Sewing: More Than Just a Hobby – 15 Life Skills You’ll Learn
I’ve been sewing for as long as I can remember, and I’ve learned that it’s so much more than just making clothes. Sewing has taught me valuable life skills, from problem-solving and patience to creativity and resourcefulness.
Throughout my life I have sewn for dolls, for myself, for my children and friends, and for my career. With each new project I discovered more about myself and realized I have learned most of the valuable life skills from honing my craft. Here are 15 valuable life skills you can learn from sewing.
Patience
Sewing takes time and care. There is a lot to learn with each new project, and rushing through can lead to disaster. Additionally, when there is an error to fix (sometimes caused by rushing) that requires patience as well. Mostly patience with yourself.
In life I have found that being patient with myself means that it’s okay to take the time to work through trials of mental health, physical strength, and personal relationships. Solving problems takes time and that’s okay.
Attention to Detail
Small details matter a lot in sewing, whether striving to maintain an accurate seam allowance or picking a thread color that matches your fabric. The best end product comes because of the numerous particulars and foundational choices that lend to the bigger picture.
I have found that my children have especially required my detailed attention at every stage of their lives. Success in my career has come because of God, and my ability to notice important details that I might have missed otherwise. I didn’t start life with that attention to detail; I had to learn, and practice it.
Creativity
Sewing lets you (and sometimes forces you to) be creative by adapting a pattern to better suit you, designing something new, or using supplies and materials in a way you have never tried before.
Creativity opens your mind to inspiration and allows for movement in rigid situations. That movement has allowed me to find ways to bond with my family in unique ways, problem-solve in my business, and design pattens that are both useful and appealing.
Problem-Solving
When sewing doesn’t go as planned, you must learn to figure out what’s wrong and how to fix it. As Tim Gunn (the star of Project Runway) always says, ”Make it work!” And practice makes perfect.
I have practiced a lot. The more I “Make it Work” the better I am at finding successful solutions. Behind the scenes there are always problems; those don’t go away, but I have become proficient in resolving issues.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Sewing by hand or machine helps improve your coordination and control. Good hand-eye coordination is also needed for cutting accurately (which is a hugely important detail for a good finished product).
Since I started sewing as a child I developed good coordination early. As I age I know that maintaining coordination remains ever important. I am always amazed at the stunning hand sewing done by aged indigenous peoples around the world. It’s truly inspiring.
Math Skills
Math is required to calculate things like necessary supplies for a project, or how many pattern pieces will fit in a length of fabric. When sewing and designing quilts, you’ll often use math to change the size of a quilt or add borders to make it bigger. You will become excellent at fractions too, because they’re EVERYWHERE!
I am especially careful to get the most out of my supplies so I have as little waste as possible. Getting good at math has helped me properly manage my finances, organize my business, and design my room.
Following Directions
Using a sewing pattern or tutorial teaches you to follow steps carefully. You certainly can’t skip to the end of a pattern and expect a good product.
Similarly, many other situations in life require a step-by-step approach. It’s important to pay attention to where you leave off, and what’s still left to do.
Time Management
You might be sewing a birthday present for a friend or working on an outfit for a special event. Sewing projects can teach you to manage your schedule so you will finish on time. An important element of time management is knowing what you’re capable of, prioritizing properly, and committing to the timeline.
There are so many draws on my time. It can be tempting to procrastinate or overcommit my time. Through sewing I have learned to: properly prepare for projects and events, allow time for things to go a bit wrong, and only commit to things that are a priority.
Being Resourceful
Looking at a pile of pretty scraps or other materials that you have on hand can inspire you to use what you have and be inventive.
I always have scraps saved because I don’t like to waste things. When I can imagine a combination of colors and designs I can create something truly lovely. The free pineapple quilt pattern above is an example of this. I used what I had on hand, put my life skills to use, and voila!
Recycling in New Ways
Sewing can help you live in a more eco-friendly way by upcycling unwanted items made of fabric. Think of how Maria made clothes from curtains in the Sound of Music!
I think using what we have is a lost art these days, but it has really helped me appreciate what I do have and be more responsible with the resources available. I have taught my children the importance of using and reusing materials so that we can cut down on waste and recognize the value of ordinary things that we take for granted.
Self-Confidence
Finishing a bag, a quilt, or something to wear can give a real sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. Learning a new skill provides the same sense of worth as you are able to recognize your capabilities.
Through my sewing I have been able to build a reservoir of successes and achievements (including the ability to overcome mistakes) that I can draw from when I’m feeling down or slumped. In all aspects of my life this is an important life skill.
Perseverance
Sewing projects don’t always go smoothly, but sticking with it until you’ve solved the problem teaches perseverance at any age or stage of life.
I have spent hours working on my design wall, and I have spent more hours taking apart and reassembling quilts. Without the ability to stick to a tedious and difficult task I would not have been able to see just how wonderful my inspiration and creativity could take me.
Organizing
Learning to keep your sewing space and supplies neat can help you stay organized in other areas, too. As you recognize positivity in certain situations it can be easier to apply that positive change in other situations.
As I began sewing, I quickly recognized the benefit of having supplies in order and a place for everything. My creativity was free and my mental health is improved in an organized space. As a writer of free sewing patterns I was able to merge my personal life of organization with my business by developing patterns for organization that can be used in multiple situations in life.
Budgeting
Every project should have a limit for the amount of money that can be spent on it. Planning what you will make and purchasing the materials can teach you how to stick to a budget.
It could go without saying, but budgeting is ever important as the economy and life situations shift (especially unexpectedly).
Saving Money
By learning to hem your own pants, replace lost buttons, and make minor alterations, you will save money and reap the benefits of doing things yourself. You will also be able to achieve financial goals more easily by fixing things instead of replacing them.
I am comfortable in my circumstances because I have learned to be frugal. Sometimes it even helps to take the money that you would otherwise spend on buying a new pair of pants, for example, and save it. At the end of a year you might be amazed at how much we can needlessly spend if we’re not applying life skills.
I will always advocate for developing and learning essential life skills. Sewing is a passion and a way of life for me. It has been foundational in my life and a place where I have drawn strength and confidence. I hope the same for you. Happy sewing!
More from SewCanShe:
30+ Adorable Valentine Sewing Patterns: Melt Their Hearts
Quilting and Sewing Terms: What They Mean Plus Free Sewing Patterns To Help You
45 Free Ideas to Upcycle and Repurpose
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