Let’s talk about sewing clothes, shall we? Why do people sew now when we really don’t need to? We don’t have to make our own clothes or even mend our own clothes like past generations. Sewing is purely hobby status now. Most people would argue that it’s fun and cute that others sew quilts and curtains and the occasional apron, but sewing clothes?? Why bother?
Is sewing clothes worth it?
I’ve heard this argument against sewing 1,000 times. “It’s cheaper to buy clothes.” Well, yes, it is most of the time if you buy clothes at discount stores or thrift shops. But we all know what a $5 shirt really costs. It’s low quality and likely made in less than ideal conditions with workers who are paid less than we can imagine earning, under less than idea conditions. That alone could make sewing worth it but we’re going to talk about the other reasons.
1. You can sew clothes to fit a body.
You know those kids who always have to wear a belt or cinch their waistband up so it looks ridiculous just so their pants don’t fall off? Or those women who always have to buy a size up just to accommodate their bust size? Or maybe you’re taller/shorter than average? Sewing eliminates those ill fitting clothes issues! You can sew to fit a certain body well. Consider taking Online Sewing Class to learn how to sew the perfect fit.
2. Your clothes will be unique.
Have you ever shown up to an even and seen someone wearing that same dress? If you’re buying mass produced clothes then you aren’t the only one with that piece. Plus, you can make the clothes in your favorite colors/fabrics that may be hard to find on the rack.
3. Designer styles without designer price.
A well tailored garment can be very expensive off the rack. Or what about those cute little ruffly dresses for little girls that cost $80? You can make these for much less than the designer price. It’s harder to sew a dress for $5 (though possible) but you can definitely spend less than the high end, high quality garments! And if you make it yourself it will be high quality!
4. Express yourself (or your child) by sewing your style.
Do you walk into a clothing store and cringe a little because nothing off the rack is “you”? Or maybe your little girl hates pink and ruffles but it’s hard to find clothes without those in the girl section? Or a boy wants a world map button-up shirt? You can make anything to suit the style of the wearer.
5. It’s enjoyable.
This is the best reason of all. Sewing can be fun once you learn how! Many people say it’s therapeutic! Just put on some music or your favorite podcast and start sewing to relax from a tough day!
Honorable Mention: PRIDE!
Where to save money and where to spend it?
Sewing doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby, though it can be.
1. Sewing machines
Consider buying a budget sewing machine that isn’t bottom of the line and will last a long time, or buy a top of the line machine used.
2. Fabric
Buy quality fabric that will last longer than a few washes. It may cost a bit more than the $1 bin but it’s going to be a garment you’ll love. You can also buy thrifted fabric or repurpose fabric. If cheap is what you want, consider looking through your house for clothes you have but don’t wear. Garage sales can also be a good source of fabric.
3. Sewing patterns
- You can find paper sewing patterns on sale at the big fabric stores. They may or may not actually be a good deal. Most only have 2 or 3 sizes in each pattern.
- Check pattern websites like Go To Patterns for coupons (check the SALE page). Or subscribe to the newsletter to learn about sales.
- Buy PDF patterns. You can print those over an over as much as you want for your own use. You’re also supporting independent designers.
- Look for free tutorials.
I LOVE to make my own clothes, but I also love to shop. So I have lots of clothes! If I find some great fabric, at a great price, I buy it. Then I look for a pattern when they are 99 cents, and I can have an new, unique, adorable, perfectly fitted outfi for under $20. or
so!
I love sewing my own and kid’s clothes. Saves me tons of money, I have repurposed thrift store finds and clearance items. I found some dresses at wallymart and made a bunch of maxi skirts for $20!
I love this! I hated wearing pants as a little girl, I didn’t even own my own pair of jeans until I was a Junior in High School! My mom sewed skirts and dresses for me for all of the listed reasons and then taught me how to sew. I love making my own clothing so that it fits my body right and am loving to now sew for my baby boy. Knowing how to sew is also great so that when you do find a cute outfit for a great deal you can tailor it as needed to fit your body, like taking in the sides, or shortening and lengthening hems.
I have not made many clothes for myself, but my mom has made many dresses and skirts for me. I enjoy making purses. Purses are expensive in town and I love the fact that no one else has my purse. Sewing can be relaxing, until you spend more time picking out your mistakes. ☺ Can’t wait to get sewing now!!
