mends our relationship with the clothes we wear and the planet we share.
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A Stitch in Time: Why Sewing Matters
The UK throws away 300,000 tonnes of clothing (TRAID) to landfill or incineration annually. This equates to 4.7 kg of clothing waste per person in household residual waste (TRAID). The fashion industry’s reliance on fast, disposable clothing has made repair and reuse feel like a lost art. But sewing offers a solution—not just for our wallets, but for the environment.
When you learn to sew, you’re not just fixing a hem or replacing a button; you’re extending the life of an item and reducing the demand for new resources. By repairing what we already own, we conserve water, energy, and raw materials, while also cutting down on the pollution and carbon emissions that come with manufacturing new clothes.
Sewing is also a form of self-sufficiency. In an unpredictable world, knowing how to mend a tear or alter a hem means you’re less reliant on stores and less vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. It’s a skill that empowers individuals, especially in communities where access to affordable clothing is limited. Schools, community centres, and even prisons have found that sewing programs reduce waste, teach valuable skills, and foster creativity.
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A Single Thread x Brother
This May, #MendItMay is proudly sponsored by Brother Sewing Machines, a company that has championed durability, innovation, and sustainability in sewing for over a century. Brother’s machines are designed to last, with strong motors, replaceable parts, and a commitment to repairability—ensuring they remain valuable tools for generations. Whether for home sewists or small businesses, Brother’s products reflect a belief in quality, longevity, and the power of repair to reduce waste and foster creativity.
Brother is a global leader in sewing and embroidery machines, with a history dating back to 1908 when it began as a sewing machine repair business. Today, Brother is known for its innovative, reliable, and sustainable sewing solutions, serving hobbyists, fashion designers, and businesses alike. The company’s machines are built to last, with many models designed for easy repair and extended use, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. Brother also supports educational initiatives and community programs that teach sewing as a life skill, creative outlet, and tool for sustainability.
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Built to Last: Sewing Machines as Sustainable Tools
A good sewing machine is an investment in longevity—not just for your clothes, but for your commitment to sustainability. Unlike disposable products designed to break after a few uses, sewing machines are built to serve for decades. Many Brother sewing machines, for example, are designed with durable motors and replaceable parts, ensuring they can be repaired rather than replaced. This approach aligns with the growing movement toward circularity, where durability and repairability are prioritized over planned obsolescence.
The value of a sewing machine isn’t just in its ability to repair —it’s in its potential to transform how we consume. A machine that lasts 20 years means 20 years of mending, creating, and upcycling. It means fewer impulse buys, less waste, and a wardrobe that reflects your values rather than the latest trend.
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Mend It May: A Call to Action
This May, we invite you to get involved and repair one item of clothing and keep it out of landfill. The goal is simple: one stitch, one garment, one month. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, Mend It May is justabout taking the first step.
How to Get Involved:
- Pick one item in your wardrobe that needs repair—a torn seam, a missing button, or a hem that’s come undone.
- Mend it using whatever tools you have, whether it’s a needle and thread or a trusty sewing machine.
- Share your repair journey online tagging #MendItMay and @SustainableFashionWeek_uk on Insta
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The Ripple Effect of Repair
Every time you mend a garment, you’re doing more than fixing a piece of fabric. You’re reducing waste, conserving resources, and reclaiming the value of slow, thoughtful fashion.