Monday Musings: Lessons from Sewing My Own Clothes
I started sewing when I got COVID during the pandemic, around September 2021. Stuck in isolation with nothing much to do, I figured—why not spend the next two weeks learning something I’d always wanted to try? At the time, I was also binging Next In Fashion on Prime, where contestants were constantly challenged to sew a gown in just five hours. I thought, well, how hard could it be? So, I ordered the cheapest sewing machine I could find on Shopee and started watching tutorials on YouTube.
Sewing is one of those things that looks intimidating but is actually pretty accessible once you get past the initial learning curve. It takes patience, but once you get the basics down, it’s surprisingly straightforward. I genuinely believe that anyone with an interest in sewing should give it a shot—it’s one of the most rewarding skills I’ve ever picked up!
Here’s what I learned from making my own clothes.
1. Well-Made Clothes Are (Usually) Worth the Extra Expense
Good quality clothes take significantly more effort to make than cheap, mass-produced ones. I mean, duh, obviously—but the difference is massive. You might think a ₱200 top from Lazada is the same as a ₱700 one from Uniqlo because they look alike, but they’re really not. And those ₱2,000 jeans from Uniqlo? They’re worlds apart from a ₱4,000 pair from Levi’s.
Because I sew my own clothes, I’ve learned to look beyond appearances. I check the fabric, construction, and finishing because that’s where the real difference lies. That’s why some things cost more than others.
2. I Buy Less, But I Spend More on Each Piece
Since picking up sewing, I’ve become far more selective about the clothes I buy. I shop way less than I used to, but when I do, I’m willing to spend more on a single piece. Am I actually saving money? Not sure yet! But over time, I know I’ll buy less because well-made clothes don’t need to be replaced as often. And that, in itself, is a win.
3. Long, Repetitive Tasks Can Be Surprisingly Refreshing
My mind is constantly running, and thanks to social media, my attention span has taken a hit over the years. That’s why I’ve come to appreciate sewing as a mental reset. It’s a long, repetitive process that requires extreme focus but very little creativity—at least in the actual execution. Most of sewing is just cutting and finishing fabric, which is pure drudge work. And honestly? I love that. It’s like taking a long, hot bath after a dusty day out—mind-clearing and oddly soothing.
4. Making Something by Hand Is Precious
There’s something special about wearing a piece of clothing you made yourself. You know every stitch, every tiny imperfection, and the effort it took to bring it to life. It’s a level of appreciation that just doesn’t exist when you buy something off the rack. Sewing has made me realize how much labor and skill go into making quality clothes, and now, I value every piece in my wardrobe so much more.
Sewing has completely changed the way I see clothing, not just in terms of quality and craftsmanship, but also in how I value the things I own. It’s made me more mindful of what I buy, more appreciative of the work that goes into well-made pieces, and surprisingly, more patient with myself. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something with your own two hands, knowing that it’s uniquely yours. Whether or not you ever pick up a needle and thread, I think there’s a lesson here: the things we invest time and effort into will always hold more meaning. And honestly? That’s a pretty great way to approach fashion and life.
