Can you sew? Sewing is an important skill and everyone should know how. After surveying 125 people at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts (LVA), here are the results.

At LVA, there is a higher number of people that can sew than the U.S. average, at 65%. Only 45% of Americans can sew a button, with only 12% able to tailor clothing, according to the Tommy John Household Chores Statistics.

But why value this skill?

Financial Benefits

Learning to sew can save money on clothing repairs and tailoring. According to Fash.com, tailoring clothing can cost anywhere from $10 to $250, and much more for things like wedding dresses or fancy suits. Learning how to sew can take away from some of these expensive fixations, especially for simple things, like repairing cloth tears or adding buttons, which can add up in the long run.

Creative Outlet

Customizing or making your own clothes can be a rewarding hobby. Being able to personalize your closet can make you more comfortable in your body and can improve your style. You could customize even the most basic of clothing items to really show and speak to your personality.

Mental Health Benefits

Sewing can be very relaxing and improve your mental health. The repetitive action of sewing, especially by hand, can be very soothing to the brain. According to Needle Ink and Thread, sewing helps with focus, stress reduction, and self-esteem. Watching your pieces come to life can bring a great sense of accomplishment and encourages a positive self-image.

“You have to look really deeply into what you’re doing,” said Aishvi Bodalia, a person who doesn’t sew. Bodalia’s mother sews at home, both tailoring and making original garments.

Why stress learning to sew?

It is important to be able to do things for yourself. According to a Lite 92, 31% of American adults cannot do laundry. As the older generation fades, you will not be able to rely on them for these essential skills. 

Not having resources is no longer a viable excuse in the modern world. With over thousands of tutorials online, you should be able to find something exactly for you.