In 2025, making your own clothes no longer feels like the affordable hobby it once was. Fabric prices are climbing. Patterns cost more than some finished garments. And with the looming closure of Joann Stores—once the most accessible resource for everyday makers—many are questioning whether sewing still makes sense.
But the bigger picture is this: the entire cost of clothing is going up, not just handmade pieces.
Let’s break down what’s really changing, and why sewing may still be one of the smartest choices you can make.
1. Joann's Closure: A Loss, But Also a Turning Point
Joann Stores have been a go-to for many U.S. sewists—especially those just getting started. Their closure leaves a gap in local access to fabric, tools, and patterns. But it also exposes a truth that seasoned makers have known for years:
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Joann’s was convenient, but often overpriced and lacking in quality.
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Local quilt shops and online retailers offer better fabrics and deeper knowledge.
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The sewing community is full of under-the-radar sources worth exploring.
This shift forces many to be more intentional—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
2. Sewing Isn’t Cheap Anymore—But Neither Are Clothes
In past years, the comparison was simple: sewing versus buying. Now, with tariffs and global supply chain shifts, the price of ready-made clothing will also probably be increasing
. Fast fashion isn’t immune. Even the “cheap stuff” won’t stay cheap for long.
Here’s the new reality:
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Sewing may cost more upfront, but it often produces longer-lasting, better-fitting garments.
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The true cost of store-bought clothing now includes lower quality, poor fit, and ethical concerns.
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When done with intention, sewing offers a better return on investment than buying poorly made clothes you'll rarely wear.
3. The Emotional and Practical Payoff of Sewing
Sewing is about more than economics. In a fast-paced, mass-produced world, it gives you:
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Control over your style and fit
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An outlet for creativity
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A way to dress intentionally, not impulsively
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Clothing that reflects who you are—not just what’s trending
These are things money can’t always buy—and in 2025, they’re more valuable than ever.
4. So... Does Sewing Still Make Sense?
It depends on your expectations. If you’re sewing to save a few bucks, the math may not work out like it used to. But if you’re sewing to create a wardrobe with meaning, intention, and longevity—the answer is a clear yes.
Sewing isn’t just surviving the changes in 2025.
It’s adapting, evolving, and quietly becoming a better alternative.