Is Sewing Clothes Cheaper Than Buying?

Growing up, I heard stories about my grandmother and then my mother sewing clothes to save money. It was less expensive than the expensive garments from the downtown department store.

But that was many years ago. In this age of internet and mass production, is it still true that sewing clothes is cheaper than buying them? Sometimes it is, but on average, no. It isn’t necessarily true any longer that you can save money by sewing.

There are times it pays off, though. We’ll take a look at when it’s worth it to make your own clothing and how you might save a little money when you do. But before you pull out your sewing machine, let’s talk costs.

Sewing Clothes vs. Fast Fashion

I hate to say it, but there’s no way to compete with today’s world of fast fashion. It is the most popular type of clothing, mainly because it is so inexpensive and disposable. 

These are the clothes that come from your typical department and big box stores. They’re mass-produced, so there is very little cost in manufacturing these garments. Their quality is not the best, and the labor employed to make them is very cheap.

Sewing clothes for yourself requires more attention to detail and takes longer. However, your materials are probably of higher quality, too, so you’ll pay more for the clothing you make yourself.

The Costs of Sewing Clothes

Your fabric will probably be the most significant cost associated with sewing clothes. What type of material you use will cause the price to fluctuate. For example, using a synthetic fabric like rayon will be less costly than a natural fiber like cotton. However, synthetics are also of poorer quality and not very breathable. In other words, they’re going to make you sweat.

Another hidden cost in sewing is the fabric for your garment’s lining or interlining. For example, if you are making a dress, you’ll likely need to factor in that cost. 

Of course, you will need a pattern. You might be able to find a free online pattern for what you want to make, but the template pieces can be slightly trickier to figure out than the packaged ones. (But they can be very worth the effort!)

Purchasing a pattern from the fabric shop can run you anywhere from $10-$15, depending on the project and the sewing company that designed it. 

And finally, there’s the cost of notions. Of course, you’ll need to get the right thread and any other small items your garment calls for: buttons, zipper, elastic, bias tape, etc. These aren’t costly (up to $5 per item), but they can add up.

Things to Consider When Sewing Clothes vs. Buying

Are you still on the fence about whether you should take the plunge and sew your own clothes? Let’s take a look at a few other things that may influence how you feel about sewing clothes.

There are many reasons for picking up sewing as a pastime, but that doesn’t mean that just because you can, you must. There are some reasons that will be enough for you to step away from the sewing machine, and others will draw you to it eagerly.

Who are You Sewing Clothes For?

Sewing clothes for kids can always be a toss-up. On the one hand, this is one area where sewing something yourself may actually be cheaper than store-bought. Kids’ clothing can frequently feel way overpriced. And because your littles are well, little, you won’t need as much fabric as with adult clothing, saving some more money!

On the other hand, do you want to do all that work for a piece that may not fit them six months down the road? Sewing them something for a special occasion is one thing, but everyday clothes will be too small before too long.

Or are you sewing for yourself? It will be a more significant investment of your time since you’re larger, of course, but at least you won’t outgrow it soon. And it may be nice to show off something you made yourself! Wearing your own creation is the best humble brag ever, “Oh, this old thing? Ha, I made it myself!” What a way to feel good about your skills!

Of course, if you’re sewing a gift for somebody beloved, it will probably be cherished. They will likely feel special and grateful that you were thinking of them.

What Kind of Clothes Are You Interested In?

Sometimes sewing clothes is the ideal way to get precisely what you want, if not the only way.

For example, if you like entirely unique and distinctive clothing, sewing is a definite way to get something you can be sure nobody else will have. Sewing clothes also allows you to add your own special twist to your clothes. Why not include a signature element to all your garments?

What is Your Skill Level?

Sometimes it is Cheaper to Sew Clothes

There are some situations where it may be a little cheaper to sew clothes instead of buying them. 

For example, do stores never seem to carry clothes that fit you properly? If you are a regular at the local tailor’s shop, you may ultimately save money by making your own clothing. Skip the frustration if you are tall, short, or plus-size.

If you love designer clothes but lack the means to add them to your closet, you can try sewing your own version. It might not be precisely the same, but you can be inspired by the high fashion and apply it to your own project.

This was the route I went for my wedding dress. I had fallen in love with a Vera Wang wedding dress (because, of course), and there was no way I could plunk down that kind of money. 

Fortunately, my unbelievably talented friend Hannah offered to make my wedding dress for me! Together, she and I put together our own design based on the Vera Wang dress I had tried on, and it cost a fraction of the store price. 

I’m still in love with Hannah’s beautiful artistry many years later! Here’s her handiwork. (I can’t resist any opportunity to display my dress proudly!)

Sewing on a Budget

Although sewing isn’t always the cheapest hobby, there are some nifty ways to save money while creating unique projects.

Keep an eye on your local fabric shop; they frequently have retail sales or discounts on leftover material. Don’t buy your fabric at full price; it will eventually be available for cheaper.

You don’t always need to buy a few yards of material from your local shop. Instead, look for fabric in unusual places. For example, go thrifting and pick up pretty bedding or curtains. What could you make out of those? Or you can repurpose old garments if you find a color or pattern you like.

Another money-saving tip: pick a pattern with simple lines. This will use less fabric. And less material equals a smaller cost.

Another less reliable way to spend less money is to check online sellers like eBay or go to yard sales. You probably won’t make great fabric finds, but these are especially good ways to find notions for very cheap. You might even find some patterns you like.

Speaking of patterns, make the most of the patterns you already have. They typically come with multiple variations, so you can use the same pattern package to sew multiple pieces and get very different results.

Why Sew Clothes if it Doesn’t Save Money?

Most people don’t get into sewing as a hobby if they are looking to save money. Instead, they are often motivated by the urge to be creative. It feels so satisfying to sit back and admire your garment once you’ve finished it.

And isn’t bragging rights the best reason of all? Own your sense of pride! Then, when people compliment your outfit, you can proudly take in the look of astonishment and envy when you tell them you made it yourself.

Sewing clothes for yourself is also much better for the environment than buying off-the-rack, fast fashion. These garments aren’t made sustainably; they use many resources during the mass production process. Disposable fashion uses poor materials, so they aren’t durable. And, perhaps worst of all, the companies behind these clothes outsource labor to impoverished communities that earn very little for their work.