Sewing is a fun and exciting hobby for people of all ages.
You can learn to sew and become an expert sewer from various places.
However, with these tough economic times, individuals are looking for ways to reduce expenses.
So, IS Sewing a Frugal OR Expensive Hobby?
Sewing can be quite expensive as a hobby, depending on the equipment used. And fabric. Of course, sewing can be a costly hobby if you choose high-end equipment and expensive material. But it doesn’t always have to be. There are numerous ways you can lower your expenses. For example, you can buy a used machine or second-hand fabric.
Why Should You Learn How to Sew?
Sewing is one of the skills that are worth learning.
You can make a decent income if you become an expert and gain experience in this skill.
Individuals are always for ways to earn extra cash. Therefore, sewing can be a good side hustle if you know how to do it.
You can sew and sell things locally or online. At first, you’ll start with simple things, but as your skills advance, you can create customized and unique outfits worth hundreds of dollars.
Apart from making clothes, you can sew other things and get money.
For instance, you can make blankets, quilts, and other home items. You can also sew handbags, accessories, and stuffed animals.
What Are the Benefits of Sewing?
1. A Sense of Accomplishment
We get overjoyed when we do something, and it turns out successfully.
It will feel nice when you create a handmade item from scratch.
Even if it is not as perfect as you’d love, you’ll still feel good as you attempted.
2. A Great Side Hustle
We live in tough economic times. As such, everyone is looking for ways they can make more money.
Once you become a pro at sewing different things, you can take orders from people who love sewn items.
You can even start a class to teach people how to sew.
3. It’s a Stress Reliever
Stress is among the common mental problems that affect many people.
But instead of opting for the medications doctors prescribe, you can try to distract your mind by sewing.
This hobby can clear your mind from negative thoughts and allow you to relax and focus on the task at hand.
It is also suitable for people with anxiety and depression since it gives them something to focus on.
4. Allows You to Be Creative
You can choose to sew premade patterns or come up with your own.
And you can add several design styles like patches to the item you’re sewing.
Also, you can use the pieces you make to decorate your house. You can make pillow covers and curtains, which are excellent house décor items.
5. Improves the Coordination of Hands and Eyes
You’ll need to coordinate your hand and eyes to sew perfectly. It won’t be easy when starting. But with each attempt, you’ll become more skilled. Hand-eye coordination can help in other areas of your life.
How Can You Start Sewing Frugally? Seven Methods
1. Opt for an Online Sewing Course
You probably don’t know much about sewing if you are a beginner.
Many people often look for private teachers to teach them how to sew.
But, most times, these are expensive.
You can save some dollars by looking for an online course and free tutorials on YouTube.
2. Buy an Affordable Sewing Machine
Remember that you are only exploring this hobby to see if you’ll love it. If you end up disliking it, you may have wasted your money on an expensive machine.
Using your hands during the first few months is better, and then you can buy an affordable machine later.
Opt for the regular sewing machine, which is still reliable and goes at a lower price.
Alternatively, you can buy a second-hand machine. But, please look for one in good condition.
3. Learn How to Hand Sew
Sewing machines, even high-end ones, do not have all the features you need to sew.
Therefore, it’s wise you know how to hand sew to compensate for the missing details. Sure, hand sewing is time-consuming.
But it will reduce your expenditure and let you sew pieces perfectly.
You’ll need to learn a few basic stitches like back stitch, running stitch and cross-stitch.
Then, once you advance, teach yourself the complicated ones.
4. Work with the Available Materials
It’s wise to use the materials you can easily get.
This point is crucial if you are a newbie still learning the basics of sewing.
Instead of wasting time and money looking for resources you don’t have, work with the materials readily available.
We advise you to use what you already have. Instead of rushing to buy expensive fabric, consider items in your home like old clothes, sheets and blankets that you no longer use.
5. Buy Only the Needed Sewing Tools
A common mistake people make is buying everything at once.
But, this can be very costly and unaffordable if you don’t have a budget. You don’t need many things when starting.
Some of the tools you need may be found in your house. The most important things are the fabric, crocheting tools and stitching materials. You may not even need a sewing machine when starting.
6. Buy Fabric Online
Online stores are the best places to purchase new fabric.
But start with visiting the local physical fabric shops to identify the fabrics you want.
Then, once you have, buy them online at a lower price. However, we should mention that buying fabric you haven’t seen or touched is a bit of a gamble.
But, it’s worth trying if you are not too picky and don’t have a huge budget.
7. Make Costumes and Formal Wear
Costumes are super expensive. Once you perfect your sewing skills, you can save some dollars by making your costumes.
So, don’t buy costumes for Halloween, theater or reenacting. Instead, sew them yourself.
Formal wear is another costly clothing type.
These include garments for prom, weddings, and the office. Sure, the clothes look complicated to make. But they are doable.
Final Thoughts
Sewing is an exciting hobby. However, it needs one to dedicate their time, effort and resources.
It can be difficult at first if you have never tried it. But it is a rewarding experience, and as long as you have the right tools, you can sew anything you want.