The practice of sewing your own clothing — garment sewing — experienced a revival in the 2010s-2020s as millennials and Gen Z rejected fast fashion in favor of handmade, custom-fit, sustainable wardrobes.
The Revival (2013-2023)
2013-2016: Indie pattern companies like Tilly and the Buttons, Closet Core Patterns, and Megan Nielsen democratized garment sewing with modern, flattering designs and inclusive sizing.
2017-2019: #MeMadeMay (wearing handmade garments daily in May) became an Instagram phenomenon, showcasing sewists’ skills and encouraging participation.
2020-2021: Pandemic sewing boom: fabric and machine shortages hit hard. Everyone made masks first, then graduated to garments. Pattern sales surged 200-400%.
2022-2023: “Slow fashion” values sustained garment sewing interest despite easing lockdowns.
Why People Sew Clothes
Custom fit: Off-the-rack rarely fits perfectly. Sewists adjusted patterns to their bodies.
Sustainability: Rejecting fast fashion’s environmental and labor exploitation.
Creative expression: Choosing fabrics, modifying patterns, creating unique pieces.
Skill pride: Wearing something you made from scratch is deeply satisfying.
Popular Garments
Beginner: Elastic-waist skirts, kimonos, simple tops, pajama pants.
Intermediate: Fitted dresses (Deer & Doe Chardon, Tilly’s Cleo), Ogden Cami, button-up shirts.
Advanced: Blazers, coats, jeans, lined dresses, tailored pants.
Indie Pattern Revolution
Traditional pattern companies (Simplicity, McCall’s, Butterick, Vogue) had outdated aesthetics and confusing instructions. Indie companies like:
- Closet Core Patterns: Size-inclusive (0-30), modern basics
- Cashmerette: Plus-size focused (12-28)
- Helen’s Closet: Trendy styles, excellent instructions
- Deer & Doe: French aesthetic, vintage-inspired
…offered better designs, clearer instructions, and community support.
Challenges
Time-intensive: A simple dress took 4-8 hours; a coat 20-40 hours. Fast fashion’s $20 dress undervalued handmade labor.
Fabric costs: Quality fabric was $15-$30/yard. Making a dress could cost $60-$120 in materials — not necessarily cheaper than buying.
Fit frustration: Achieving good fit required muslins (test garments), adjustments, and patience. Many beginners quit after ill-fitting first projects.
Sizing inconsistency: Pattern companies used different size charts. Sewists needed to measure and choose sizes carefully.
Community & Education
YouTube: Channels like @WithWendy, @CoolirpaDesigns, and @BernadetteBanner taught techniques.
Instagram: #sewcialists community shared makes, encouraged beginners, celebrated finishes.
Sewing clubs: In-person and virtual sewing circles provided support and accountability.
r/sewing: 1M+ members sharing projects, troubleshooting, and pattern reviews.
Cultural Impact
Garment sewing became a political act — rejecting overconsumption, labor exploitation, and body-shaming sizing. It represented a return to skill-based hobbies and tangible creation.
Sources:
- r/sewing community: 1M+ members (2023)
- Instagram #GarmentSewing: 10M+ posts
- #MeMadeMay participation 2013-2023
- Indie pattern company sales data 2013-2023