Guess what is threading its way back to being popular — Gen Z’s surprising new obsession is sew cool. In a generational twist, young Americans are falling in love with their grandparents’ pastimes. From vinyl records spinning on turntables to typewriters clacking again on dorm desks, Generation Z and Millennials are breathing new life into analog culture. Now, they’re taking nostalgia one step further. You will never guess what is threading its way back to being popular now – sewing machines. Across TikTok, Instagram, and even in big-box aisles at Costco, sewing is emerging as the latest hands-on hobby to stitch its way back into mainstream life. From gardening and journaling to reviving the look of thrifted 1980s windbreakers, Gen Z has turned “old-fashioned” into “on trend.” This generation values individuality, sustainability and creative expression — all things found in vintage-inspired pursuits. Just as vinyl and Polaroid cameras have made a comeback, sewing fits perfectly into the same ethos: it’s tactile, personal, and proudly non-digital. The resurgence of hands-on creativity isn’t random. It’s a counterbalance to a world that’s often fast, online and disposable. In a sense, young people aren’t just buying less — they’re making more. Why Sewing Is Trending Again1. Crafting identity and self-expressionFor many, sewing is a declaration of independence from fast fashion. Customizing or making your own clothing offers a sense of empowerment — a creative outlet says, “I made this.” On social media, this translates into content celebrating originality, individuality and style over mass production. 2. Sustainability and slow fashionGen Z and Millennials care deeply about sustainability. Sewing gives them a way to reuse, repurpose and repair, rather than toss and replace. Visible mending — repairing clothing in a way shows off the stitches as part of the design — has become a viral movement on TikTok. 3. Screen-break creativityWith most of life lived online, sewing provides an analog escape. It’s hands-on, calming and meditative — a way to literally disconnect from screens. A recent Fortune article noted  many young adults are learning to sew “to get off their phones and save money.” 4. The social media effectTikTok and Instagram have made sewing trendy, not tedious. Hashtags like #sewingtutorial, #upcycledfashion and #thriftflip are filled with videos showing transformations from thrift-store finds to high-fashion looks. Tutorials and time-lapse reels make the craft feel approachable and rewarding — especially when the finished product is instantly shareable. When a major retailer starts stocking modern sewing machines, you know something’s changing. Costco now offers sleek, computerized models like the Singer Heavy Duty 8832 and Brother XR3340, complete with LCD screens, hundreds of stitch patterns, and built-in quilting options. These aren’t your grandmother’s machines — they’re tech-forward tools align with the DIY spirit of younger shoppers. The fact Costco, known for bulk groceries and electronics, now markets sewing machines signals just how mainstream this revival has become. The craft aisle isn’t just for hobbyists anymore — it’s for creators, side-hustlers and trendsetters. On Instagram and TikTok, sewing creators are building large, loyal followings. Whether it’s a 20-second video of a thrifted denim jacket getting a new lining or a full tutorial on turning curtains into dresses, sewing content fits perfectly into Gen Z’s creative economy. It’s visually satisfying, shareable, and aspirational in a grounded way — making something from nothing. Younger users are even reframing the stereotype of sewing as something only grandmothers do. Many proudly show off learning from older relatives while adding a modern twist, connecting generations through thread and fabric.

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