Great article Andrea. For me sewing is worth it because I only like designer clothes and don’t want to spend four hundred bucks on a dress. So I try to make my own it may not be exactly the same, but its also fun creating my own fashions. Im not as inspired to sew for my kids because kids clothes are really cheap if I go the sales at the Gap outlet and my kids have gotten to the age where they are too picky about what I make.
Love the share!! I love sewing!!!
I am getting to the point where I pretty much have to sew for my daughter. At age 9 she only needs an age 8 width in clothes, but an age 12-14 height. That just doesn’t make it easy for clothes shopping. And we are now at the stage where even styles are wrong – they are cut for curves that she just doesn’t have and being so so skinny is probably a long way off getting .
My little grand kids and great grand kids love homemade pajamas, and that pleases me. I know they wear them.
I don’t sew clothes as much as I did when my daughter was a baby. I love shopping, so my daughter’s closet stays full of store bought clothes. But every now and then, I get inspired to make her a unique outfit just for fun.
i agree whole heartedly. I hate that clothing is made with such low quality material and I definitely don’t want to be spending top dollar for higher quality (but even the more expensive brands aren’t even the greatest quality). Plus I know that I’m the only one with my clothing.
Great article. I have such a huge stash of fabric that I could make dozens and dozens of garments at very little cost, doesn’t stop me buying new fabric though! It’s just that creative outlet for me. I get a total buzz out of creating something unique for my boys to wear.
My daughter is 13 and loves to sew. She’s getting pretty good a making simple things like skirts and pj pants. I’m sure this will lead to greater things in the future, and I’m happy that she’s sewing and not doing less productive things like texting or watching TV, so don’t get me wrong there. But here’s the rub. Even if she uses a free pattern, by the time we buy the fabric for a project, we’ve already spent more money than we could buy the finished garment for in the store. And that doesn’t count the elastic or the thread. That frustrates me. I get that she’s getting enjoyment, growth, self-esteem, and other things that you can’t put a price on. I sew, too, so I get it. But unfortunately, money is really tight right now, so I have to put a price on everything. I love that she sews for enjoyment, but quality fabric is so expensive. We’re an hour from the nearest JoAnn’s, and when we get there, we always use the coupons, which helps. She’s not old enough for a student discount card yet, although she’s close. Sewing for yourself or your kids used to be cheaper than buying retail. Maybe it still is if you’re sewing fancy stuff, and if it’s for yourself, but if your child is going to outgrow it in a few months, I’m not sure it is cheaper, not with the price of fabric and notions.
Hi Alice –
I have had good luck finding fabric at thrift shops and garage sales. Look for plus size clothing, tablecloths, sheets and curtains. You would be amazed how much fabric they can yield. Your daughter can recycle the elastic in these garments. I decided to try this and found that it really keeps the cost down. It takes a little work to “treasure hunt” but now I find that I am enjoying the game. Good luck to you and your daughter.
Don’t forget to check out your library for patterns and books we patterns. I’ve found some great modern patterns at my local library. Nothing can beat a cute FREE pattern ! 🙂
A great read is http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/books/review/overdressed-by-elizabeth-l-cline.html?_r=0 She really pats the home sewers on the back. I also love Marisa Lynch at newdressaday.com where she upcycles bargsin clothes. Both suggestions will inspire you.
I sew for myself and other plus size women. I got so tired of finding an XL to be anything from a size 12, yes you heard that, a 12 to a size 22. Women also love to be in something besides polyester. I make cotton knit clothing and I cannot wait to get up and put something that I love and made on each morning. Making it also helps me realize that you don’t need as many clothing pieces when you get the ones that work well and can do double duty and fit you so well.
for many years I sewed my own clothes because I could not find anything to fit.when my children were born, I had fun making matching outfits for them for the holidays. now I enjoy making the occasional unique item for my wardrobe. each time I did it because i love to sew, saved money and was proud of my accomplishment.
I LOVE TO SEW FOR THE GRANDCHILDREN. Each one has a unique style and making clothes give them a variety of special outfits.
Sheets are my favorite find at thrifts stores, I make them into pj’s, bag liners, and unpaper towels. I even found a great one for $1.99 and made it into a designer shower curtain.