Huddersfield quilting project stitches community, sustainability, and wellbeing together

A grassroots quilting group is uniting beginners and experienced makers alike – boosting skills, connection and mental wellbeing through the revival of traditional craft.

A community quilting project in Huddersfield is bringing people of all ages and abilities together to learn how to quilt using recycled materials, from old shirts to charity shop finds.

Quilt Huddersfield, set up by local quilter Chris English, meets twice a month and is already attracting both complete beginners who have never picked up a needle and experienced quilters looking to share their skills. The sessions encourage intergenerational skill sharing, with participants connecting and passing on knowledge to one another.

The project taps into the growing trend of returning to traditional crafts, with more people looking for ways to slow down and step away from screens and improve their wellbeing.

Sustainability is central to every session, too. All materials are reused and repurposed, giving old fabrics a new life rather than sending them to landfill.

Since launching, the sessions have seen beginners grow in confidence and get behind a sewing machine for the first time, while more experienced quilters have challenged themselves to try new techniques and experiment with different styles.

Some participants may never complete a full quilt, but the skills they pick up, from sewing and pattern-cutting to working with textiles, open the door to other crafts such as dressmaking and knitting. 

The project was brought to life through Spacehive – a community crowdfunding platform that enables anyone with an idea for their local area to create a project page, rally support from neighbours and the wider community, and raise the funds to make it happen.

The project received support through Spacehive's council funding programme, which allows local authorities to identify and back grassroots projects that meet local priorities, in this case, community wellbeing, skills, and sustainability.

Chris English, founder of Quilt Huddersfield, said: "I believe in the power of quilts. They are powerful things and contain love, hope and positivity. Making a quilt for someone you love is an amazing thing to do: it keeps them warm, is filled with love and looks amazing. Quilts made now will outlive us and become family heirlooms, full of memories and love.

"We've used up loads of fabric that was destined for landfill. By creating quilts we've turned it into something practical and beautiful. And on a practical note, if you put an extra one on your bed, you can turn the heating down too!"

Frank Kibble, Partnerships Director, at Spacehive, said: "Quilt Huddersfield is a brilliant example of what happens when local people have the tools and support to make a difference. Chris saw something his community needed: connection, creativity, purpose.

"He had an idea to address those needs, and he made it happen. That's exactly what Spacehive is here for. And when local authorities get behind projects like this, it shows that grassroots action and local government can work hand in hand to strengthen communities."