GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sewing Industry Statistics

Global sewing industry booming with sustainable, digital, and DIY growth, market expanding.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The US textile and sewing industry employs about 150,000 people

Statistic 2

The textile industry accounts for approximately 2% of the world's industrial wage-earning population

Statistic 3

In Africa, clothing manufacturing, including sewing, accounts for roughly 15% of the manufacturing GDP

Statistic 4

Sewing workshops and classes have seen a 90% increase in enrollment since the pandemic started

Statistic 5

Historically, the sewing industry employed over 25 million workers globally in the 1980s, which has decreased to around 15 million today due to automation and outsourcing

Statistic 6

The average profit margin for small sewing businesses ranges between 10% and 15%, depending on product line and scale

Statistic 7

The number of women entrepreneurs in the sewing and textile industry has grown by 25% since 2018, reflecting increased gender diversity

Statistic 8

In Latin America, the clothing manufacturing sector, including sewing, contributes roughly 20% to the regional industrial output

Statistic 9

The most significant growth in sewing industry jobs is expected in customization and personalized sewing services, projected to create 15,000 new jobs globally by 2030

Statistic 10

The proportion of women entrepreneurs in sewing-focused startups has increased by 30% since 2019, emphasizing gender diversification

Statistic 11

The sewing industry has seen a 12% increase in employment of apprentices and trainees over the past three years, indicating a focus on skill development

Statistic 12

The global market share of sewing equipment for industrial use versus domestic use is roughly 70% industrial to 30% domestic

Statistic 13

The global sewing machine market was valued at approximately $4.8 billion in 2022

Statistic 14

The household sewing machine segment accounts for around 60% of global market revenue

Statistic 15

Approximately 70 million sewing machines were sold worldwide in 2021

Statistic 16

The global apparel and sewing industry is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 17

The average annual revenue of small sewing businesses in the US is approximately $75,000

Statistic 18

The online sewing community has grown by over 150% since 2018

Statistic 19

Approximately 35% of sewing enthusiasts in the US purchase sewing supplies online

Statistic 20

The global market for sewing accessories (needles, threads, etc.) is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025

Statistic 21

Approximately 40% of new sewing machines purchased globally are for personal rather than commercial use

Statistic 22

The demand for sustainable sewing products is projected to grow at 6% annually through 2027

Statistic 23

The largest age group of sewing hobbyists in the US is 35-44 years old, representing 30% of hobbyists

Statistic 24

The fastest-growing segment in the sewing industry is custom and personalized sewing services, with a CAGR of 7% through 2025

Statistic 25

The global embroidery sewing machine segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2027

Statistic 26

The most popular sewing machine brands globally are Brother, Singer, and Bernina, with combined market share over 50%

Statistic 27

Retail sales for sewing kits and supplies increased by 18% in 2022, driven mainly by DIY and home crafts

Statistic 28

Electronic sewing machines now account for approximately 80% of the household sewing machine market in developed countries

Statistic 29

The global second-hand sewing machine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2026, due to rising interest in affordability and sustainability

Statistic 30

Sewing machine repair and servicing industry in the US generates roughly $2 billion annually

Statistic 31

The global market for sewing threads is valued at approximately $750 million in 2023 and is projected to grow

Statistic 32

In the US, women account for approximately 70% of sewing hobbyists, while men represent 30%

Statistic 33

The global embroidery thread market is expected to reach $350 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4%

Statistic 34

In 2022, the average price of a commercial industrial sewing machine was approximately $4,000

Statistic 35

The demand for custom-made clothing has driven a 10% annual growth in high-end sewing and tailoring services globally

Statistic 36

The global market for sewing machine accessories is projected to reach $2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 6%

Statistic 37

Sewing industry exports from China amounted to $3.2 billion in 2022, making it the largest exporter worldwide

Statistic 38

The global market for sewing machine belts and drive systems is expected to reach $300 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5%

