Pascha Al-Qassab Champions Sustainable Fashion and the Art of "Making and Mending" Clothes

Pascha Al-Qassab, a finalist in the 2024 season of The Great British Sewing Bee, is using her newfound platform to promote sustainable fashion practices and the importance of repairing and reusing clothes. Now 21 years old, Al-Qassab, a student at the University of Bristol, is passionate about slowing down the fast-fashion industry and encouraging others to embrace the art of sewing to care for their clothing and the environment.

A Call for a Culture of "Caring for Clothes"

In an effort to combat the environmental damage caused by fast fashion, Al-Qassab believes that fostering a culture of care and repair for our clothes is key. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasized the importance of teaching young people how to sew in schools, ensuring future generations are equipped with the skills to mend their own clothes rather than discard them.

"We could build that culture of caring for our clothes as an important part of looking after the environment," she said. Her mission aligns with the growing movement toward sustainability, where learning to repair and alter clothes is becoming a vital skill.

The Fast Fashion Problem

Fast fashion, which is characterized by the rapid turnover of cheap, mass-produced clothing, has contributed to the massive amount of textile waste seen today. According to research by the British Heart Foundation, nearly six in 10 people in the UK report being unable to sew confidently. This lack of basic sewing skills exacerbates the problem, as people are more likely to throw away clothing rather than repair it.

"I think it's a quarter of Brits that don't know how to sew on a button," Al-Qassab noted. This lack of knowledge and awareness leads to a disposable culture surrounding fashion, where clothes are discarded at a faster rate than ever before, contributing to significant environmental harm.

Al-Qassab's Journey to Sewing

Al-Qassab's journey into sewing began when she was 20, inspired by her appearance on The Great British Sewing Bee. However, she credits her initial interest to her own creative instincts and a desire to make things her way. She fondly recalls a memorable moment when she took a dress she loved, made a pattern out of newspaper, returned the dress, and recreated it using one of her father's old shirts.

Her experience on the BBC show was transformative, allowing her to refine her skills and gain national recognition. "I'm a big fan of the show, and I couldn't believe I was in the sewing room itself," she said, reflecting on her time on the show.

Post-Show: Teaching and Sharing Skills

Since appearing on the show, Al-Qassab has returned to university and continued to put her sewing skills to work. She now helps friends and fellow students by repairing and altering their clothes, ensuring that items don't end up in landfills prematurely. She also participates in sustainable fashion markets in Bristol, a city known for its vibrant sustainability scene, where she shares her passion for mending and repurposing garments.

The Importance of Teaching Sewing Skills

Al-Qassab strongly advocates for the inclusion of sewing and repair skills in educational curricula, especially in light of the environmental damage caused by the fashion industry. "It would be fantastic if schools offered more opportunities for young people to learn how to sew," she said. Providing young people with the tools to repair and alter their own clothes can have a long-lasting impact on reducing textile waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Pascha Al-Qassab's journey from The Great British Sewing Bee finalist to sustainable fashion advocate reflects a growing trend towards conscious consumerism in the fashion industry. By encouraging others to "make and mend" their clothes, she is helping to promote a culture that values sustainability, creativity, and environmental care. As Al-Qassab continues to inspire others with her sewing skills and advocacy, she hopes that more people will embrace the art of clothing repair as a way to combat fast fashion and reduce waste.