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About Us



Needlecraft heaven, Backstitch is a bright and inspiring fabric and haberdashery store where sewing machines hum and stitchers chitter chatter.
Alice Synge opened the doors to her Burwash Manor haberdashery in March 2014 after trading successfully online since 2010. The Burwash shop has now become a honeypot for local crafters seeking stylish, modern dressmaking and quilt fabric and quality haberdashery.
A keen sewer herself, Alice stocks only products she would want to use personally, so the selection has been curated to her modern sense of style, and with keen attention to quality. Both the Burwash shop and the online shop are renowned for their excellent customer service. Friendly and helpful advice is always at hand.
Remember, you can keep up to date with all Backstitch shenanigans via the blog, twitter, facebook, and all those other social media channels... follow Alice and Backstitch by using the links at the bottom of the page.
Thank you and happy sewing!!
Meet The Team

Alice S
Founder // Likes choosing pretty things, begrudgingly does numbers. // Top tip for beginners: Take it one step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed by all the tasks, just do the next bit. Also, it’s about the overall effect, so don’t get hung up on the detail.

Alice R
Product Admin // Behind the scenes whizz but also makes beautiful tiny things out of felt that make you want to weep with joy and knits like a machine. // Reason for stitching: I just love creating things and love the satisfaction of finally finishing an item and thinking “I MADE THIS!!”

Anna
Shop Staff // Churns out the projects at an astonishing rate and a stickler for accuracy. // How background helps with sewing: I trained as a primary school teacher and my interest in maths is definitely helpful when quilting.

Heather
Shop Staff // Textile artist extraordinaire with a terrifying amount of practical knowledge. // What is your favourite aspect of working at Backstitch: Meeting all our fab customers and helping them.

Jen
Social Media // Incredible dressmaker, cheerleader of us all with a magic superpower for showcasing all that is good. // Top tip for beginners: Don’t worry about mistakes, just keep sewing! The more projects you work on, the more skills you pick up.

Jude
Shop Staff // Former knitwear designer, trojan worker who never sits still. // Favourite thing to do when not stitching: Being out in the fresh air on my bike with good friends followed by coffee and cake.

Lily
Shop Staff // Impeccable taste and amazing ability to identify colours. // Favourite thing to do when not stitching: Cooking for friends and family. Reading in bed in the middle of the day.