PhD Presents...Joana Monteiro, a PhD researcher based at London College of Fashion and founder of Knit Up

As part of the 2022 Research Season, Joana Monteiro presented her current research, "Purpose-led pattern cutting: Exploring the potential of pattern cutting and garment making as vehicle for social change.”

This research aims at developing pattern cutting and garment making approaches that target skill acquisition, community engagement and the development of a person’s creativity, hence improving self-esteem, agency and wellbeing. The project focuses on women in situations of social exclusion in London, namely ex-offenders and Afghan refugees.

After a business degree and 10 years working in different fields, she graduated from the MA Pattern and Garment Technology at LCF in 2018. As part of her masters research, she worked with women in prison, designing garments based on straight line sewing. The lineage of her creative background is there for all to see.

She recently launched a social enterprise called Knit up, working with women facing barriers to make wool accessories for children. Check out Joana's profile piece to learn more about her creative background, current work and future endeavours.

Find out how you can get involved and present your work: Open call information

Related Links

• PhD Presents: Joana Monteiro
• Joana Monteiro profile piece
• Transcript
• Knit Up
• PhD Presents open call
• UAL Post-Grad Community
• Post-Grad Conversations

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