When you hear the word "handmade," what comes to mind? Maybe you picture a cosy craft room, perhaps a sewing machine humming away in the background, lots of different fabrics everywhere…and honestly? That’s exactly how Tutti Frutti started.
Back in 2016, I was sewing my handmade children’s clothes at my dining room table. I made anything that anyone asked for, in any stretchy fabric. Every piece was made one at a time, with my own two hands, for my own kids to start with – and then yours too. That DIY and creative experimenting with fabric was at the heart of Tutti Frutti back then, and to some extent it still is. But as Tutti Frutti grew, so did my understanding of what “handmade” really means.
Handmade Doesn’t Mean Homemade (or Badly Made)
Some people hear "handmade" and assume it means lower quality—like it’s a hobby project rather than a professionally finished product. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Handmade doesn’t mean homemade, and it certainly doesn’t mean badly made.
In fact, when done properly, handmade clothing can be better than mass-produced alternatives. Why? Because it’s made with care, attention to detail, and without cutting corners. It’s not about churning out thousands of pieces in a factory; it’s about creating something long-lasting and thoughtfully designed.
How Tutti Frutti Clothes Are Made Today
These days, Tutti Frutti is still handmade—but now, it’s handmade with professional standards. Every single piece is cut and sewn mostly in my Letchworth shop, but sometimes in a friends Hertfordshire studio, using high-quality professional machines that ensure strength, durability, and a beautiful finish. I don’t mass-produce, I don’t outsource to factories, and I don’t compromise on quality.
What does that mean for you?
Strong, accurate stitching – Because kids play hard, and their clothes should keep up.
Soft, organic fabrics – No scratchy seams or rough materials, just pure comfort.
Perfected fit & durability – Designed to last through growth spurts, countless washes, and real-life adventures.
Small Batch, High Quality
Unlike fast fashion brands, I don’t make thousands of identical items. Instead, I work in small batches, allowing me to focus on quality over quantity. Each piece is checked for detail, ensuring it meets the high standards set for every item with the Tutti Frutti name on it.
Handmade means ethical, too. By keeping production in-house, I pay a fair wages, make sure I am sourcing responsibly – which in turn leads to a lower environmental impact. There are no sweatshops, no overproduction – just lovely clothes for your children.
The Workmanship and Details Behind Every Piece
Making clothes by hand isn’t just about sewing—it’s about expert skills and workmanship. From selecting the right fabrics to carefully putting together each pair of leggings, there’s a level of skill and dedication that goes into every step of the process.
- Fabric Cutting – I personally cut each piece individually or in small stacks in the back of the Letchworth shop. This enables me to minimise waste and ensure precision. If you cut out large piles of fabric all at once then the designs can end up wonky or stretched in the wrong direction. By working in small quantities, I make sure there are no cutting errors, and therefore very little waste.
- Sewing & Construction – I have invested time and money into my training and equipment. I work closely with a friend who I know is also highly trained and has brilliant machinery. My overlockers and other sewing equipment are routinely serviced and looked after to ensure that every stitch is sewn properly.
- Quality Checks – Every item is inspected to make sure it meets our standards before it reaches you. Occasionally, something slips through the net but not very often!
This level of attention means that Tutti Frutti clothes aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re practical, hard-wearing, and built to last.
Handmade, But Scaled for Growth
Over the years, I’ve had to find ways to scale up without losing what makes Tutti Frutti special. Keeping production local, maintaining high quality, and ensuring ethical standards have all been non-negotiable. As Tutti Frutti continues to grow, my commitment to thoughtfully made, small-batch clothing remains central to everything I do.
Why It Matters
When you buy from Tutti Frutti, you’re not just getting another pair of leggings—you’re getting something made with intention. Handmade means:
✔ Supporting small businesses over mass production
✔ Choosing quality over disposable fashion
✔ Investing in clothes that truly last
✔ Making a more sustainable choice for your family and the planet
✔ Knowing exactly where and how your clothes are made
I believe that clothing should be more than just something you buy and replace a few months later. It should be a part of your child’s story—worn, loved, passed down, and still in great shape for the next adventure.
So next time you hear "handmade," don’t think "homemade." Think expertly crafted, thoughtfully made, and designed to stand the test of time.
And if you ever want to see the process for yourself, pop into our Letchworth shop—we’d love to show you behind the scenes!