Sewing – A Recession Proof Hobby In Uncertain Times

recession proof hobby

Are There Tough Times Ahead?

I'm no economist or professional analyst of any kind, but I think I feel what most people feel when it comes to the direction the world's economies are going. Whether it is a recession, or depression, or something different, I think that the next few years will bring a lot of new challenges. Particularly in challenging financial times your mental and physical health, as well as your pocketbook, can become either great sources of strength and support, or never-ending worry. For sewing enthusiasts like myself I struggle to see a better recession proof hobby than ours. In this article we'll discuss a little on how the hobby of sewing only becomes more valuable in difficult financial times.

What Is A Recession?

There are different definitions and standards to what is officially called a recession, but I will be using the simple definition found on Merriam-Webster

recession, noun (1)
re·​ces·​sion

3 a period of reduced economic activity

What does this mean for you and me? Simply that there's less opportunity, and work around. This could take the form of shortages, inflation, joblessness, etc. In the household it means potential job losses and lower buying power.

recession proof hobby

The Obvious

It doesn't take a genius to know that when the going gets tough having any tangible skill is better than not. At the basic level, clothes need to be fixed and made, and if people don't have much money they will look for alternatives.

Even an amateur sewer can greatly extend the lifespan of clothes through simple repairs. And if you can make whole garments with basic materials they can be bartered or traded for other things of value. This might sound far-fetched as it presumes a level of financial stress we haven't seen in generations, but some of the most powerful people in the world are talking about situations like this.

recession proof hobby

However, what is more likely is are harsher supply chain disruptions, particularly products coming from India and China, whom supply a great portion of the West's textile products. Given that places like the US and Western Europe have long since moved their textile factories to the East, domestic demand would be unsatisfiable.

Fostering Community On And Offline

In a less dire situation, like a normal economic downturn, we are likely to see a great deal more stress being placed on the household. Already inflation is taking a big toll on the average consumer. Sewing, while helping to subsidize the family pocketbook, is also a great source of community online and offline. I'm sure many of us here have had great experiences with our local sewing groups, or like-minded communities like ours here at SSE.

recession proof hobby

As much as I value the online community, from my personal experience I would highly recommend searching for a local sewing group in your area. It really is a joy to be able to share your passion with people face-to-face.

Real Assets

If you are fortunate to already be deep into the hobby of sewing, you most likely own a sewing machine. Unlike many things in life, used correctly, a sewing machine is a real asset (as in something that can earn you money). A well-maintained machine holds value over a long period of time and depending on the model and condition, can eventually become a very valuable antique.

recession proof hobby

No matter how bad things get, I am confident in claiming that a well-maintained machine will always be valuable (particularly if you have an industrial model). A valuable site like sew-machine-reviews.com is a useful site to make sure you pick out a good model.

The Mental

There is much to say about mental health. Regardless of your opinions or education on it, I have yet to find someone who could claim that having an activity that you enjoy and gives you purpose is bad for your mental health. On the contrary, a worthwhile hobby can be a person's foundation that supports them and their family through all sorts of tough times.

At the risk of sounding mystical or superstitious, I really think there is something innately healthy and relaxing about working with your hands. I've found this opinion shared by gardeners, artists, woodworkers, and of course sewers. Being able to look, touch, and share something you made with your own two hands is a special privilege.

Let me know what you think in the comments below. Are we heading into a recession? Do you agree that sewing is a recession proof hobby?


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Lora
Lora

I love being able to make things out of things I am ready to discard. I really think that is where sewing can make a difference in the budget. Or, making gifts out of already existing scraps and remnants, can really save money. But, fabric has gotten so expensive that I have not made anything in a long time that was cheaper than I could buy on sale from a store.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Lora

I agree with you fabric has got so expensive, but I like how you work around that problem.

Judy
Judy

I love your column! Tips, info, free patterns.
Thanks! It’s great.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Judy

My pleasure, hope you stay a while!

Pat Pfeiffer
Pat Pfeiffer

I think you are right. I do worry that the costs of fabrics, and all the other supplies are going up, but if all we ever do is repairs we still will be saving money, and if we teach others, as in children, grands, 4-H groups, scouts and others to sew, we are passing on an important skill that can be important to self-suffiency now and in the future.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Pat Pfeiffer

Indeed!

Sharla
Sharla

I completely agree with you on all points! It’s one of the reasons I bought my sewing machine in 2021, or I got it for my birthday, and I took up sewing. And as a bonus, besides being able to make clothes that I couldn’t find in the stores or online, I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I gave some things I had made for the kitchen to my son’s boss for Christmas. She’s like a second mom to him. She loved them so much she wants to buy from me for her gift boxes that she puts together and sells. It’s already looking promising to be an asset for our family!

