Sewing is as much a practical skill as it is a fun hobby, especially if you’re a mom. Whether for mending clothes torn at recess or making practical, affordable home goods, knowing how to sew is worth its weight in gold. Here are 5 things every mom should learn how to sew.

1) Hemming Kids’ Clothes

Hemming is taking the edges of sleeves or pants and making them shorter. Once you master this skill, you won’t have to worry about getting hand-me-down pants that are too long or a thrifted shirt that covers your kid’s hands. You can just take in the hem yourself and provide your kids with perfectly fitting clothes.

2) Replacing Buttons

Buttons just love to pop off of your kids’ clothing at the most inconvenient times. But if you know how to replace them, then finding this type of damage doesn’t have to mean throwing out the garment. And it’s easy! You need only a needle, a thread, and a 2-minute YouTube video to learn.

3) Patching Knees and Elbows

Kids are constantly scraping up their knees and elbows, and that oftentimes means shredding through their shirts and pants. But if you can apply a patch, you don’t have to say goodbye to these well-loved garments. In fact, you don’t even need a needle and thread for this if you use iron-on patches, but sewing the patch will make it sturdier.

4) Making a Reusable Tote Bag

As a mom, you’re constantly making errands. Whether you’re taking the kids to a game, going to the grocery store, dropping off library books, or meeting up with teachers, you’re always on the move and bringing stuff with you. Knowing how to sew a simple tote bag will make your life easier and give you the chance to personalize an accessory you bring everywhere.

5) Piecing a Simple Quilt

Quilting is a craft that results in a cozy, ultra-practical home good. Imagine snuggling up with your kiddos in winter under a quilt you pieced together yourself. Or you can create a custom quilt for each of your kids as a keepsake they can use throughout the years. Quilting is easy with basic sewing skills. You might have to experiment with tips for using die cuts to keep the different fabric pieces consistent in shape, or you can freehand it and get a messy but beautiful and equally comfy quilt.

Conclusion

These are things every mom should learn how to sew to have more control over their family’s budget and style. Keep practicing these projects, and let us know which is your (or your kids’) favorite!