Fabric lab

Fabric Lab, The Mall, Heathway Shopping Centre, Dagenham, RM10 8RE

Fabric Lab is a new fabric studio opening in the Heathway Shopping Centre. This is a free maker space dedicated to sewing and all things fabric.

All levels of skill are encouraged to get involved, from those who have never used a sewing machine, to skilled makers who can share their skills with the community. There will be opportunities to learn expert skills, including sewing, pattern cutting, embroidery and more.

The Fabric Lab is a place to produce beautiful, sustainable, everyday items, while learning new skills and connecting with other makers. Learn about zero-waste patterns, using deadstock fabric, and upcycling old clothes and textiles to make something new and unique.

Come together with other residents of Barking and Dagenham to collaborate on exciting projects and help to make the neighbourhood a more connected and sustainable place to live.

 

become a member

Members of the Fabric Lab will be part of a community that looks after the space, maintains equipment and shares skills with each other. Everyone is invited to get involved in organising and using the space cooperatively, creating a welcoming environment for all. As a member, you can be part of a group of keen makers and have access to a fully equipped fabric workshop 7 days a week to practise your skills and work on exciting projects together!

Anyone living or working in Barking and Dagenham can become a member and get access to the space and machines for free. Come along to the Fabric Lab on a Tuesday afternoon (between 2-4pm) to find out more about how you can get involved.

 

6 REASONS TO JOIN THE FABRIC LAB

Join a Network of Makers

Whilst using the Fabric Lab, you’ll meet other keen makers from around the borough. Share your project ideas with one another and make progress on them together. Plan to meet together in the Fabric Lab and work oncollaborative projects!

Learn from Experts

Learn more advanced skills and techniques from experienced makers through sessions and courses at the Fabric Lab. Here you’ll learn all the skills you need to feel confident in projects that require more expertise. Share these new skills you have learnt with other residents using the Fabric Lab!


Start Projects Together

Work together with other Fabric Lab members on exciting projects - share ideas and skills and learn together. The Fabric Lab is a space to work collaboratively using the collective knowledge within the group to tackle any project ideas you have!

Equipment Resources

The Fabric Lab is equipped with all the tools and equipment that you need to develop your skills and finish your projects to a high standard. Learn how to use a range of sewing and fabric equipment and access online tutorials and guides. Use the photography studio to record progress on your projects and do high-end photo shoots.


Product Starter Kits

The Zero Waste Pattern Starter Kits are a great way to experiment with sustainable fashion while creating a unique item and reducing waste. These kits come complete with useful information and beautiful patterns to guide you through the process. Create a range of products using these easy-to-follow kits!

Essential Living

Essential Living is about producing the things we really need for us all to flourish in ways which stay within planetary and societal boundaries. You can learn more about the concept at the Fabric Lab and apply sustainable and circular practices to your projects!

 

Serious About Circularity

Did you know that in the UK alone, a huge £140 million worth of clothing goes to landfill every year? With the demand for raw materials expected to triple by 2050, finding more sustainable ways of using fabric is more important than ever. Luckily, there are many exciting projects to get inspired by! The Fabric Lab is a neighbourhood project dedicated to sustainability with a focus on repairing and upcycling clothes and reducing the amount of material that goes to waste locally. The Fabric Lab creates opportunities for local people to develop the skills and knowledge to produce more of the essential things we need in our everyday lives - creating a more inclusive, sustainable and circular neighbourhood. Everything we use on a daily basis is made up of different materials, from our coffee cups to our t-shirts - but do we ever stop to consider where they come from and where they’ll end up after we’re done with them? Throw-away culture leads to a linear economy where materials are taken from the earth, processed, used and then discarded. That’s why it is vital to rethink our approach and move towards a circular economy where materials are reused, recycled and upcycled to create something new - the waste from one item becoming the raw material for the next!

  • Celebrating the mends that bring new life to old clothes. Transform damaged clothes into personalised pieces through mending tears and holes creatively

  • Turning old fabric into cosy and colourful rugs, seat cushions or wall hangings through the traditional technique of rag rug making.

  • The art of piecing together fabric scraps to create beautiful and functional items, such as blankets, bags, clothing and patches for garments.

  • Zero waste sewing patterns minimise waste and make the most of your fabric by being arranged to use the full width and length of your material.

  • Collecting and processing plastic waste, to transform it into functional and decorative buttons that can be used for a variety of clothing and accessory projects

  • Fusing together old plastic bags to create durable and waterproof materials for a variety of creative projects. The new material can be used like fabric to create clothing, bags, and even plant pots.