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Sharla

I love your story, and indeed it is looking promising…

Suzanne
Suzanne

I’m not certain that anything is completely recession-proof, but if there is, sewing WILL be near or at the top of the list. As you said, there is mending, refashioning, making some new, making accessories, even soft shoes! I’ve taken apart old lightweight leather garments and fashioned slippers, dog collars, wallets and such. My parents and grandparents lived through the Great Depression and taught us some of the ways they survived. Then they lived through the shortages during WWII, again, they were experts at making do. I wish I still knew all they taught me, but I don’t remember everything from 50-60 years ago. (sigh!)
I also began learning to restore/refurbish vintage sewing machines a few years ago. If the production of new machines slows down or discontinues, this might prove to be a useful money-making skill. But there are many vintage machine lovers doing it, so it would depend on that unpredictable condition known as “demand”.
At this point, all is hypothetical but it could happen. So it doesn’t hurt to be aware and prepare.
When it comes to making something with one’s own hands, I’m in complete agreement with you. There is a certain healthy satisfaction in knowing you’ve made a garment wearable again, provide someone with a coat or blanket to keep them warm, perhaps a pair of shoes so a child won’t have to go barefoot. It is a privilege to do for others and part of God’s plan.
I sincerely hope we do not go into a severe recession, Still, I agree with you in that we’ll see supply chain disruptions. This could be bad, or good if it spurs re-development of manufacturing here in the US. But that’s more of a political discussion and not appropriate for this venue.

This was a very interesting blog; rather different than you usually do, and it made me stir up these old brain cells of mine; I enjoyed it! And I love many of the patterns that you share so generously. Many thanks.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Suzanne

Hi Suzanne, lovely comment, really thank you for your comments on the blog (57 of them). Your opinion is valuable to this blog, and I agree with you we have to do for others and try to help those around us. It is time to stop living as individuals and start forming communities. I am convinced hard times are ahead, but preparation and resourcefulness are within our grasp; together, we are stronger and more.

Mea Cadwell
Mea Cadwell

My son has told me I “sure do buy a lot of fabric”. During Covid is when I started doing that – looking for fabric sales to build up my stash.

Why? Because historical plagues and pandemics have a history of causing economic hangovers, aka recessions and depressions.

I have enough fabric to keep sewing for a long time just in case we can’t get enough here. I could sell fabric to earn money or to sew items to trade.

I’ve been doing the same thing with long-term food items as well. I’d rather have it, and not need it, than not have it and need it.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Mea Cadwell

I like how you think; I have a good stash as well. Never know when there will be no more. This is your 100th comment, by the way! Congratulations!

Karen L
Karen L

I have lived through a recession before — I was fortunate to be in a “recession proof” job at that time. However, with the impending recession I am in a very different “space” — I am now retired. As a young person during the previous recession, I had the health and ability to take on a part time job that helped with the increased economic demands of having a young son. Friends worked together to help each other with childcare as needed, clothing was “passed along” and the kids of that period learned that their expectations had to be adjusted as did those of the adults. We came through it — some more robustly then others — however it took the strength of the community to get through. People who tried to “go it alone” struggled more then was necessary. I don’t know anyone who came out of the recession unscathed, however I did see many people — young and old — develop additional skills and show great creativity in developing strategies to keep going and coming out the other side as stronger people.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Karen L

Dear Karen, Thank you for your invaluable comment.

Jane
Jane

I totally agree people are always looking for a sewist to fix or alter clothes, curtains and more.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Jane

Yes, this is true.

David
David

Great article! It is so very true that it can bring in extra money or a decent amount of regular money, depending on what you put into it and how much you want in return. I learned to sew many years ago on a treadle sewing machine and am glad I did. It can be very relaxing and even fun. My daughter just made her first quilt, so it looks like this hobby/skill/profession will carry on a little longer.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  David

Well done for inspiring the next generation.

Diana
Diana

Very good article and well thought out.

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Diana

Thank you!

Barb Barna
Barb Barna

It will very likely be a recession. Having lived through over 6 decades and worked in finance, I have a feeling it will be hard this time around. I learned to sew at age 11 and was making all my own clothes by 13. I was very lucky to have a grandmother that was an expert seamstress and was happy to show me things. I always had a sewing machine-from a treadle to a longarm. I still sew quite a few of my own clothes as well as clothing for my kids and grandkids, and now run a longarm quilting business. Over the years I learned to upcycle old clothing to save money, get great fabric from thrift stores and garage sales. At one time I ran a clothing repairs and alterations business from home, so I could stay home with my kids for a few years. Sewing is a useful skill…learn as much as you can. I love all the videos and blogs and I am always trying to add to my skills repertoire.
Barb

Mayra Cecilia
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Reply to  Barb Barna

Completely agree with you. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Barb.