The hands behind the beautiful game
Summary
In Sialkot, Pakistan, about 25 women hand-stitch footballs using waxed thread, continuing a tradition linked to World Cup balls made there since 1982. While hand stitching is now mostly used for special premium balls, machine-made balls dominate the market, causing uncertain work for these stitchers.Key Facts
- Sialkot, Pakistan, has made footballs for decades, including official World Cup balls since 1982.
- Around 25 women work by hand stitching football panels at a local stitching center.
- Hand stitching uses waxed polyester thread pulled through pre-punched panels.
- The workers’ hands show signs of wear from years of stitching.
- Most football production now uses machines or thermal bonding, not hand stitching.
- Hand stitching is mostly for high-quality training, retail, and promotional balls.
- Orders for hand-stitched balls can be inconsistent, leading to uncertain income for workers.
- Sialkot’s football-making industry sees a higher demand during World Cup periods.
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