Get Handy with a Sewing Machine
Investing in a quality sewing machine will cost you around R2000, but the money you save by making your own accessories or clothing makes it well worth the cost.
11/06/2022
I have owned a sewing machine for most of my life. When I was young, if there was a fashion item that I liked but couldn't afford, I would try and make it for myself. Growing up and getting married, the sewing machine once again came in handy for making curtains and blinds, cushions, and small decorative accessories. Add in a couple of children and being able to make clothes for kids - who grow so quickly it is hard to keep up with the quantity of clothes they go through - you can save a fortune on clothes the kids can play with. There are so many ways that a sewing machine can be useful
You can purchase a known-brand sewing machine for around R2000, but what you can make with that sewing machine is what makes it a money-saving investment. Knowing how to use a sewing machine and all the types of sewing you can do is not that difficult now that we have access to hundreds of how-to videos and thousands of tutorials, and once you really get the hang of it, you can use it to make accessories for your home and family or you can use it to make some extra cash.
What can you make with a sewing machine?
Clothes are the most obvious answer, but there are oh so many more items that you can make for the home. From cushions to couch covers, below are just a few items you can make if you own a sewing machine.
1 | Bed Linen
As prices go up and up, there has to be a way to keep a tight rein on spending and some items don't get put on the shopping list as often as they used to. Where one could afford a few different sets of bed linen, now you have to settle for a set that does every day. With a sewing machine and trendy fabric, you can make your own duvet covers and matching pillowcases for a fraction of what it would cost to buy in a store.
2 | Blinds
One of the easiest window treatments to make for a home is Roman blinds. The fabric blinds can be made in any size for unusual or awkward windows, and you can select the perfect fabric for your room decor. Plus, if you are making them yourself, you can use any leftover fabric to make cushion covers, cover an old lampshade or two, or make decorative accessories. All the supplies you need to construct a Roman blind, including the fabric, can be purchased at most larger fabric stores.
ideal home
3 | Curtains
Window treatments, particularly for unusually sized or awkward windows are not something you can buy and usually have to have custom-made. It is also impossible to find cafe curtains or curtains for small windows, such as for a bathroom, and if you do come across them in the store, they usually come in a very limited selection.
chambers interiors
With a sewing machine and a trip to your local fabric shop, you can equip yourself with everything you need to make a set of curtains for any size or shape of window, whether you want something plain and formal, lightweight, and casual, or curtains in a particular colour and pattern.
4 | Cushions
I know first-hand how frustrating it can be to find the perfect cushions for a living room, ones that not everyone else has in their homes and ones that perfectly complement your home decor. A quick and easy sewing project, making cushion covers will definitely save you a bundle if you make your cushions from scratch. A cushion inner costs around R30 upwards and is relatively cheap if you buy them from a fabric supplier and, once again, you get to choose your own fabric - plain - patterned - brightly coloured - and even embellished.
5 | Covers (chair, couch, or sofa)
If everyone is tightening their belts during these hard times, getting a new sofa, lounge suite or just a chair, is off the cards. Luxuries must be put on the back burner for the time being. If you own a sewing machine, even with only basic sewing skills, you can still make a cover for your stained, torn, or grubby furniture. Cotton and linen are affordable fabrics that are easy to work with and, with a little practice, you will soon be able to cover your furniture with new covers.
comfort works
It doesn't need to be an expensive or over-the-top sewing machine with all the bells and whistles. All you need is a sewing machine that does the basic stitches, and you are ready to sew for your home. If you are still not sure how it would save you money, go online to research the price of fabric at local fabric stores and any accessories you will need. Once you realise how much it will save you, you won't look back.