According to the University of Florida Extension, “the benefits of Learning How to Sew are:

• being able to mend clothes means saving money,
• learning to sew will give you something to be proud of,
• learning to sew will also improve your ability to work through a process and deliver a product, 
• and probably, though, the best reason to learn to sew is that it will increase your ability to draw on the creativity that lies within you.”

According to the Ohio State University Elementary Stem Club, “teaching children how to sew infuses many essential life skills such as:

1. problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, and patience, 

2. sewing encourages people to use their individuality and creativity,

3.  it also can be very relaxing and provide a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety relief, 

4. and depending on the projects, sewing can expose students to different cultures or historical periods by having them learn different traditional sewing methods, technologies, styles, or patternmaking.”

Ronda Rex, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, at the Gallatin County Cooperative Extension Service, has a passion for sewing and embroidery skills.  She taught 4 classes, 2 class to seniors in collaboration with the Gallatin County Senior Center and 2 classes to youth in collaboration with Lora Stewart, 4-H and Youth Development Agent.  The 4 classes focused on:

1.  sewing tissue holders which were used as Mother’s Day gifts,
2. upcycling place mats to messenger bag totes,
3. Chicken Scratch Embroidery on Gingham fabric,
4. and Latch hook projects. 

Each participant, adult and youth completed their projects.  The estimated cost of the tote bag if bought on Amazon is $10 to $15.   The placemats cost $1 to $1.25 at the dollar store and the ribbon for the handles cost $1 to $2.00 a roll.  The small tissue holders are estimated at a cost of $10 to $12 each on Etsy and Amazon.  Some of the adults and youth had never sewn prior to the classes.  One adult participant had never sewn nor used an iron for pressing fabric.  After sewing her first project, she was so excited to be able to complete a project, using a hand operated sewing machine.  She was eager to start and complete her second project.  The completed youth tote bags were entered into the Gallatin County Fair, winning ribbons and premium money.       

Sources:

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/taylorco/2018/02/01/learning-lifelong-skil/circuit-challenge/    https://u.osu.edu/tvstemclub/2024/01/29/benefits-to-learning-to-sew-with-an-e-sewing-circuit-challenge/