In the past, sewing clothes was a common practice and one of the only ways new clothes would be created. However, with the rise of fast fashion and the ease that comes with buying brand new, this particular craft has started to wane. Fortunately, due to the COVID-19 quarantine, people of all ages have started to pick sewing up again and are using it as more than just a way to mend their clothes. 

From thrift-flips to making new articles of clothing from scratch, there are now videos all over the internet that can help a person learn how to sew. Even celebrities such as Benny Blanco have been spotted wearing altered quilts as part of their wardrobe.     

Not only can sewing personal clothing be beneficial financially (depending on the source of materials) but will also ensure that your clothes are completely original works of art. Making clothes will also ensure the best fit for your proportions. After a couple pieces, you could even start selling them to turn a profit on Etsy or other crafting sites.

The first step of any sewing project is choosing what to make. Depending on the article of clothing and the event it is intended for, the prices can range drastically. I recommend starting out with a bag or pajama pants before moving to more complicated projects.

After you have decided what you want to make, find a pattern. These can be found in a craft store, where there are numerous catalogs you can flip through to find the perfect pattern for a project. Another way to obtain a sewing pattern is by using Etsy and other online retailers, but you may want to have something more specific in mind if you choose this route.

An additional element that depends on the object you want to make is the type of fabric. For example, a tote bag is going to require canvas fabric while pajama pants will be more comfortable when made out of flannel. Finding fabrics can be as simple as popping by Joanns or Hobby Lobby. I would also recommend going to a local thrift store and upcycling some of the clothes there for a project if money is a concern. Keep in mind that different patterns will require extra materials so think about this when calculating project cost.

Now that you have gathered the fabric and pattern, it is time to start sewing. Use the pattern to cut out all the pieces that you will need and follow the directions to piece them together. Some patterns you buy in store will even come with a sew-along video you can use to make it easier.

Whether you make a gift for a friend or for yourself, you can now use these new skills to create anything.

Contact Adeline Gruen at [email protected]