Why Gen Z is Turning to Sewing

Unfortunately, we’ve all been forced to stay indoors due to the pandemic for many months. Many took this opportunity to make masks, and get well submerged into the craft of sewing, even a group of individuals you might not suspect. Millennials began to purchase machines and get to work flipping clothes, helping with the PPE needs, and making their own designs. So the question: Why is Gen Z suddenly interested in sewing now?

Being stuck at home with nothing to do, people reached for their sewing machines or quickly resorted to their computer to buy one. While home sewing has been dead for a few decades, people suddenly found themselves with a lot of time on their hands and needed something to do with it. Most picked up home decor sewing like pillows and other projects, and some garment making. The majority of those who started their hand at sewing garments were college-age students looking to create their own brand (very Gen Z of them, seeing that they’re entrepreneurial and thrive when using practical skills to accomplish tasks) and began making customized clothing like athletic and leisurewear. 

Similarly, Gen X is very into recycling the old to bring new life, which is exactly what a lot have done. I’ve seen numerous friends pick up sewing over the past year, and, wow, am I excited by their progress and creations. Gen  X and Y do not want to fit in like those in past generations. They would rather stand out. Younger generations have quickly grasped the idea that making your own clothing is an investment, but the pieces you create on your own account are well worth the time and effort put in. 

Popular social media apps also saw an increase in sewing activities making 60-second clips to show off their creations that include but are not limited to designer-inspired pieces and completely hand-crafted pieces that are so quirky they’re kind of cool. Given the popularity of certain apps, these videos made sewing go viral, in a way. However, a rise in the younger generation began to grow pre-pandemic. Other social media platforms have sparked an entire nation of DIYers that want to make a change (and aren’t afraid to do the hard work to get it done). Although I credited mask-making efforts to those from other generations before Gen X and Z have rightfully done their part in creating masks when supplies were low to practically non-existent. They used their resources by looking up mask tutorials and got to work. 

Piggybacking off of the desire to do their part, younger generations are greatly intrigued by sewing in efforts to shut down fast fashion and (cheesy but true) save the world one eco-friendly home-sewn garment at a time. In not so new news, garment factories that underpay their employees in unethical conditions are not welcome in our savvy sewing corner. Making clothes means you can use what you already have and add eco-friendly fabric to it or create completely new duds, but they get to pick their conditions, materials, fit, and style. 

The younger generations (also speaking for myself) often catch a hard time trying to hit maximum efficiency with minimum effort. While I can say that’s true for some, there are certainly many trailblazers carrying the pack full of innovation and drive to restore sewing in younger generations back to its past glory.

When did you learn to sew, and have your buying habits for materials changed recently as you reflect on the pandemic and its effects?