Stitching a greener future: creative fashion workshops inspire young designers at local primary school
In March 2025, Transition University of St Andrews ran a series of seven creative fashion workshops across three consecutive Fridays at Greyfriars RC Primary School in St Andrews. These sessions formed part of the school’s Sustainable Fashion Programme, designed to teach basic sewing skills, raise awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, and spark creativity among pupils.
A total of 120 pupils from Primary 4 to Primary 7 took part, selecting from workshops including Textile Art, Make Do & Mend, Quilt-Making, Fashion (Re)Design, Upcycling, Crocheting, and Knitting. The workshops were made possible by the dedication of 55 volunteers – including 24 University of St Andrews students, five pupils from Madras College, and a mix of parents (some of whom are University staff), grandparents, and local community members. Two of the workshops were entirely student-led, while the remaining five were led by parents and local volunteers.
The programme culminated in an End of Term Showcase attended by parents, carers, and all the volunteers. Pupils proudly presented their creations, with every item made during the workshops put on display. The event concluded with a lively Fashion (Re)Design catwalk show.
Transition University of St Andrews coordinated the volunteer team, secured funding from Fife Climate Hub to purchase sewing equipment and machines for the school, and supplied all the fabric through its St AndReuse programme. The initiative was such a success that the workshops will be replicated in another local primary school during the 2025/26 academic year.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please contact: [email protected].