If the growing resistance to fast fashion hasn't already led more women to start making their own clothes, then the pandemic certainly has. Digital magazine service Readly reported that of the 5k titles and 83 million issues read globally in 2019, the most searched topic was needlework craft. Post-pandemic, more and more of us are dusting off grandma's sewing machine or joining the thousands causing a surge in new machine sales — John Lewis has seen a 127% increase since lockdown began — and we're not just making protective face masks.
If you've forgotten everything you learned in home economics, though, getting started can seem a little overwhelming. Fortunately, there are YouTube tutorials showing you how to set up every kind of machine out there, while Instagram is a goldmine of inspiration, tips, tricks, and hacks that will teach you everything from the basics to the more advanced moves. If you fancy making a Batsheva-style prairie dress out of an old pair of curtains or simply want to patch up your favorite jeans, there's nothing you can't learn online.
Click through to meet 13 of our favorite creators, from slick seamsters to knitters extraordinaire.
Gyasti Averia
Fans of COS and Toast should give LA-based Gyasti Averia a follow. Her penchant for a linen look in a plethora of neutrals is bound to make her a favorite of the natural minimalist.
Lydia Morrow
We've long been fans of Lydia's pop-bright color palette. From patchwork jackets and Tencel dresses to crochet knitwear and everything in between, Morrow's page is proof of the serotonin-boosting power of color.
Abolaji
Dallas-based Abolaji not only has the sweetest secondhand and homemade wardrobe but the sewing station of our dreams, too. With polka dot milkmaid blouses and tiered gingham prairie dresses galore, we're hooked on her pieces. Her Scrunch top has taken over our Insta feeds, so that's next on our DIY list.
Mette Wendelboe Okkels
If you've always admired the Scandinavian aesthetic, give Okkels a follow. Her delightful and cozy knitwear patterns will fill your wardrobe with pieces that make you look like you spent a year in Copenhagen.
Atia Azmi
Besides taking us with her as she makes floral midi dresses and space-dye knitwear, Azmi hosts un:CUT: The Makers' Podcast and has the most incredible home, too. Come for the sewing tips, stay for the interiors inspiration.
Lydia Bolton
We love that Bolton uses old clothes to create new ones, rather than buying fabric to make new pieces. Think footy shirts transformed into going out tops, trackies turned into smart trousers, and a heavy dose of '00s nostalgia.
Wendy
We defy you not to spend hours on Wendy's YouTube channel: she finds inspiration everywhere from Beyoncé's music videos to Copenhagen Fashion Week's runways, which she then recreates at home. You'll lose hours watching her magical creations — and that's no bad thing.
Lydia Higginson
Higginson's journey started when she committed to phasing out every bought item in her wardrobe and replacing them with pieces she'd made herself in an act of resistance against wasteful consumerism. Now she creates size-inclusive sewing patterns and teaches beginners classes for all.
Denise Bayron
Bayron learned to sew and embroider from artisans in Southeast Asia, where she volunteered after leaving her job in PR. From bradigan sets to cold weather-ready beanies, her comforting palette of mustards, oatmeals, and slate grays makes her the perfect follow for the coming season.
Anna Allen
Allen's had so many sewing patterns go viral that you'll most likely have seen her pieces all over Instagram already, from the Persephone pants to the Demeter dress. We love her simple, dreamy pieces — next on our list is her reversible quilted jacket, although we'll have to wait until next year...
Black Girl Knit Club
Based in east London, Black Girl Knit Club was founded as a virtual place to celebrate Black women and girls who want to learn and share hand skills. From Zoom stitchalongs to its spotlighting series Black Women In Craft, there's a plethora of resources to inspire you.
Rachael
One look through software engineer Rachael's Insta page and you'll find a host of fantastic jumpsuits to copy as well as tips and tricks for the beginner and seasoned sewer, from measurement movement guides to pocket press templates.
Lily Fulop
Refinery29's very own Lily Fulop is all about mending what you already own to keep anything from heading to the bin. "On a mission to save clothes from landfill," her tips and tricks on how to darn socks, fix broken seams, and turn T-shirts into hair accessories will mean nothing you own goes to waste.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Post a Comment