Why Everyone Should Learn How To Sew: Reasons To Get You Started
My sewing machine arrived in the mail. Since the beginning of quarantine in March 2020, I’ve been trying new stuff. From the Dalgona trend, Zombie movies or drama series, TikTok trends, or trying a new recipe. I’m part of the ‘Welcome Generation.’ My generation is forging a path adult eyes cannot see.
A study in 2012 states,
“a generation that takes technology for granted are hopeless at practicalities.”
Most adults would choose to buy and hire a laborer rather than fixing or making them by themselves. Learning how to sew is a basic skill that young adults should learn. Today, let’s talk about the reasons why everyone should learn how to sew.
1. Sewing more costs less
Like any craft, you need a budget before you start sewing. You need tools and resources to actually begin. Sewing is a basic skill that, in the long run, can help you spend less money.
Style your own home
Your home is your own magical space. It speaks volumes about who you are as a person and how you live. You can start by sewing your own beddings and linens. For example, pillowcases, bedsheets, quilts, curtains, tablecloths, and many more.
Make your own clothes
It’s no secret that if you can make your own stuff, you get to spend less. Do-it-yourself is way more than that. It also means that your clothes will be tailor-fit for your utmost comfort and preference.
Gift-giving made easier
A frugal and sentimental person like me would definitely choose DIY gifts. There’s a lot I’ve got to say about Filipino gift-giving culture but that’s for another blog. But here’s one essential thing: it’s the thought that counts. Sewing a bag, a plushy, or dress for your nephew. Now, that’s a gift worth remembering.
2. Sewing helps the planet
I’m a Filipina. Most of my clothes are hand-me-downs. A piece of garment in my home can last more than a decade. It gets passed on from my Lola, my mother, my older sister, to me, to my younger sister, then back to my older sister’s baby. Or to a younger cousin. There’s also the option for donation or upcycling. My point: less trash.
You go to retail less often
I recently discovered that brands I thought were luxury brands are actually fast-fashion. If you don’t know fast fashion, here’s a link to know more. To give you a glimpse, fast fashion is what the word exactly means. Fast fashion also leaves a destructive environmental footprint. Speedy making and disposal of clothes are harmful to the planet.
Learning how to sew is a possible solution in harming the planet less. You make and mend your own clothes, making them last for years.
Decreased trial and error with fashion choice
I’m an indecisive person. It’s so hard for me to choose which clothes I should buy. Life is an indefinite trial and error. But it can harm the environment. Learning how to sew your own clothes helps you build your individuality. You will also get to know your preferences. Sewing is a way to think long and make fewer wrong choices.
Your clothes will last longer
Sewing doesn’t mean that you get to make more. Sewing can also mean that you learn how to fix what you can make. Sewing a button back, a hole on your sock, or a tear on your blanket. We’re aiming for sustainability and longevity here, people!
3. Sewing is good for your mental health
What’s the best thing about learning how to sew? It’s the joy of having it fit, being able to express yourself, and feeling a sense of accomplishment.
The joy of having it fit
Sewing is a basic skill that can help you destress. Imagine this: you go out with your friends to eat. You’re not sure if you like what you’re wearing. It’s been months since you’ve had the chance to dress up. Due to the pandemic, you haven’t had the chance to go out much. So, the clothes that you have are out of date and don’t fit your body type anymore. There’s a solution to this scenario. Learn how to sew. You can alter the clothes you have so they can fit you better and they can be in style with the times.
Bringing out your creativity
There’s so much that a person can do. The possibilities are endless because there is potential in every one of us. Adults used to think that spending so much time on social media was useless. But now, they’re making us learn strategies, theories, trends, all sorts, in social media. TikTok, for example, introduced waves of trends. Many users in TikTok can use a soundbite each to their own. How does sewing creativity relate to this? Well, if everyone learns how to sew. Then, everyone can contribute their own ideas and ways.
Creativity isn’t always something new. Creativity is forming an idea after an idea. It’s about creating in a different way.
Sense of accomplishment
Learning a new skill is an accomplishment. It’s the little things that matter. When I first learned how to sew, it was so scary to finally transition and sit in front of the sewing machine. It’s the fact that I could finally fix the garter on my pajama shorts. Or the fact that I did a good patch on the hole of my shirt.
Now that I’ve told you my top reasons on why everyone should learn how to sew. What are your reasons? Why did you learn how to sew? If you already know how to sew and are reminiscing your days as a beginner, do my reasons ring a bell?
Sewing is a basic skill. Cooking, cleaning, budgeting, personal finance, math, and science are essential. Sewing is also an essential skill.
These are resources on the internet that can help you get started. Visit these links to start sewing:
