National Sewing Month takes place every year in September. Ronald Reagan proclaimed in 1982, marking the start of the day. There has always existed a skill that improves the aesthetics of our homes, shields us from every weather, and ensures we have a good night’s sleep even in the coldest weather. Sewing is that skill. National Sewing Month is celebrated to honor this artistic practice that fashions our bodies and adorns our homes all year. So, grab your needles and start sewing.
History of National Sewing Month
National Sewing Month honors an inventive method of self-expression that we not only commemorate in September but enjoy throughout the year. Sewing goes back to 25,000 B.C., also recognized as the Upper Paleolithic Age. Sewing was utilized to make clothing and shelter during this period. The first materials were mostly animal hides and plant leaves. Initially, threading was done with thin strips of animal hide. Furthermore, bone and ivory were used as the first types of needles.
Most people associate sewing with Thomas Saint’s discovery of the sewing machine in 1750. Isaac Singer improved on the existing device in 1851. Singer’s prototype eventually became the industry norm for what we now call a sewing machine. Sewing was done by hand until the 19th century. Sewing societies became popular in the 1860s.
Sewing may appear to be a dying trade, but it is still absolutely loved by individuals from various walks of life. Millions of people around the world enjoy the hobby of sewing. Sewing can assist you in clearing your mind of daily hassles, allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life.
Creating quilts, clothing, and other masterpieces will always bring you self-satisfaction. Sewing is a fun activity to do alone or with friends, whether you sew from scratch, alter clothing, or repurpose your wardrobe.
National Sewing Month timeline
Cloth weaving from natural fibers begins in the Middle East.
Thomas Saint receives a patent for the first sewing machine.
The International Fabrics Association is founded to serve the specialty fabric industry.
National Sewing Month is observed for the first time.
National Sewing Month FAQs
Is sewing difficult to learn?
Sewing can be as easy as repairing a hole in your favorite pair of jeans or as challenging as putting a ballgown together. No more difficult than learning to bake or build a bookshelf is learning to sew.
Can you learn to sew on your own?
With a professional guiding you through the fundamentals, learning will go much quicker. However, you don’t need to be a skilled seamstress to enjoy creating your own masterpieces. Today, many professionals claim to have learned their craft from scratch and to have accomplished a great deal.
What is the significance of sewing?
Through your work, sewing allows you to express yourself. You can express your creativity when designing your own apparel in every step of the process, from choosing the pattern and fabric to adding the finishing touches. Additionally, it provides you with something to be proud of since your designs can set you apart from the competition.
National Sewing Month Activities
Visit a local quilt or fabric shop
Take advantage of this opportunity to indulge your passion by purchasing something new, or enjoy window shopping with future projects in mind. The holidays are quickly approaching, and people adore homemade gifts.
Get something customized
Make an order for just a suit jacket at your local tailor. Most tailors receive suiting training and should be able to create a lovely clothing item to mark the occasion this month.
Sew for a good cause
A handcrafted and stitched gift could be saved for a birthday, the holidays, or just given as a token of appreciation. If there are no children around, think about making something for your favorite animal or a nearby charity. Several organizations will gladly accept your donations of sewing projects.
5 Interesting Facts About Sewing
The Singer sewing machine
The Singer sewing machine, the world's most popular sewing machine, was invented in 1851.
Sewing experienced its heyday
The 1950s are recognized as sewing's golden period due to a strong focus on dress sewing, designer patterns, and replicating Hollywood looks.
The early stitching thread
Early stitching thread was made of small strips of animal skins and was used to sew together pieces of hiding and fur.
Napoleon created sleeve buttons
The French military leader is said to have pioneered putting buttons on sleeves.
Bone and ivory needles
Early stitching needles were commonly made of bone and ivory, which may sound like something straight out of "Game of Thrones."
Why We Love National Sewing Month
It inspires individuals
We honor the talented individuals who dedicate their days to working hard on the items of clothing we wear. This occasion can motivate others to pursue careers in the fashion and textile industries, as well as raise awareness about the craft of sewing, which is essential to fashion designers and textile factories.
It compels us to be creative
Sewing is one of those creative outlets where your imagination is your only limitation. With a sewing machine, you can make almost any type of clothing or home decor.
It has health benefits
Over time, sewing relaxes the joints in the fingers and makes them more agile. Sewing is calming; it can help you maintain a more constant heart rate, lower blood pressure, and produce less sweat. If you concentrate on sewing, it has relaxing benefits that can help you cope with stress.
National Sewing Month dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
2025 | September 1 | Monday |
2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
2028 | September 1 | Friday |