What Is National Sewing Month?
National Sewing Month is a month-long celebration of home sewing observed every September in the United States. It was established in 1982 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation at the request of the American Home Sewing & Craft Association, recognizing the importance of home sewing to the nation. Sewists celebrate by starting new projects, learning new techniques, taking classes, and sharing their work with the sewing community.
Most hobbies don't come with a presidential proclamation. Ours does, friend! Tens of millions of Americans sew at home, and back in 1982 the country made it official: September belongs to the sewists. Congress passed the resolution, President Reagan signed the proclamation, and follow-up proclamations kept the tradition going through the decade. The sewing community has carried it forward ever since, which tells you everything about who we are. Nobody had to make us celebrate. We were going to do it anyway.
So let's celebrate! Here are five of our favorite ways:
1. Start the project you've been circling
You know the one. The pattern you've saved, the fabric you've been petting every time you walk past it. National Sewing Month is your excuse to finally cut into it. If you need fresh inspiration, our downloadable patterns collection delivers instantly, so your September project can start tonight.
2. Learn one new technique
Maybe it's your first zipper, your first applique, your first go at machine embroidery. Pick a skill slightly outside your comfort zone and give yourself the month to get friendly with it. September-you will hand December-you a whole new ability right before gift-sewing season starts, and that's a nice trade to make with yourself.
3. Watch, stitch, repeat
If you learn best by watching someone else's hands, pull up a chair to 3 Things Live, our live show packed with creative tips, sewing inspiration, and the latest in quilting. It's like sitting in the sewing room with your girlfriends, except nobody has to vacuum up threads afterward.
4. Finish a UFO (you know you have one)
Every sewist has an UnFinished Object tucked away somewhere, patiently waiting its turn. National Sewing Month is a good, low-pressure excuse to pull one back out and finally cross the finish line. Finishing an old project clears a little guilt and a little shelf space, and that's a satisfying feeling on its own!
5. Teach someone to sew
The whole reason this month exists is because home sewing matters, and it only keeps mattering if we pass it on. Invite a grandchild, a neighbor, a friend who's been "meaning to learn" to your sewing table. A simple beginner project from our sewing and quilt patterns is all it takes to get someone hooked for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Sewing Month?
National Sewing Month takes place every September in the United States.
Who started National Sewing Month?
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Sewing Month in 1982, following a Senate Joint Resolution and a request from the American Home Sewing & Craft Association. Additional proclamations followed through the 1980s.
How do people celebrate National Sewing Month?
Sewists celebrate by starting new projects, learning new techniques, finishing unfinished projects, taking classes, and teaching others to sew.
Ready to make September count? Browse our downloadable patterns and pick the project that kicks off your National Sewing Month.
P.S. Not sure which project or technique to tackle first? Email info@mygirlfriendsquiltshoppe.com or call 435-213-3229. We would love to help!