How Sewing My Own Clothes Improved My Body Image and Self-Confidence

Why I started Sewing

It all began with frustration. I could never find a dress that fit me properly. I’ve always had a larger bum and hips with a smaller bust, so off-the-rack dresses were a constant disappointment — either too tight on the bottom or too loose on top.

At the time, I was searching for a creative outlet. It came down to sewing or painting — and I’m so glad I chose sewing.

In the years since, I’ve also taken up painting, but sewing gave me a strong foundation thanks to the classes and training I did early on. Painting, for me, has been more about free expression and experimentation. Sewing, on the other hand, taught me structure and gave me something else entirely: a better relationship with my body.

Shopping and Body Image

Ever since I was young, I’ve been slightly chubby. I always had a belly, even before adulthood. And like many women, I gained more weight over time.

As a teenager, it was hard. All my friends were thin. They could wear whatever they wanted and look amazing (or so I believed). I, on the other hand, felt like I had to hide my body or constantly compromise on style to feel comfortable.

Even then, I was drawn to bold or unusual pieces — I wasn’t afraid to stand out. I’d spend hours with £20 in hand, trying to find the perfect outfit. These days, I’d rather go food shopping than clothes shopping. Big stores overwhelm me. There’s so much choice, but so little that actually feels like me. Even if I could find it in “my size”.

Learning to Ignore the Numbers

One of the most surprising things about sewing is how much it teaches you about your own body — your real body.

You can’t sew without taking your measurements. And while some people might find that confronting, for me, it’s been freeing. I know what size my hips are — they were 112 cm two years ago and now they’re 114cm. But it doesn’t matter.

Because I make my own clothes, I no longer get caught in the emotional spiral of trying on endless jeans and feeling worse with every new size. I don’t need to know whether I’m a 14 or an 18. I just need to know my measurements.

Honestly? I don’t even look at clothing sizes anymore. I hold something up and ask myself, “Will this fit?” — not, “What size is this?” The number has lost all power over me.

The Fashion Industry and Sizes

A few years ago, I read Metric Pattern Cutting for Women’s Wear by Winifred Aldrich and had a massive “Aha” moment. Once I read it, it seemed obvious — but until I saw it clearly laid out, I hadn’t even thought to question it.

That book explained why a size 12 in one shop doesn’t compare to a size 12 in another. I learned that every pattern company — and by extension, every brand — starts with a “block” based on their chosen demographic. A brand like Sportsgirl, aimed at younger women, uses a narrower block than one like Black Pepper, which caters to mature women.

This means that even if you wear a size 12 in one store, it might be drastically different in another. A size 12 in youth fashion could be far smaller than a 12 in mature fashion.

It’s not your body that’s inconsistent — it’s the clothing industry. And once I understood that, I stopped blaming myself.

A Wardrobe that Finally Fits

Sometimes I wonder how I’d feel about my body today if I hadn’t started sewing.

I’ve gained weight slowly over the years, and now, nearing 40, I know how difficult it is to maintain a steady weight. But despite that — or maybe because of it — I’ve never felt more comfortable in my own skin.

My wardrobe is full of clothes that make me feel powerful, comfortable, creative, and like my true self.

I no longer dress to hide or to fit in — I dress to express, to enjoy, and to live. And that is a truly powerful place to be.

Final Thoughts

Sewing hasn’t just changed how I dress — it’s changed how I see myself. It’s taught me that clothes should fit you, not the other way around. And it’s reminded me that creativity and self-confidence go hand in hand.

If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable in your body or frustrated by the racks of clothes that never seem quite right, maybe it’s time to pick up a needle and thread.

You might just find something more valuable than a perfect fit — you might find yourself.

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