People often tell me "it must be nice to make your own clothes but it’s expensive, ... it takes time... it’s difficult..." So yes, sewing requires some investment in equipment, supplies, and time... but it brings so much!

And after reflection, I told myself that to fully address the question, you shouldn’t compare apples to oranges, that is, making or buying your clothes ready-to-wear...

In short, these questions led me to reflect on the reasons that push me to create cherished clothes for myself and those I love; while I could "settle" for buying them much cheaper from fast fashion chains... So today, it’s a moment of sewing introspection and I’m sure some will recognize themselves in my words.

Here are the 10 reasons that drive me to create my own clothes!

1. Choice of materials

When you decide to sew your own clothes (but also accessories), you have the opportunity to consciously choose the materials and supplies that will make up your garments. 

For me, it is important that my clothes are as much as possible made from natural fibers: cotton, linen, bamboo, wool... or the least processed or with the least addition of artificial products possible. All this while keeping in mind the comfort of the materials, the quality/price ratio, and a little ecological thought. This is actually what I advocate in my haberdashery. 

I am really committed to having no polyester in my wardrobe in the coming years (except for products or technical fibers where it is impossible). Unfortunately, I find that ready-to-wear chains still offer too many of these artificial materials. 

I also like to choose the most environmentally friendly materials with oeko-tex or GOTS labels.

2. Suited to your body shape  

When you have a "different" body shape from the standards, it is really nice to be able to adapt the garment to your size. For my part, I am quite short at 1.53m, so it is often difficult for me to find clothes in stores that really fit me (whether for leg length, shoulders, or back). I really enjoy being able to modify a sewing pattern so that it truly fits my body shape. Over time, through my sewing experiences, I have learned which measurements on the pattern I need to check. 

3. The finishes

I am very demanding about the finishes of my clothes, and sewing allows me to create the ones I truly want. There are many finishes I like: piping, choice of buttons, pretty overlock stitches, hidden bias, nice facings...

Every time I look at the finishes of fast fashion chain clothes, I am really disappointed (and I find this quite normal given the conditions in which they are produced). You really have to move up to mid-range price levels and brands to find finishes worthy of the name. 

4. Create the garment that matches your personality

Sewing your own clothes allows you to combine: 

• raw materials and supplies
• nice finishes
• colors
• sewing patterns / designs

and therefore create a garment that truly reflects one's personality. 

For my part, I love pretty patterns whether they are Japanese, floral, geometric... and it is not always easy to find "THE" garment you want in stores. Sometimes the color is wrong, sometimes the style, other times the finishes are ugly... In short, sewing my clothes allows me to combine these 4 factors and create "MY" garment that will be original and that I will never see worn by someone else. 

5. Slow fashion 

Making clothes takes time, and in my sewing process, I am increasingly careful to only sew clothes that I need or that will please my loved ones. I only sew what I truly need. This allows me to limit my wardrobe to what is really useful to me. 

The other side of this point is that sewing all my clothes allows me to avoid going to shops and therefore being tempted to buy clothes that I ultimately won't need. 

Ultimately, sewing your clothes allows you to create a thoughtful wardrobe. 

6. Being proud of yourself 

Sewing your clothes is very rewarding. Indeed, sewing is creating with your hands a useful object that you like. Plus, you receive many compliments which boost self-confidence. In short, it’s really a pleasure. 

The other side of this point is that sewing for loved ones and friends also strengthens the pleasure of giving but it is also a moment of sharing. 

And then, just look at my smile (or yours) when wearing a handmade piece!

7. A moment with oneself 

Sewing is a creative hobby that allows you to escape, to create a moment / a space for yourself. When I sew, I am focused on my task and the world could collapse around me and I wouldn’t hear a thing. This sewing moment is like a meditation space for me, or at least mindfulness. 

This is "MY" leisure moment. 

8. My clothes last longer 

And yes, if you choose your fabric and supplies well, and make beautiful finishes, your homemade clothes last much longer and stay more beautiful over time than anything you can find in big stores.

So, in the end, sewing your own clothes costs less because you buy better!

9. Support for creators 

It might be a bit like the hummingbird's share (if you don't know the fable, I invite you to discover it), but... I tell myself that when I buy a magazine or a pattern made by creators from my region/country or even neighboring countries, I am also supporting them on one hand but more generally supporting European creation. 

So, I buy as much as possible from small pattern creators who put all their heart into their designs; hoping this will contribute to a virtuous circle. 

10. For pleasure 

Well yes, after all that... sewing above all fills me with joy. From an exciting hobby, sewing has taken a very important place in my life and fills me with happiness whether I'm sewing for myself, for others, or giving advice... In short, what more could you ask for!

And you, why do you sew? Do you recognize yourself in these reasons? Tell me in the comments.