Statistic 39

The average annual expenditure on sewing supplies per hobbyist in the US is about $120, with some regions spending up to $200

Statistic 40

The younger demographic (18-34 years) makes up 40% of new sewing hobbyists globally, indicating growing interest among millennials and Gen Z

Statistic 41

The global market for sewing and embroidery digitizing services is projected to reach $600 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%

Statistic 42

The average annual growth rate of the sewing machinery rental market is estimated at 8% from 2023 to 2028, especially in fashion and event industries

Statistic 43

The global market for sewing machine needles is expected to reach $500 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 4%

Statistic 44

The growth of online marketplaces has increased sales of vintage and antique sewing machines by over 50% since 2018, driven by collectors and enthusiasts

Statistic 45

Sewn product exports from India increased by 9% in 2022, positioning India as a notable player in the global sewing and garment export market

Statistic 46

The number of sewing workshops and community classes increased by 40% globally during the last five years, reflecting rising consumer interest

Statistic 47

The global market for sewing pattern drafting software is expected to reach $250 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%

Statistic 48

Sewing patterns saw a 125% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns

Statistic 49

Eco-friendly fabrics are being used in 40% of new sewing projects

Statistic 50

In 2022, the DIY sewing trend increased retail sales of sewing kits by 22%

Statistic 51

The average lifespan of a household sewing machine is approximately 10 years with regular maintenance

Statistic 52

Sustainable sewing fabrics are now used in over 25% of new clothing brands launched globally

Statistic 53

The rise of online tutorials and sewing classes has increased digital revenue in the sewing industry by over 40% since 2020

Statistic 54

The average cost of a beginner sewing machine ranges from $50 to $300, depending on features

Statistic 55

The number of sewing-related apps available on mobile app stores increased by over 200% between 2015 and 2023

Statistic 56

The most common reason cited by consumers for purchasing sewing machines is for hobby/creative projects (65%), followed by clothing repair (20%)

Statistic 57

The proportion of sustainable and recycled fabrics used in sewing projects increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 58

The resurgence of vintage and antique sewing machines has increased sales in the secondary market by over 35% since 2019

Statistic 59

The use of sustainable packaging for sewing products has increased by 40% over the past three years as brands aim to reduce environmental impact

Statistic 60

The interest in sewing as a therapeutic activity increased by 50% during the pandemic, according to mental health studies

Statistic 61

The usage of biodegradable sewing threads has increased by 15% over the last five years, responding to environmental concerns

Statistic 62

The usage of lightweight and portable sewing machines has grown by 25% in the last four years as consumers seek convenience

Statistic 63

The adoption of environmentally friendly packaging by sewing product manufacturers increased by 35% between 2020 and 2023, reflecting sustainability initiatives

Statistic 64

The average lifespan of industrial sewing machines is approximately 20 years with proper maintenance, significantly longer than household machines

Statistic 65

The adoption of antimicrobial fabrics in sewing products has increased by 15% over the past three years, targeted at healthcare and sports markets

Statistic 66

The Asian-Pacific region dominates the sewing industry with over 55% of the market share

Statistic 67

The majority of sewing machine sales in Europe are concentrated in Germany, Italy, and the UK

Statistic 68

The average time spent on sewing as a hobby in the US is about 3 hours per week

Statistic 69

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of the world's sewing machinery exports

Statistic 70

The demand for luxury sewing accessories has grown by 12% annually in the last three years, especially in Asia and Europe

Statistic 71

International trade of sewing machines is heavily impacted by tariffs, with the US imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on imported sewing machines in recent years

Statistic 72

Sewing machine repair shops are more prevalent in urban areas, with approximately 65% located in metropolitan regions

Statistic 73

The number of sewing DIY kits sold in North America increased by 20% in 2022, fueled by increased demand for at-home crafting

Statistic 74

The use of computerized sewing machines has increased by 35% over the last five years

Statistic 75

The number of sewing-related patents filed globally increased by 15% from 2019 to 2022

