Stitching lives: How Bangladeshi women wove a new life in East London

15/07/2025

This South Asian Heritage Month, we're sharing the story of Bangladeshi women who helped build life in East London through sewing, strength, and community.

From Bengal to the East End

Over 400 years ago, the British East India Company started trading with Bengal – which is now Bangladesh. This wasn’t just about trade. The company ended up taking control of Bengal in 1757. While it brought silk and beautiful textiles to London, this came at a huge cost to the people of Bengal, who were ruled by the British for many years.

The silk and cloth from Bengal arrived at London’s docks and were kept in places like the Bengal Warehouse near the Pool of London. This trade helped shape parts of London, especially the East End – but it’s important to remember the tough history behind it.

A new chapter: 1970s – 1990s

Fast forward over 200 years, after Bangladesh became independent in 1971, many families moved to the UK. Some left because of war or poverty, and others came to join family already in places like East London.

Among them were many Bangladeshi women. Moving to a new country wasn’t easy – new language, new culture, lots of changes. But they found ways to get by through textile work. Some worked in small factories, whilst others stitched clothes from home.

Asma Begum, mum, cat mum, educator, community writer, and daughter of Bangladeshi migrants, remembers her mother’s experience:

“She used to do the lining work at home. The men would usually do the leatherwork in the factories, but the women kept the work going from their kitchens and living rooms.”

Asma's mum

More than just work

This sewing work wasn’t easy or glamorous. It was often tiring. But it gave these women something important – a chance to contribute to their homes. Many earned their own money for the first time, helped their families, and became key members of their communities.

At the same time, they kept Bengali traditions alive. They made saris, stitched embroidery, and passed on skills their families had for generations. Even far from home, they kept their culture alive and shared it with their children and neighbours.

Building sisterhood in a foreign land

Sewing also brought women together. They supported each other – sharing advice, finding work, helping with childcare.

These women didn’t just help their own families. They helped shape the culture and spirit of places like Tower Hamlets. Today, many South Asian-owned shops and businesses owe their roots to our community.

As Asma says:

“It was like a neighbourhood affair. Someone’s cooking, someone’s stitching, someone’s helping the kids. It was beautiful, really.”

Asma

Poplar Works and the new generation

Today, places like Poplar Works, supported by us, keep this tradition alive. They train and support young designers and creatives, helping them start sustainable fashion businesses and connect with East London’s garment history.

Poplar Works

Local resident Asma is part of a new generation blending tradition with modern creativity through her work.

“My mum used to sew all the time,” she shared. “She was amazing at it. That’s where I picked it up from.”

For Asma, fashion and what she does today is a way of carrying her mother’s creativity forward.

She’s not alone, either.

“It’s not just me – I’ve seen quite a few people from similar backgrounds doing amazing things with fashion or design or textiles,” Asma said. “And it’s really nice to see that.”

They’re taking what they grew up with -community, the sewing machines, the fabric scraps on kitchen tables – and turning it into something new.

Why this story matters

These women’s stories are often forgotten, but they were far from quiet workers. They were strong, skilled, and determined, helping to build modern Britain one stitch at a time. This South Asian Heritage Month, we want to celebrate these women whose hard work often went unseen but was always important. For them, sewing wasn’t just about making a living – it was also about community. That’s how things got done and how new lives were built together.

Asma’s mum’s sewing machine is exhibited at The Museum of London.

Asma Begum