10 Reasons I’d Rather Sew My Own Clothing

After 22 years of sewing much of my own clothing, you could say I’m biased towards custom made garments.  There’s a lot of debate on whether sewing for yourself is really worth it, financially or personally speaking.  While I can’t speak for everyone, here are the top 10 reasons I’d rather sew my own clothing:

1. You get your choice of colors, customizing what looks best on your complexion.  If you shop for a dress in a local deparment store, you’re likely to get only a few options – white, navy, or fuschia for instance.  But what if what you really want is ivory, chocolate brown, or peach?  (You sew your own dress!)
2. You can choose your own materials, selecting the fiber content and location of where the fabric was manufactured.  For my own wardrobe, I prefer natural fibers.  Cottons, linens, and wool are often replaced by polyester/spandex in ready-made clothing.
3. Every item can be tailored to fit you perfectly during the sewing process.  While you can have alterations done to a jacket you purchase in-store, it’s easier to tailor it as you go, and with less wear and tear to the finished item.
4. You have no pesky tags itching your back!  I can’t be the only person who’d rather not have those tags.
5. You have complete freedom of design, hem length, buttons, trims, etc. This is perhaps the most helpful aspect for customizing the garments you wear, as the possibilities are truly limitless.
6. You never have to worry about someone else wearing the same outfit to an event. This may not worry you on an everyday basis, but if you were attending a wedding or an Inaugural Ball, for instance, you would feel more confident modeling an original.
7. Conversely, if you see a designer outfit you want to recreate, you can sew something similar for a fraction of the cost.
8. On the subject of economy, you can sew ‘most any dressy or formal clothing for less than you’d buy it in the store.  Casual clothing like jeans, t-shirts, or very thin knit dresses are not going to be a significant price reduction when sewing for your closet.  But tailored pencil dresses, fit & flare dresses, and almost anything formal or bridal can be sewn for substantially less if you source your materials well…
9. You can make larger seam allowances than standard if you need to alter a garment down the road.  It may fit you perfectly now, but you might want to let the seam allowances out later on.  This way you have a garment that will last more years of wear as a result.
10. Sewing your own clothing is pure fun!  I’d rather sew my own frock any day over visiting half a dozen stores trying to find what I want.  It brings such a sense of accomplishment to make something with your own hands.  And every time you see it hanging in your closet you’ll remember the detailed work of hand hemming that skirt, or sewing on the lace trim with invisible tiny stitches…

Red dress shown above: Self-drafted 1950s pattern

Fabric: Made in Eddie Bauer from Joann’s.

Petticoat under skirt: available here

Brown Purse: Purchased from Amazon here

If we missed something, let us know in the comments below. Why do you sew your own clothing?

Till next time,

Katrina Holte

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