You should learn to sew. No, really, you should. Here’s why:

It could save you money. Just think: If you could hem your own pants, patch your child’s torn jeans, or at the very least sew on a button you wouldn’t have to pay someone else or (worst case scenario) buy a whole new clothing item! If you’re unsure of where to start, there are many online tutorials for basic sewing skills. And pinterest is replete with creative ways to alter, upcycle, or repair clothing.

It’s unique. When you ask someone what their hobbies are, “sewing” probably isn’t one you hear often, is it? Probably not. But, if you like to be different, to stand out, and to rise above the mainstream, then sewing is just the thing for you! Not too many people know how to sew anymore, let alone do it with any real regularity. You could be the ultimate trendsetter if you learn to sew.

It’s a good, old fashioned life skill. Like swimming and riding a bike, basic sewing abilities are a life skill. You may not ever need to sew a button back on or fix an undone hem, but then again, if the situation arose, could you sew that button back on? Could you mend that hem? The basic skill of threading a needle and knotting the thread, the basic skill of sewing on a button, and the basic skill of sewing a running stitch—these are all life skills that used to be much more commonplace than they are now. It may be well worth your time to buy a basic sewing kit (check your local fabric or craft store–even hardware stores often have them) and teach yourself how to do a few basic stitches.

You can make money at it! Once you get the hang of sewing, the possibilities really are endless. You could offer to alter your friends’ clothes for a small fee. You could design and create your own clothing. You could even have a booth at a craft fair or open an online store to sell your creations. Pillows made from used t-shirts and sweaters, skirts made form used clothing items, men’s shirts made into little girls’ dresses, plush animals made from fabric scraps–we’ve seen all of these items for sale. There is a tremendous market for hand-sewn items, especially ones that incorporate used clothing or linens into their production.

It’s fun…or at least rewarding. For some, sewing can be a way to relax. For others, its the creation process that’s enjoyable. Whatever your reason for doing it, it can be a very fulfilling hobby. Plus, you get a pillow at the end of it all (or a tea cozy, fabric napkins, or maybe even a whole new clothing ensemble–who knows, you might be really good at it!).

You’ll make your mama proud. It’s make your mama proud time! Most moms would be so proud to know that their son and/or daughter has learned to sew. A lot of our parents grew up in a generation where home sewn clothing (and home repair of damaged clothing) was more commonplace than it is now. Girls (and sometimes boys) learned how to sew in Home Economics class and many homes had a sewing machine. Clothing wasn’t discarded as easily as it is today. Used clothing was passed down to younger siblings and when it became too worn out to wear, it was reinvented for other purposes.

Positive environmental impact. Making mama proud is certainly important (right, Mom?), but the number one reason you should learn to sew is not for your human mother, but for Mother Earth. If you can learn basic sewing techniques, our hope is that you’ll employ them to repair or alter an item or two of clothing to extend its usefulness. By doing so, you’ll 1) forego the need to purchase a replacement, and 2) keep it out of the waste stream a little longer. And when you are finished with it, pass it on to someone else who might use it or, like the generations before us, reinvent it for other purposes.

—

EcoGoodz is a credential clothing supplier in the U.S. We supply not only credential clothing, but also mixed rags, used shoes, soft toys, hard toys, and linens. We offer these products by the container or by the truck and we ship worldwide. To inquire about credential clothing prices and availability or the availability and pricing of mixed rags, or any of our other products please contact us.