Our Making Process

The Making Process

A slower way of creating, from first sketch to final stitch.

Every Withnell garment is made to order in my small garden studio here in northern England. I believe in creating clothing with intention — pieces that are crafted slowly, thoughtfully, and with respect for the materials and the people who will wear them.
This page takes you through the journey each garment makes from raw cloth to finished piece.

Designing with Purpose

Every garment begins life as a hand-drawn sketch. I design with longevity in mind — silhouettes that feel timeless, details that are subtle, and shapes that are both beautiful and practical.

My inspirations come from heritage craft, vintage tailoring, natural landscapes, and the quiet elegance found in well-worn, well-loved clothing.
The aim is always the same: to create garments that feel grounding, effortless, and enduring.

 Drafting & Grading the Patterns

Once the design is finalised, I draft the pattern by hand. This is one of my favourite parts of the process — the meeting point of maths, intuition, and craftsmanship.

Each size is carefully graded to ensure a consistent, beautiful fit. Because I draft everything in-house, the patterns are continually refined based on real wear, movement, and customer feedback.

 Preparing the Fabric

I work exclusively with natural materials sourced from trusted UK fabric houses and merchants, many of whom have long-standing heritage ties.

Before I cut into any cloth, I often pre-launder it to remove excess shrinkage and ensure your garment keeps its shape over time.
This gentle, slow preparation step is essential for long-lasting, breathable clothing.

 Hand Cutting Each Garment

Unlike mass production, where hundreds of pieces are cut at once, every Withnell garment is cut individually by hand.
This allows me to:

*follow the grain of the fabric perfectly

*honour the fabric’s natural characteristics

*reduce waste and make the most of every metre

*ensure precision and consistency

There’s a quiet, meditative quality to this step — it’s where the garment truly begins to take shape.

 Sewing with Traditional Methods

Each piece is assembled using traditional machines, a steady hand, and years of experience.
I take pride in construction techniques that prioritise strength, comfort, and longevity:

*clean finishes

*thoughtful seam placement

*careful pressing at every stage

*structural details inspired by vintage tailoring

This is where slow fashion shines — not rushed, not automated, but stitched with purpose.

Pressing, Shaping & Finishing

Pressing is one of the secrets to a beautifully made garment. Every seam is pressed, shaped, and set as I work, creating a clean and polished structure that lasts.

Once sewn, the garment is:

*hand pressed

*checked for fit and quality

*trimmed, neatened, and shaped

*labelled and finished

*embroidered with your name on a bespoke ribbon — a personal detail that honours the connection between maker and wearer

 Wrapping & Sending Your Order

Your garment is folded and wrapped by hand using thoughtful, minimal packaging.
I walk each parcel down to our local post office, where it begins its journey home to you.

Your order will usually take 2–3 weeks to create, though during busy times it may be a little longer — a rhythm that reflects the care and time that go into slow, handmade clothing.

A Return to Craft, Care & Connection

The process of making is as important as the finished garment.
By choosing made-to-order clothing, you’re supporting:

*local and heritage textile businesses

*sustainable, low-waste production

*traditional dressmaking skills

*the revival of slow fashion

Every Withnell garment begins with your choice to invest in something made just for you — thoughtfully, responsibly, and with a deep respect for the craft of making clothing that lasts.