Instagram Sewing Challenges for 2021
I love a good Insta challenge, don’t you? Whether it’s a month long photo-hop that I never complete, despite every best intention, or simply an evergreen hashtag to keep me inspired, there’s something very motivating about taking part in them. They keep me interested, they help me to grow connections within the sewing community and they teach me lots. So whether you’re a ‘dip in and out’ kinda person or a ‘complete dedication’ challenge fanatic, here are some to keep an eye out for throughout the year. Now believe me when I say that these are but a few challenges and hashtags that exist. There are many more and if you have one you particularly like and would like me to add it to this post, please get in touch. I’m happy to keep it updated so the more the merrier!
ALL YEAR ROUND
#make3in3 @craftandthriftshop came up with the genius #make3in3 last year. Break the year into 3 month chunks and pick 3 garments to focus on. Simples. Great for staying focused or if you’re not into planning too far ahead.
#makenine2021 The Make Nine sewing challenge has been doing the rounds for a few years now. Pick 9 garments to make throughout the year and tick them off as the months progress. This is a really popular hashtag to follow so you can check back on previous years by searching the relevant hashtag eg. #makenine2019 etc.
#makeyourstash The brain child of @pilar_bear and @timetosew where they encourage you to make something using the fabric you already own, rather than buying new fabric.
#sewfrosting Who needs an occasion to sew something epic? This hashtag was started by @closetcorepatterns to promote sewing that crazy outfit if you want to. All the glitz and glamour because, well, why not! Be the frosting to that cupcake!
#theslowsew This is a hashtag I started last year to celebrate a slower pace of making. Instead of rushing to get a project done, embrace the journey and be proud of the fact that hand made garments TAKE TIME! That’s what makes them so special. Use this hashtag and join other makers who like to take their sewing life in the slow lane and who are all on board for some #slowfashion.
JANUARY
#sewjapaneseinjanuary Ah Japanese sewing patterns. The most exquisite, simple yet mind boggling, aesthetically pleasing of all patterns. Well, January is the time to give one a go. Follow the hashtag for some seriously swoonworthy makes.
FEBRUARY
#sewcialistszerowaste I’m all for zero waste sewing. Great idea @sewcialists. It really intrigues me so I can’t wait to see what this involves. 3 contributors will be submitting zero waste projects to check out. Make your own zero waste projects and use their hashtag.
#DressLikeaChameleon sounds like the best craic. Co-hosted by @inahaystack and @thebrightblooms this fun challenge brings interiors and sewing together by getting you to pose in your me-mades, matching your surroundings! Get creative folks!
#Joyfulsleeveschallenge celebrate all things sleeves. Simply post a picture of some epic sleeve work and tag @sosewdressmaking for a chance to win something nice.
MARCH
#marchmeetthemaker Not a sewing challenge but a creative one none the less. Creative business owner and Graphic Designer @joannehawlker is the founder of this simple concept. Take part in this month-long prompt led challenge to help engage with other creative business owners while promoting your own.
#frugalfrocks2021 Use a free pattern to make a spring dress out of some stash fabric. Basically, make yo self a dress for freeee. So simple, I think we should do this more often! Hosted by @frugalisama and @theyorkshiresewgirl
APRIL
#fashrev #whomademyclothes April is Fashion revolution month. It marks the anniversary of the devestating Rana Plaza collapse where over 3000 garment workers tragically lost their lives. It’s not exactly a sewing event but it has seen great popularity within the community as we try to promote slow fashion and when you make your own clothes, you understand on a different level, the hard work that goes into a garment. Each year has a different theme or question that it asks people to engage with. Well worth being involved.
#GBSB April marks the begining of the Great British Sewing Bee. WOOOOOOP! @thefoldline are great for popping up patterns that match what’s been made on the show that week. SO. MUCH. FUN.
MAY
#memademay2021 #memademay If you are a member of the sewing community then you will have heard of Me Made May. Each year, you get to set your own personal challenge. Wear a me-made garment every day / once a week / wear only me-made tops / wear only me-made bras / wear an entire me-made outfit one day in the whole month, you get the idea. I’ve never actually taken part but every year I say I will…maybe this year will!
JUNE & JULY
I couldn’t actually find any for June or July…or December for that matter so I’ve decided to do something about that. Get ready for #solsticesewcial marking the longest and shortest days of the year. I’ve not fleshed out the idea fully yet but you’ve heard it here first! So towards the end of June for the Summer Solstice, you can look forward to the first #solsticesewcial…details TBC!
AUGUST
#braugust Ever fancied giving lingerie a try? Hosted by @tailormadeshop this month long photo-a-day challenge will have you living your bra making dreams! Make your own bra along with lots of fellow makers. There will be tips, trick, inspiration and guidance and probably a lot of bra envy.
SEPTEMBER
#sewyourselfsustainable Hosted by @newcrafthouse this month long photo-a-day challenge encourages sustainability. The clue is in the name right! You’ll pick up some great ideas along the way while meeting lots of other sustainable sewing fans.
#BMMsewtember Hosted by @blkmakersmatter this is another month long photo-a-day challenge which uses more general prompts rather than themed. It’s a really great one to take part in it and meet lots of fellow makers in the sewing community.
OCTOBER
#fabricswap2021 Following on from the success of last years debut fabricswap2020 hosted by @craftystudio.ie and myself @worthydesignstudio I’m hoping that we can make this an annual event so be sure to follow the hashtag. Simply offer up any unwanted fabric in your stash then browse what other people have offered and get swapping and making. It’s so exciting seeing unwanted fabrics being used instead of gathering dust in stashes.
#slowfashionoctober Again, not necessarily a sewing one but as makers ourselves, a lot of us are interested in slow fashion anyway so it’s always a nice one to follow and take part in.
NOVEMBER
#bpsewvember Originally a month long photo-a-day challenge hosted by @bimbleandpimble it is now just a week long. Far easier to manage than an entire month! If like me you get exhausted by day 3 of a month long one, this type of challenge might be more suited to you!
DECEMBER
Another empty month in the calendar but with Christmas and New Years looming, it’s the perfect opportunity to jump on the #sewfrosting boat!
Look out for updates on my #solsticesewcial which will happen around the Winter Solstice. Details TBC.
Phew! That’s all I have for now. I’ll try to keep this list updated if I hear of any other fun ones that pop up. In the meantime, enjoy following all the fun hashtags, get involved and say hi to this amazing community.