A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
Sewing is no easy feat, but it’s one of life’s most valuable skills—for both your style and your wallet! With a proper sewing tool kit, a little patience, and the right fabric, you can jump right into handmade garments, which is why we’ve put together this list on how to get started. We’ll also explore some top benefits so you can quite literally reap what you sew!
1. Clothes Tailored to Your Body
If you’ve ever gone clothes shopping, you know how hard it is to find the perfect fit. In-store sizing often varies, even across similar garments, and those with unique body shapes struggle even more. By making your own clothes, you never have to worry about improper fits again!
2. A Chance to Express Creativity
Sewing your own fits is a great way to express creativity. You pick the pattern, you choose the design, and you might even develop a new personal style. Experimenting with different looks gets those creative juices flowing, which comes with its own benefits.
Merve Sehirli Nasir on Unsplash
3. You Choose the Fabric
Gosh, that shirt would be amazing if only it had a different fabric. Oh, wait—you sew your own clothes! That’s right, now you can pick whichever fabric you like, never having to worry about the “perfect garment.”
4. No Worries About Morality
A harsh reality from the fashion world is just how much of it is mass-produced. Many shoppers try to opt for ethical brands, but they can be hard to find and often have a higher price tag. By making your clothes, the only work you put in is your own, so you can rest easy.
5. It’s an Important Skill
You might not get rich doing it, but sewing is still a valuable skill. Not only does sewing boost confidence, but it also improves fine motor skills and concentration. You can also make handmade gifts, support sustainability, and have a hobby that’s just your own.
6. Clothes Last Longer
Fast fashion may be cheap, but that doesn’t mean it’s high quality. Though you can shell out serious cash for high-end brands, we know the value of a dollar—and that’s where handmade clothes come in. Your fine craftsmanship ensures long-lasting garments, not shirts that rip in the wash.
7. More Environmentally-Friendly
Fast fashion wears heavy on the environment; piles of unused clothing wind up in landfills and pollute our water. Microplastics don’t help either. However, sewing your own clothes means less waste and longer enjoyment.
8. Saves Money in the Long Run
Starting a new hobby means money. With the cost of classes and sewing machines, it doesn’t seem like handmade clothing is cheaper—but it is. Sewing means better materials (which means longer-lasting pieces), at-home repairs and alterations, and a reduced need to shop in-store.
9. Higher Quality Garments
Have you ever seen pulled threads on a garment? What about poor stitching? We have good news: sewing your own clothes eliminates all that! Handmade outfits put you in the driver’s seat (or the sewing chair), so you’re in control of stitching, material, and style. You’d be surprised just how long those pieces can last.
10. You Can Rock a Personal Style
No one knows your style better than you. Go ahead, grab that floral print for a stunning jacket. Use it for a great shoulder bag. Turn those stripes into a bold print that matches your personality. You have nothing but the horizon ahead!
With a taste of the good stuff, let’s dive into a few simple ways to get started.
1. Get the Right Equipment
You won’t get far without a good sewing machine and a proper sewing kit. Beginners benefit from basics like fabric scissors, measuring tape, pins and needles, and the right fabric (more on that later). Remember: you don’t need much to get started, but you do need the right stuff.
2. Start Small
It’s tempting to dive headfirst into your creativity, but sewing is all about starting small. There’s a lot to know before you get going, so it’s important to take classes or watch tutorials first. Between sewing patterns, beginner fabrics, and proper technique, you need to walk before you can run the sewing machine.
3. Brush Up on the Basics
Knowing how to repair a simple rip is much different than making clothes from scratch. It might seem easy on the surface, but sewing requires a lot of patience and know-how before you create that skirt. Don’t be afraid to read, watch, and listen to tutorials beforehand!
4. Take a Sewing Class
Ready to dip a toe in the water? It’s time for a beginner sewing class, the perfect place to walk through the basics and hit the ground running. It’s also helpful to have a professional over your shoulder; you never know when you’ll need a bit of guidance.
5. Upcycle Old Garments
You’ve got big dreams for your closet, and that’s good! But we can’t just start with complicated pieces, which means practice garments. Whether it’s an old article you don’t want or a strip of fabric, think of them as training wheels to practice patterns.
6. Know Your Fabrics
Told you we’d return to fabrics! Most beginners start with something simpler, like a tote bag or a pillowcase, but even those pieces need the right fabric. If you’re just starting out, stick with cotton or linen; they’re much more forgiving and won’t show noticeable distress if you make mistakes.
7. Watch Online Tutorials
We can’t always head to a sewing class, but we can always pop on a useful YouTube tutorial. Our phones may be the scourge of our sanity, but technology is also pretty useful for new skills; tutorials walk you through the basics and can even show you how to avoid common errors.
Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
8. Take Your Time
Sewing is no different than any other skill—it takes patience to master. Try not to get frustrated with yourself over little mistakes or your level of progress. It’s all part of the process, and you’ll reach the finish line sooner than you think.
9. Join a Sewing Community
Do you have a question that needs immediate attention? What about a little inspo for your next outfit? Online communities offer a supportive space for any newcomer, making it a great way to learn. They also answer all sorts of questions, so you're never left in the dark.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice makes perfect, especially with sewing. It might be frustrating now, but that’s all the more reason to keep at it! Practice patterns on that fabric. Try your hand at different garments. Think outside the box a little. It’s all part of your journey.
