How Can I Make My Sewn Items Worth More?

When I think about a sewing budget, I also think about how I sew the item. What am I sewing to equal? Target? Myer? A boutique store? Bespoke?

Things such as fit, technique and seam finishes add value to your product.

First of all, it is best if you take the time to make design changes to make sure the pattern fits first. This automatically puts you above Kmart/Target because their clothes are designed to fit a wide range of bodies, not YOUR body or your child's body.

Then, what techniques do you employ?
Do you try new things? Do you push yourself to learn?

Or do you avoid the zipper or buttonhole you have always dreaded, in favour of something easier? Trust me, the time you take to perfect technique really adds value to what you are making.

What seam finishes do you use?  Overlocking looks much more professional than pinked seams. But even overlocking can look cheap at times... see above! :)


A French Seam can look better than overlocked edges.

What about turn and stitch?

Yummy bias bound seams!

The reason I think about these things is because they cost nothing! (Oh except the bias binding, which is cheap anyway). They take time, but can increase the value of your sewn product tenfold.

So, maybe you splurged a little and bought an expensive fabric. If you take the time to do things right then your garment will save you money. We all need clothes, right?

Example: Woman's Unlined Dress

Material 3metres x $20 = $60
Matching Thread              $4
Buttons /Zip                     $5
Pattern                             $10

Investment = approximately $80

You didn't test fit, so it looks a bit funny in areas, maybe you sewed the zipper in a rush and it doesn't look quite right.  You can get a nice dress around the $60 - 80 mark at a big chain store, meaning you didn't save any money, really, you should have just bought one. Below is the only dress I have made for myself. It was not done properly, I have only worn it once and that was with something over it. What a shame, I love the fabric! If only I took the time to do it right.



Now imagine that we all took the time to do things the right way, our dresses fit superbly, seam finishes look clean and professional - those dresses would cost $100 at the very least. Do you see how this effects your sewing budget?

So question... how can I reuse this beautiful fabric? I have to be honest with myself, I don't think I will get much wear out of it. I think I need to upcycle! :)