Hi, I’m Tom, the maker behind Made by Tom!
A self-taught sewer (amazing what you can learn online!), I create one-of-a-kind bags from thrifted and reclaimed textiles, with a particular love for working with vintage denim. Each piece is handmade and completely unique, often using original features from the garments like pockets, labels and hardware, alongside bold details like embroidery, hand-painting or statement linings.
I started Made by Tom as a creative hobby, and as a way to give materials a second life and to show that sustainable fashion can still be exciting, characterful and a bit unexpected. No two bags are ever the same, and I love discovering the individuality of each piece rather than trying to make things uniform. I particularly work with denim, given the environmental impact that denim production has – I hope to give denim that would otherwise end up in landfill a new lease of life!
Everything is designed and made by hand in small batches here in Manchester, with a focus on durability and everyday use—these are bags made to be used, not just admired.
Alongside the making, I’m also passionate about creating inclusive creative spaces, and am launching an LGBTQ/inlcusive and allies sewing and crafting group encouraging people to get involved and to make fabulous things, whatever their skill level.
Made by Tom is all about reworking the old into something new, useful and full of personality.
