Sewing Revival - The 1-Step Guide to LOVING your Clothes

Can you believe I titled a newsletter 'The 1-Step Guide to Clothes Paradise'?

And my 1-Step Guide to literally loving clothes is to learn a few sewing skills.

Don’t be hasty, I promise you this is worth a read, with lots of back-up.

Sewing has made a real resurgence in the UK over the past few years, and it’s not hard to see why. A few key trends have stitched together (pun intended!) to bring it back into the spotlight.

You don't need to have grown up around Sewing Machines to start Sewing.

Here's 5 Good Reasons Why:

1. The influence of TV and social media Shows like The Great British Sewing Bee have played a huge role in inspiring a new generation of stitchers. Seeing everyday people create beautiful garments has demystified sewing and made it feel accessible. On Instagram and TikTok, home sewists proudly share their makes, sparking an online community full of creativity and encouragement.

   
   

2. A craving for creativity and calm In an increasingly digital world, sewing provides a soothing, tactile escape. It’s mindful, meditative, and satisfying, which is the perfect antidote to scrolling and screen time. The act of focusing on fabric, colour, and texture gives people a sense of calm and accomplishment that few hobbies can match.

   
   

3. Mental health benefits Sewing is increasingly recognised for its positive effects on mental wellbeing. Concentrating on a manual task like sewing can be a mindful activity that provides a sense of accomplishment and a physical reward.

   
   

4. Cost of living and conscious spending With prices rising, many are rediscovering the value of making or altering clothes instead of buying new. A little sewing know-how goes a long way, turning tired pieces into fresh favourites, and small repairs into big savings. Alterations are expensive, but free if you learn how to do a few tweaks yourself, and great for well-being as you do so.

   
   

5. Everyone can do it Yes, anyone! You don’t need to be especially creative or have grown up around a sewing machine. It’s not about perfection or precision; it’s about slowing down, having a go, and discovering how a few small stitches can have a big impact. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was too tricky.

Anyone can learn to tweak a garment

Evidence of the Sewing Revival

1.Sales Increases: Reports over the past decade have noted a boom in crafting, with a significant increase in the number of people taking up sewing. A leading UK craft supplier reported a 166% rise in orders during the world pandemic, and John Lewis saw huge spikes in sales of sewing accessories.

2.Increased market value: The UK sewing machine market was valued at £87 million in 2024, with modest but steady growth projected through 2030, driven in part by a focus on clothing repair and alterations.

3.Interest from a younger demographic: Unlike past generations, where sewing was a necessity, young people are now embracing it as a fashionable and sustainable hobby. A 2022 report highlighted that young people are choosing to make and up-fashion existing garments as an alternative to fast fashion.

4.Availability of resources: The growth of online tutorials like mine, affordable modern patterns from independent designers, and increased availability of sewing supplies have made it more accessible for both beginners and experienced sewers. 

Yes, sewing has made a resurgence in the UK, driven by factors like the cost of living crisis, the desire for sustainable fashion, and the influence of social media and popular TV shows like the Great British Sewing Bee. Many people are now upcycling, repairing, and making their own clothes as a thrifty and creative alternative to fast fashion. 

I truly believe anyone can learn to sew. Yes, anyone! You don’t need to be especially creative or have grown up around a sewing machine. If you can thread a needle, you can sew. It’s not about perfection or precision; it’s about slowing down, having a go, and discovering how a few simple stitches can transform a tired garment into something you’ll love wearing again. The best part? Sewing gives you a real sense of independence. To tweak, repair, alter and create your clothes gives you the power to wear exactly what you like. Once you start, you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was too tricky.

If you are ready to start sewing, or return to sewing I have a freebie 6-step guide to start you off (or remind you, that you still have it), followed by online a choice of online courses or in-person sewing classes.

 Always wear your bests

Love Sarah x