Welcome to Sylva Stitch Studio
Founded by Helen Woodward - a self-taught sewist - Sylva is built on the principles of slow, sustainable clothing.
My mission is to create garments that counteract fast fashion culture by prioritising comfort, artistry and respect for people, animals and the environment.
My story
My own path here hasn’t been a straight line. I studied psychology at university and worked in child development; I’ve been a freelance crochet pattern designer; I’ve volunteered as a listener on a counselling helpline; I’ve worked in creative production and publishing, and in communications and media. These experiences are tied together by my quiet curiosity about people, my love of making things with my hands and my wish to create spaces - whether through conversation or clothing - where others can feel seen and supported.
Despite my meandering journey, needlework has been a constant thread in my life. Both sides of my family have a wide variety of craft skills between them, and my family tree shows that previous generations were lacemakers, milliners, bootmakers, dressmakers and more - so creating is very much in my genes. Personally, I've dabbled in sewing since I was given my first sewing machine at the age of 12, and I taught myself to knit when I was 15. More recently, I’ve trained as a sewing teacher and I’m currently completing a course in digital patternmaking and grading.
What I offer
Sylva is growing slowly and I’m letting intuition guide the way. For now, my work takes the form of:
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sewing workshops for beginners - teaching people to make their own clothing in a relaxed, supportive setting
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small-batch clothing drops - timeless, sustainable garments and accessories made in limited runs from carefully selected fabrics.
On top of this, I’m always open to discussing ideas. Whether you fancy a collaboration, you’re looking for a custom made-to-measure piece, your home ed group wants a guest teacher - you name it - I’ll happily consider any request and see if we can make it work.
Please note that, while I'm all for people wanting to extend the life of their clothes through mending or altering, this is not a service I'm currently offering. I hope you can find somewhere that will do this for you - or even better, learn those skills yourself!
Fabrics with a story
Every material I use in my studio is chosen with intention. I source only from suppliers who are transparent and ethical, and who share my commitment to respecting workers, animals and the environment. The fabrics I work with include:
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ex-designer deadstock - breathing new life into leftover fabrics that might otherwise go to waste
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GOTS-certified fabrics - ensuring organic and sustainable practices at every stage
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Oeko-Tex certified textiles - tested for safety and free from harmful chemicals
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lyocell - a fibre made from wood pulp in a closed-loop process that recycles water and solvents
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natural fibres like linen and hemp.
In addition, I love to source secondhand and recycled materials that reduce demand for new resources. By choosing these fabrics, I know each garment has a story that’s as thoughtful as its design.
A different way to dress
Sylva is about slowing down, making consciously and creating clothing that feels right for real life. Whether you’re learning to sew your own garments with me or choosing from one of my limited collections, I hope you find pieces that bring you comfort, joy and a sense of connection.
Photo credits: Ana Clark Ribeiro