Boys Sew Too with Clive Bruder

Can you tell us about the inspiration and impetus behind the Boys Sew Too movement?

The Boys Sew Too movement was born out of a shared experience at The Stitch Festival in London 2022 on the makers catwalk. Myself and a sewing friend Rob Dawson were the only two male sewers who showcased our makes.

One of the similarities with myself and Rob were that we were told when we were young lads that sewing wasn?t for boys, that we should go and do woodwork instead. And part of Rob's introduction onto the catwalk included that he was there to show the world that Boys Sew Too! Sadly a couple of weeks after the show Rob unexpectedly passed away. I was overcome with grief but knew I had to honour and memorialise Rob in some way and there the idea of Boys Sew Too was Born. And its been an amazing journey so far. I know he?d be looking down proud to know that the message is being spread far and wide that Boys Sew Too!

What is the aim of the movement, and how can people engage with it?

The aim of the movement is really to encourage men and boys of any age to be proud of their sewing. It?s given me so many interesting stories and conversations about how men and boys feel intimidated in the sewing world because of their gender especially within the home sewing / hobby world. Part of this movement I would like to stress isn?t just about gender. This is about welcoming anyone despite their sex, race, skill or ability. This movement was sparked by being told we couldn?t do a certain skill because of our gender. After having several conversations with people about the topic I?ve learnt that it's more than gender. It's about opening up the sewing world. Anyone wanting to learn this craft should be able to, without judgment on who they are as an individual or where they come from. Sewing should be just about the sewing it?s that simple. I think society?s attitudes to sewing have changed slightly thanks to shows like The Great British Sewing bee and also the big sewing shows that happen up and down the country. We're starting to see a shift in attitudes but there?s still a long way to go.

I?m very aware that schools need challenging to change attitudes for the younger generation. It's not just for girls to learn how to sew, it should be for everyone. And yes in certain places it's more accepted, but in some places we still find that old fashioned attitude. There?s a lot more work to be done! Do you know how hard it is for a man to find a decent pattern to sew? It?s a market that?s very small indeed. There is also the conversation around size inclusive patterns to include here. We?re very much looking forward to producing patterns that are more inclusive of larger individuals. Everyone can engage with the movement by sharing their makes on social media by tagging us in @boyssewtoo and using the hashtag #boyssewtoo.

What is your experience of how quilting and sewing in general can be beneficial for personal expression and mental health?

Quilting is a very different and new form of sewing for me, it's also very satisfying to get those points matching up! I love the complexity of sewing different pieces of fabric to free form a new shape, its amazing what can be done in this medium. There?s so much to learn and I?m loving every second. For me sewing allows me to make time for myself, which is hugely important for my mental health. It centres my focus on something that brings me joy and gives me an opportunity to make something beautiful and functional. Don?t get me wrong, we?ve all been there where a project gets tricky or isn?t going the way you thought it would, but ultimately in the end it?s always rewarding when you?ve finished it. To be able to express myself in my sewing makes me very happy. Self expression for me personally is hugely important. It?s always encouraging to hear that others enjoy what I?ve sewn too. I?d recommend anyone to try sewing, it's truly a wonderful skill to have.

Have you found that the sewing community embraces diverse identities?

As a man that sews and has started a movement specifically for men and boys, I?d have to say no, but the potential is there and people are ready for change. Aurifil are a great ambassador for diversity, their colour range packs which are inclusive of LGBTQ+ and People of colour movements are so refreshing to see. There are also a few pattern and fabric companies that are now moving in this same direction.

Knowing and talking to fellow male sewers, we?ve all struggled to find resources, men?s patterns, advice or even lessons specifically for men or boys within this community. We?d love companies to reach out so I can add them too a resource page on my website. I would encourage more sewing studios, haberdasheries etc. that offer sewing lessons to think about the male audience too. It can be very isolating and lonely to feel like you don?t really belong. I know attitudes are changing along with the world we now live in. Diversity and inclusivity has to be an ongoing conversation in every type of community. I think our community needs to be more diverse and inclusive. It?s changing and we all need to shift with it.

What is one message of encouragement you'd like to give your younger self?

Oh gosh! What a question! Hmm... I?d like to say ?don?t ever doubt who you are, or your ability to be the person you?re supposed to be. Some people will tell you you can?t, but guess what, you can! Some people will say you?re not good enough, but you are more than good enough! And some will disagree with you and that?s ok. But don?t ever let them diminish you or your message filled with kindness, love and empowering intention for others to just be themselves no matter of gender, race, personality, and attitude. You were put on this earth to make a positive impact on other peoples lives.