Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:April 22, 2025, 17:06 IST
For Gen Z, to sew is to take control — of style, of story, and of self. And as they thread the needle between tradition and innovation, they are crafting a future where fashion is not just worn, but lived
The resurgence of the sewing machine represents something larger: a reweaving of values, identity, and artistry into the fabric of daily life
Once relegated to the realm of domestic chores, the sewing machine is having a striking renaissance — and it’s Gen Z leading the charge. No longer just a symbol of mending and necessity, today’s sewing machines have become vital tools of personal style, creative autonomy, and even quiet rebellion. In a world flooded with fast fashion and algorithm-driven trends, there’s a growing desire among young people to reclaim their narratives — stitch by stitch.
“For Gen Z, fashion has become deeply personal — a blend of self-expression, purpose, and creativity,” says Seema Mahajan, President, Studio of Fashion & Craft, Usha International. “We’re seeing more and more youngsters interpreting fashion aligned to their sensibilities and taking to sewing machines as a means of shaping that identity and reducing environmental impact.” Whether it’s upcycling vintage sarees, adding delicate cottagecore-inspired details, or creating entirely new silhouettes, Gen Z’s approach to fashion is intentional and value-driven.
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And the tools they use have evolved right alongside them. Advanced sewing machines make the craft more accessible than ever before. Yet, as Mahajan notes, “the learning — and the pride — still lies in the doing. There’s something powerful about mastering a stitch or figuring out the mechanics on your own.” What was once considered a quiet, solitary task is now part of a vibrant, social movement, with handmade pieces finding new life and community online. “This shift isn’t only about sustainability. It’s also about affordability, autonomy, and authenticity,” Mahajan adds. In their hands, the sewing machine becomes more than just a device — it becomes a manifesto.
For many, sewing is also deeply emotional and meditative. Rabab Kanchwala, Co-founder, G&R, shares how sewing intertwines with personal well-being and familial legacy: “Sewing has always been more than just making clothes to me — it’s how I slow down, care for myself, and feel more at home in my own skin.” The tactile experience of crafting, of customizing every tiny detail, offers a rare, nourishing slowness in an otherwise hyper-digital world. “When someone notices and appreciates the work I’ve put into a piece,” reflects Kanchwala, “it feels like they are seeing the love and care stitched into it.” Moreover, the skill’s connection to generations past — learned from the women in her family — imbues every garment with a sense of continuity and quiet pride.
Beyond personal creativity and emotional connection, sewing is also carving new entrepreneurial pathways for Gen Z. Rakesh Khanna, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Singer India, highlights how the digital world has created an appetite for originality that DIY enthusiasts are keen to fill. “We observe that people are looking for unique concepts, and this has urged many DIY and creative enthusiasts to pick up sewing and embroidery and successfully convert their passion into business ideas.” From reimagining denim and leather to crafting intricate embroidered accessories, young creators are leveraging the sewing machine to craft bespoke fashion and lifestyle pieces.
“In a world dominated by AI, the ability to design and create one-of-a-kind pieces has become a unique skill,” Khanna emphasizes. With access to cutting-edge yet easy-to-use sewing machines, the dream of replicating — or even bettering — high-fashion styles at a fraction of the cost is no longer a fantasy. “Imagine designing and creating an outfit you see in a lifestyle magazine at 1/50th the cost. Isn’t that idea exciting?” he says. Singer India’s flagship store at Nehru Place offers a space where curious minds can experience these new machines firsthand — a nod to the growing hunger for hands-on creativity in an increasingly virtual world. “As Gen Z continues to fuel the DIY movement, we’re excited to be their trusted partner — empowering them to stitch their dreams into reality, one statement piece at a time,” Khanna says.
In many ways, the resurgence of the sewing machine represents something larger: a reweaving of values, identity, and artistry into the fabric of daily life. For Gen Z, to sew is to take control — of style, of story, and of self. And as they thread the needle between tradition and innovation, they are crafting a future where fashion is not just worn, but lived.
SOURCE : NEWS 18
