The Art of Stitching in the 1960s and 1970s
A Look at Trends, Innovations and Cultural Shifts
The 1960’s and 1970’s were transformative decades in many ways and the world of stitching and sewing was no exception. From the rise of home sewing to the influence of societal changes on fashion and crafting, this era saw significant developments in stitching techniques, technologies and trends.
Home Sewing Boom and DIY Culture
During the 1960’s and 1970’s, home sewing was a common household activity. With ready-to-wear fashion becoming more accessible, many women still chose to sew their own clothes, often customising patterns to reflect the latest styles. The DIY movement gained traction, with magazines and television programs teaching sewing techniques and inspiring home dressmakers.
A Personal Journey: Where It All Began
Being a child of the '60s, these decades were my childhood years. This is where my interest in and love of sewing began. Watching my mother create clothes for me and my dolls sparked a lifelong fascination with the subject. I would sit beside her, mesmerised by the rhythmic hum of the sewing machine and the way simple fabric transformed into beautiful garments. These early moments ignited a passion that has stayed with me ever since, leading me to embrace stitching as both a hobby and an art form.
By my early teens, I had taken this passion to the next level by designing and sewing my own clothes. I rarely relied on shop-bought patterns, instead using my own design skills to create unique garments that reflected my personal style. This independence and creativity gave me a deep understanding of fabric, fit and fashion, which laid the foundation for my future endeavours.
Over the years, this passion evolved into teaching others. I have taught sewing for a number of years, focusing on helping adults create home decor items. From curtains and cushions to lampshades and blinds, I’ve had the joy of sharing my knowledge and watching my students bring their own creative visions to life. This love for home decor also inspired me to start my own business, where I specialised in creating bespoke, handmade curtains and soft furnishings. Running this business allowed me to combine creativity with practicality, offering clients one-of-a-kind designs that brought warmth and personality to their homes.
Teaching and running my own business gave me the opportunity to pass on the same love for sewing that my mother instilled in me, keeping the art of stitching alive for future generations.
Running this business allowed me to combine creativity with practicality, offering clients one-of-a-kind designs that brought warmth and personality to their homes.
Popular Stitching Trends
The free-spirited nature of these decades heavily influenced stitching trends. Some notable sewing styles included:
A-Line Dresses and Mod Fashion (1960’s): The '60s were defined by sleek lines, geometric shapes and bold colors. Many home sewers followed the trend by using simple patterns to create A-line dresses and shift dresses with minimal stitching but high-impact designs.
Hippie and Bohemian Embroidery (Late 1960’s - 1970’s): As the counterculture movement flourished, hand embroidery surged in popularity. People adorned denim, peasant blouses and bags with floral patterns, peace signs and psychedelic motifs.
Patchwork and Quilting (1970’s): The back-to-basics movement in the '70s encouraged a revival of traditional crafts. Quilting and patchwork became trendy not just for bedding but also for fashion items like skirts, jackets and bags.
Disco and Stretch Fabrics (Late 1970’s): With the rise of disco, stretchy synthetic fabrics like spandex and polyester became common, requiring sewers to adapt their techniques and use zigzag stitching for elasticity.
Technological Advances in Sewing
Innovation in sewing technology made stitching more accessible and efficient during these decades:
Introduction of Electric Sewing Machines: While sewing machines had been around for decades, more households could afford high-quality electric models by the '60s and '70s. Brands like Singer, Brother and Bernina introduced models with automatic buttonholers, decorative stitching options and built-in zigzag functions.
The Surge of Sergers (Overlock Machines): Overlockers became more widely available for home use, allowing for professional-looking finished seams and making garment construction quicker and neater.
New Fabrics and Notions: The increasing use of synthetic fabrics led to the development of polyester threads and fusible interfacing, revolutionising garment construction and making sewing more user-friendly.
Cultural and Societal Influences on Stitching
Sewing trends often reflected larger societal changes:
Women’s Liberation Movement: As more women entered the workforce, there was a shift in attitudes towards home sewing. While many still enjoyed it as a hobby, the idea of sewing as an obligatory domestic skill began to fade.
Sustainability and Handmade Fashion: The 1970’s saw an early awareness of environmental issues, leading some individuals to embrace upcycling, refashioning old clothes and creating handmade garments as a statement against mass production.
Crafts as Self-Expression: The rise of crafting as a means of self-expression was evident in the era’s embroidery, appliqué and hand-sewn embellishments, aligning with broader movements like feminism, peace activism and personal creativity.
Legacy of 1960s and 1970s Stitching Trends
Many of the trends and innovations from these decades continue to influence modern stitching and crafting. Vintage sewing patterns from the era remain popular, while embroidery and quilting have experienced a renaissance. Additionally, the DIY spirit of the '60s and '70s has been revived through modern maker culture, with people once again embracing slow fashion and handmade crafts.
The 1960s and 1970s were truly dynamic decades for sewing enthusiasts. Whether it was through bold mod fashion, intricate embroidery, or the use of new sewing technologies, stitching during this time reflected a world in motion, filled with artistic expression and social transformation.
I am loving this look back at sewing through the decades. And what an amazing skill to have, money saving and eco-focused!