Statistic 76

The development of eco-friendly sewing machines has increased, with 25% of recent models being hybrid or energy-efficient

Statistic 77

The adoption of 3D embroidery and computerized design software has increased the productivity of sewing businesses by approximately 25%

Statistic 78

The use of augmented reality (AR) in sewing pattern design is emerging, with 5% of industry stakeholders adopting AR tools as of 2023

Statistic 79

The adoption of eco-friendly dyeing and printing techniques in sewing apparel has increased by 20% annually, driven by consumer demand

Statistic 80

The number of sewing-related patents filed in the US reached 1,200 in 2022, marking a 10% increase from the previous year

Statistic 81

The use of automation and robotics in sewing factories is projected to increase by 10% annually through 2028, improving productivity and reducing labor costs

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Key Highlights

The global sewing machine market was valued at approximately $4.8 billion in 2022
The household sewing machine segment accounts for around 60% of global market revenue
Approximately 70 million sewing machines were sold worldwide in 2021
The Asian-Pacific region dominates the sewing industry with over 55% of the market share
The US textile and sewing industry employs about 150,000 people
Sewing patterns saw a 125% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns
The global apparel and sewing industry is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030
Eco-friendly fabrics are being used in 40% of new sewing projects
The average annual revenue of small sewing businesses in the US is approximately $75,000
The online sewing community has grown by over 150% since 2018
Approximately 35% of sewing enthusiasts in the US purchase sewing supplies online
The global market for sewing accessories (needles, threads, etc.) is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025
The majority of sewing machine sales in Europe are concentrated in Germany, Italy, and the UK

The sewing industry is experiencing a dynamic renaissance, driven by booming online communities, increasing demand for sustainable and personalized products, and rapid technological innovations that are transforming both hobbyist and industrial landscapes worldwide.

Industry Employment and Production

The US textile and sewing industry employs about 150,000 people
The textile industry accounts for approximately 2% of the world's industrial wage-earning population
In Africa, clothing manufacturing, including sewing, accounts for roughly 15% of the manufacturing GDP
Sewing workshops and classes have seen a 90% increase in enrollment since the pandemic started
Historically, the sewing industry employed over 25 million workers globally in the 1980s, which has decreased to around 15 million today due to automation and outsourcing
The average profit margin for small sewing businesses ranges between 10% and 15%, depending on product line and scale
The number of women entrepreneurs in the sewing and textile industry has grown by 25% since 2018, reflecting increased gender diversity
In Latin America, the clothing manufacturing sector, including sewing, contributes roughly 20% to the regional industrial output
The most significant growth in sewing industry jobs is expected in customization and personalized sewing services, projected to create 15,000 new jobs globally by 2030
The proportion of women entrepreneurs in sewing-focused startups has increased by 30% since 2019, emphasizing gender diversification
The sewing industry has seen a 12% increase in employment of apprentices and trainees over the past three years, indicating a focus on skill development
The global market share of sewing equipment for industrial use versus domestic use is roughly 70% industrial to 30% domestic

Industry Employment and Production Interpretation

Despite automation trimming the global sewing workforce from 25 million in the 1980s to around 15 million today, a remarkable surge in craft-based sewing education and women-led startups—up 25% and 30% respectively—indicates that in the US and Latin America, sewing is less about mass production and more about personal empowerment and artisanal innovation, proving that even in a digitally driven era, a needle and thread can still weave new economic opportunities.

