How Sewing Is Weaving Its Way Back Into Our Everyday Life

The other day, while venting to a friend about how finding the right outfit for the right occasion always feels like a struggle, he shared a memory that resonated with me. His grandfather used to bring home stacks of fabric, proudly showing them off and then his grandmother would pull out her sewing machine, slide on her glasses, and get to work. The rhythmic clack of the machine was a constant as she transformed that fabric into shirts, dresses, sheets, pillow covers, and whatever else was needed and just like that, everyone, including the home, had new clothes for the year.

It was not just practical or sustainable, it was a tradition born of generations of wisdom which saved money, brought the family together, and gave their wardrobe a unique touch. However, with the pulls and pushes of the rise in nuclear families, new age technology, and fast fashion, this traditional wisdom took a backseat for a bit.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion

Increasingly, today – in an era of fast fashion, where clothes barely make it through a season before they end up in a landfill – there seems to be pushback that is gaining ground as people take into account the environmental sacrilege these landfills are. A hidden giant when it comes to pollution, the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – equivalent to carbon emission from the entire European Union. The sector also drains water sources, dumps harmful chemicals into rivers, and sends a staggering 85% of textiles to landfills each year.

Most of the environmental damage comes from three stages: dyeing and finishing (36%), yarn preparation (28%), and fibre production (15%). The UN warns that if nothing changes, emissions from textile manufacturing could rise by 60% by 2030. Right now, we’re discarding 92 million tonnes of clothing every year—roughly the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothes every second. If we keep going like this, that number could hit 134 million tonnes by the end of the decade.

Create Something That is Uniquely You

So, the next time a trending reel pushes you to buy that “must-have” outfit that will be out of style by next week, pause. Fortunately, the GenZs, who are eco-conscious by nature, have started to ask whether buying five new shirts a month is really worth it if most end up unused or tossed with the season. Amid this frenzy, it’s the wisdom of generations that is making a comeback in homes across the world, as people realise that the most sustainable way going forward is to bring out those sewing machines and do your bit to save the planet. Once considered a tool for a generation supporting large families on meagre incomes, the sewing machine is finding favour and flavour among those tired of disposable fashion and seeking to be hands-on and purposeful.

People want clothes that feel like them. In a world saturated with mass-produced everything, sewing provides a chance to stand out. It’s self-expression with needle and thread. Surprisingly, it’s also great for your mind. The repetitive, tactile nature of sewing can be meditative, offering relief from anxiety and a break from the endless scroll of screens. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and mindfulness. 

Blending Tradition with Modern Aesthetics

Today’s sewing looks different from what our grandparents knew – it’s faster, more flexible, and far more creative. With access to thousands of online patterns, digital tools, and speciality fabrics, people are experimenting beyond the basics. At the same time, there’s a growing trend of merging old techniques with new styles. Traditional methods like hand embroidery, quilting, and natural dyeing are being showcased using bold cuts, unconventional fabrics, and streetwear aesthetics. Sewing is no longer a solitary activity – it’s become a shared movement. Across cities and online, "sewcial" groups and community spaces are popping up, offering opportunities to learn, share resources, and bond over projects.

Sales of sewing machines have surged in recent years, with many brands reporting double-digit growth. Fabric stores are seeing a resurgence in sales by individuals, and online pattern downloads are booming. What’s especially interesting is who’s sewing: it’s not just retirees anymore. Teenagers, 20-somethings, and busy parents are all getting involved, driven by a desire to break free from mass-produced ‘sameness’. and create something meaningful.

Sewing Meets Technology

As technology evolves, so does sewing. Innovations like smart fabrics that react to touch or temperature, digital pattern software that adjusts sizing instantly, and even AI tools that help design garments are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Schools and nonprofits are picking up on the movement, introducing sewing into youth programs to teach both practical skills and sustainable thinking.

Make It Yours

So, if you have an old shirt that doesn’t fit or a pair of jeans in need of a fix, don’t toss them just yet. Repurpose them. Make them yours again. Whether you’re altering, customising, or starting from scratch, sewing offers a low-waste, low-cost, and deeply satisfying way to fight back against the throwaway culture and create something that’s lasting—and that truly feels like you.

Authored by Seema Mahajan, President - Studio of Fashion & Craft, at Usha International. Views expressed by the author are their own.