Maybe you had a sewing machine as a child and used it to make clothes for your dolls. Maybe you learned a little here and there from your mother or grandmother. Or maybe you’ve never even been in the same room as a sewing machine! But obviously you’re here because at some point, learning to sew has crossed your mind. And about three months ago, I was you! I had only been around a sewing machine as a little girl with my grandmother. When I would visit for weekends, we sometimes made something together. I was so young though, that I didn’t remember hardly anything. In fact, a fast moving sewing machine scared me just a little bit!
But next on my list of skills to learn was sewing, and with the weather reaching insane summer temps, I figured it would be a great time to develop an indoor skill. So I hoped onto Facebook marketplace, looked for a sewing machine in my area, and found a few results! Some in good condition, some vintage ones that needed lots of work, but with a little research and a few messages back and forth, I settled on one that would be great to learn on. The very next day, I drove to pick it up, ordered a few little missing parts from Amazon, and couldn’t wait for them to arrive!
Since then, I’ve become familiar with my machine, learned basic stitches, made lots of fun things, and spent plenty of quality time with my seam ripper. Though it can be a daunting task to learn on your own, it isn’t impossible, and it has been so rewarding. Learning to sew as a homemaker is a useful and fun skill to stretch your creativity and stretch the dollars you spend as well!
Sewing as a useful skill in the home
The skill of sewing comes in quite handy as a homemaker, and I can only imagine the ways that will increase when we become homesteaders. Being able to quickly mend a ripped pair of pants or that one hole in the armpit of every tee shirt known to man comes in quite handy and can be done fairly quickly with the right color thread and straight stitch! A broken zipper might seem impossible now, but putting a new one in can take as little as 5 minutes once you’ve learned how.
Similar to mending, you can also customize your clothing to fit your style or fit your body more comfortably. You know that one dress that just gapes so strangely under the arms? That can be a quick fix if you have a few minutes to pin and sew it up!
If you want something totally new, you can find patterns and pick the fabric or even make your own plans. If you need a new duvet cover, you can absolutely make one out of that beautiful sheet you found at the thrift store.
And that brings me to my last point. Learning to sew can save you money! A new duvet cover goes for at least forty dollars. But two sheets at the thrift store cost a combined five dollars. The only additional cost is a little time and patience.
Sewing as a fun and relaxing hobby
As homemakers, we know that a big part of homemaking is bringing beauty into a space and making it cozy and inviting. Sewing is just one more way to bring personalized, handmade beauty to your home. Adding homemade pieces to your living room, bedroom, and even your kitchen creates a space that is unique to you, and each throw pillow, blanket, apron, and stuffed animal hold a story of love.
I’ve also mentioned before that I love to make gifts. While it’s not always possible, since I can’t make power tools for my husband, I do love to make things to share. Taking time to pick a fabric and an item that someone will love means so much more than any dollar amount you could ever spend.
Really, the possibilities are endless with sewing! Take a look around your home, and you’ll begin to notice all of the things you could make instead of buy next time you need them. Pillows, blankets, clothing, curtains, shower curtains, chair cushions, bowl covers, aprons, beeswax wraps… I mean, really, the sky is the limit!
My tips for learning to sew on a budget
- Purchase a used sewing machine. Of course, do research on machines you find to see if they are good starter machines, and be thorough when looking at one to purchase. I found mine of Facebook marketplace, and I only needed to replace to presser foot and bobbin case. The gems are out there if you’re willing to look!
- Look for low-cost fabrics. Always check the linens section of thrift or antique stores, and never throw away any of your own. Watch for sales at the craft and fabric stores, and never leave the store without checking the remnant selection. And keep those scraps! You never know what you could use them for!
- Plan your projects: Whether it’s a purchased pattern or an idea hot off the brain press, make sure you plan before you dive in. This will eventually save you money and time.
What I’ve made so far
- Pin cushion: I had some fabric scraps and pieced them together to make a pi cushion! It took about 10 minutes from start to finish, and comes in very handy!
- Bunting: This was the very first thing I made, and it was great for starting out! I made these for a shower for a friend, and even gave them as a gift when it was over.
- Primitive Stuffed Animals and outfits: These weren’t as beginner-friendly as I thought, but I’m too ambitious at times. However, they did turn out extremely cute, and I gave them to my friend as well.
- Throw Pillow Covers: This was my first item for my own home, and my first attempt at a zipper! I was surprised at how easy it was, and these linen blend pillow covers add a bit of homemade simplicity.
- Half Apron: This was a scrap project! I had a sheet from the thrift store that I had only used a little piece of, so I measured and planned, and got this apron done in just a couple of hours!
- Duvet Cover: This is my current project, and I’m so excited! I found a King-size flat sheet at the thrift store, and it’s the perfect light vintage pattern for a Queen-size duvet.
- Mending: I’ve also been able to repair many items of clothing very quickly. With my husband’s job, he rips shorts like you wouldn’t believe! My straight and zigzag stitches have been extremely helpful for these things!
Look around your home and think of all the things you dream of. You might want to change up the curtains, add a few pillows, make a stuffed animal, or maybe you need some bowl covers. The ways in which learning to sew can impact your homemaking skills are unbelievable! Basic sewing skills are extremely helpful and are definitely attainable for anyone who wishes to learn. I hope this post has inspired you to start up the machine again or for the first time.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to get a first look at any of my future projects.
Happy sewing, and until next time,
Rebekah
