In Conversation With Sewlots

How did you get into crocheting football shirts?

I actually taught myself to crochet during lockdown, as a way to add a textural edge to my graduate fashion collection. For my Sister’s 21st birthday I wanted to hand make her something she could use within her online content as she promoted women’s sports, and so the crochet football shirt was born!

Inspiration 

The reason I ventured into football shirts was directly as a result of my little sister being obsessed with football growing up and still is to this day. She always inspired me with her grit and determination, as she was often the only girl in many of her sports teams, especially football. She tackled sexism on and off the pitch from boys and their dads, so we’re both so happy to see how far football has come for women.

As well as this, I’m super interested in psychology, so it’s always fascinated me how many supporters have formed their identity and sense of belonging due to their club. Their club loyalty and support intrigues me, so I wanted to document that in a creative way. Also I love how color association and branding is so strong with football teams, and how you can spot certain fans from a mile away (even without seeing their shirts lol)

Favorite team
I’m actually a very neutral fan of football, contrary to what my current Instagram feed would make you think (there’s a lot of arsenal commissions on there right now!) My sister supports arsenal, as my Dad would take her to see the women’s games growing up. My Dad supports Carlisle, my Grandad supports Crystal Palace, and most of my family are Chelsea fans, so I’ve always have a mixture of coloured kits within my circle, so i’ve never really had to pick one luckily!

Future teams to crochet
I’d love to make a Brighton and Hove shirt soon as that place is very special to me. I love Italian design in general so have spied a lot of cool retro shirts I’d love to recreate. I’d like to tackle a stripped shirt next, so maybe taking inspiration from Inter Milan x Umbro 1994/95 shirt would be fun! To be honest I’m up for the challenge to recreate a really intricate wackily printed football shirt, so send me any requests you think would test my skills! 

Crochet / knitters you admire
I love how social media can be used to showcase and highlight unique talent, and help small designers gain exposure and opportunities they may not otherwise have access to! Right now I’m absolutely loving @ranti.studio who’s making the coolest textural knitted clothing in bold colors.

I’m a big fan of @juicylu.ce graphic motifs within her knitted garments, as well as lots of resourceful upcycling - she reminds me of my practise in a way! Cool utility bag brand @nots___ use climbing rope to form gorpcore inspired bags which I love! And @mollyohalloranknitwear uses knitting machines to achieve vibrant yet wearable garments I’d love to get my hands on this winter!!