Here at SIY – Sew It Yourself, we know that sewing can change your life. The joy of making something with your own hands… the thrill of making thoughtful, personalized gifts… the therapeutic hum of the sewing machine and slice of the rotary cutter. Because we believe in the life-changing power of sewing, we want to help you find your own tribe of makers! That’s why we are pulling together all of our resources for a year of fun-filled projects to sew.

Each month, we want to invite you to the SIY – Sew It Yourself blog to LEARN, MAKE & LOVE.

LEARN from sewing experts and industry makers how to sew new projects each month. We’ll share free tutorials that are perfect for beginners—everything from totes and accessories to quilts and home décor. Join us for an incredible year of making! We’ve partnered with pattern writers, fabric companies, and inspiring makers to bring plenty of FREE tutorials and inspiration your way. We’ll also use the SIY blog to cover important topics you’ll want to know like sewing lingo, how to choose a machine, and last-minute gift ideas!

MAKE something from fabric, and share it with us. Wearables, bags, gifts for kids, nursery decor… we want to see it all! Here at SIY, we are personally SEW excited to use our pretty fabrics to make more than face masks. Follow @SIYSewItYourself and tag your projects with #SIY #SIYSewItYourself on social media!

LOVE yourself by taking the time to create. There’s a reason why YouTube searches for “arts and crafts” content are so high—having a creative hobby is a complete game-changer. As many people learned during the pandemic, crafting can be an excellent way to reduce stress, relieve the feelings of social isolation, and care for your own well-being by doing something that makes you happy. Learning to sew can help you connect with others who are also interested in crafting. Once you start sharing your makes online (or in-person at one of our SIY partner fabric shops!), you can finally connect with your tribe—the creative people who really get you. And who knows… you may just find yourself selling your wares on Etsy or embarking on another creative career path!

Is SIY right for me?

These last two years were filled with the frenzy of mask-making. Do you remember when fabric shops everywhere were sold out of ¼”-wide elastic? That’s the maker community coming out in full force! You sewed fabric face masks for essential workers, neighbors, family members, and friends. You dusted off mom’s old sewing machine or picked one up for the first time and learned how to make it sing.

Now we invite you to take that spark for sewing and fan it into a flame. Here’s why…

• Sewing gives you the chance to show off your unique style or personality. You can make your own skirts or tops, sew one-of-a-kind accessories, and alter clothing you already own in so many ways. You will feel amazing knowing how to rock your sewing machine!
• With a little fabric and thread, you can channel your entrepreneurial spirit. If you’ve ever wanted to make handmade items for sale, vend at craft shows, or create an online shop, SIY can get your creative juices flowing in the right direction this year.
• No matter how much free time you have on your hands—hardly any or hours on end—your sewing machine can offer you a much-needed creative outlet. Create something to show off and feel proud of—a quick and satisfying zipper pouch, drawstring tote bag, or a special patchwork quilt!
• Need gifts? Stop shopping for the perfect present and start making personalized gifts for those you love! Show your friends and family how much you care with a handmade laptop cozy, chef’s apron, nursery mobile, or wedding blanket. Whether you are sewing for yourself, your child’s teacher, or your grandchildren, everyone appreciates a thoughtful handmade gift.
• Let your home reflect your unique style personality with happy home décor that looks and feels like you. Sewing your own throw pillows, crib sheets/changing pad covers, coasters, wall art, table runners, fabric baskets, and quilts is extremely fulfilling. And guess what? You deserve it!

What’s the perfect hobby? One that sparks joy, inspires community, and results in creations you LOVE. When you can say you made it with your own hands? Even better. Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of the SIY—Sew it Yourself movement!

SIY – Sew It Yourself aims to inspire, motivate, and educate to grow sewing confidence. We are a community of supportive sewists of all skill levels, with plenty of beginners! Come here for tips and tricks and project ideas.

Join the SIY Movement

Need a little in-person support? More than 300 SIY retailers across the U.S. and Canada are offering in-person and virtual classes—making it easy to join a guided skill-building program. We’ve listed them all right here! While there are a number of online resources to help you grow your sewing skills, we encourage you to connect with retailers in your community. SIY retailers are excellent teachers and advocates for the sewing community who are passionate about what they do. Better yet, when you shop small you are supporting a local business and empowering your own neighbors!

No retailers near you? Your virtual tribe awaits! Browse our online library of beginner to intermediate projects. Our SIY Retailer Listing also includes online shops that offer virtual classes and programs.

Either way you go, you’ll…

• Meet new friends who are amped up about sewing and ready to learn alongside you.
• Get to share your own ideas with a community of passionate makers.
• Have access to SIY’s free patterns, video tutorials, and tips & tricks.
• Experience priority service when you shop at our Participating Retailers. Just tell them you found them on SIYSewItYourself.com!

Connect with Us

Be sure to follow @SIYSewItYourself on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more free, fun, and easy-to-make sewing projects!

Don’t forget to share your projects using the hashtags #SIY #SIYSewItYourself on social media – we cannot wait to see them!

Learn more about author Lindsay Conner!