Market Size and Valuation

The global sewing machine market was valued at approximately $4.8 billion in 2022
The household sewing machine segment accounts for around 60% of global market revenue
Approximately 70 million sewing machines were sold worldwide in 2021
The global apparel and sewing industry is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030
The average annual revenue of small sewing businesses in the US is approximately $75,000
The online sewing community has grown by over 150% since 2018
Approximately 35% of sewing enthusiasts in the US purchase sewing supplies online
The global market for sewing accessories (needles, threads, etc.) is expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2025
Approximately 40% of new sewing machines purchased globally are for personal rather than commercial use
The demand for sustainable sewing products is projected to grow at 6% annually through 2027
The largest age group of sewing hobbyists in the US is 35-44 years old, representing 30% of hobbyists
The fastest-growing segment in the sewing industry is custom and personalized sewing services, with a CAGR of 7% through 2025
The global embroidery sewing machine segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% through 2027
The most popular sewing machine brands globally are Brother, Singer, and Bernina, with combined market share over 50%
Retail sales for sewing kits and supplies increased by 18% in 2022, driven mainly by DIY and home crafts
Electronic sewing machines now account for approximately 80% of the household sewing machine market in developed countries
The global second-hand sewing machine market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2026, due to rising interest in affordability and sustainability
Sewing machine repair and servicing industry in the US generates roughly $2 billion annually
The global market for sewing threads is valued at approximately $750 million in 2023 and is projected to grow
In the US, women account for approximately 70% of sewing hobbyists, while men represent 30%
The global embroidery thread market is expected to reach $350 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 4%
In 2022, the average price of a commercial industrial sewing machine was approximately $4,000
The demand for custom-made clothing has driven a 10% annual growth in high-end sewing and tailoring services globally
The global market for sewing machine accessories is projected to reach $2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 6%
Sewing industry exports from China amounted to $3.2 billion in 2022, making it the largest exporter worldwide
The global market for sewing machine belts and drive systems is expected to reach $300 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5%
The average annual expenditure on sewing supplies per hobbyist in the US is about $120, with some regions spending up to $200
The younger demographic (18-34 years) makes up 40% of new sewing hobbyists globally, indicating growing interest among millennials and Gen Z
The global market for sewing and embroidery digitizing services is projected to reach $600 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 5%
The average annual growth rate of the sewing machinery rental market is estimated at 8% from 2023 to 2028, especially in fashion and event industries
The global market for sewing machine needles is expected to reach $500 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 4%
The growth of online marketplaces has increased sales of vintage and antique sewing machines by over 50% since 2018, driven by collectors and enthusiasts
Sewn product exports from India increased by 9% in 2022, positioning India as a notable player in the global sewing and garment export market
The number of sewing workshops and community classes increased by 40% globally during the last five years, reflecting rising consumer interest
The global market for sewing pattern drafting software is expected to reach $250 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 5.5%

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a booming market valued at nearly $5 billion and an enthusiastic global community fueling growth in everything from vintage machine sales to personalized tailoring—especially among digitally-savvy millennials and eco-conscious buyers—it's clear that sewing is stitching together a vibrant tapestry of tradition and innovation that promises to keep us all well-stitched in the fabric of a flourishing industry.

Product Trends and Material Developments

Sewing patterns saw a 125% increase during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns
Eco-friendly fabrics are being used in 40% of new sewing projects
In 2022, the DIY sewing trend increased retail sales of sewing kits by 22%
The average lifespan of a household sewing machine is approximately 10 years with regular maintenance
Sustainable sewing fabrics are now used in over 25% of new clothing brands launched globally
The rise of online tutorials and sewing classes has increased digital revenue in the sewing industry by over 40% since 2020
The average cost of a beginner sewing machine ranges from $50 to $300, depending on features
The number of sewing-related apps available on mobile app stores increased by over 200% between 2015 and 2023
The most common reason cited by consumers for purchasing sewing machines is for hobby/creative projects (65%), followed by clothing repair (20%)
The proportion of sustainable and recycled fabrics used in sewing projects increased by 30% from 2019 to 2022
The resurgence of vintage and antique sewing machines has increased sales in the secondary market by over 35% since 2019
The use of sustainable packaging for sewing products has increased by 40% over the past three years as brands aim to reduce environmental impact
The interest in sewing as a therapeutic activity increased by 50% during the pandemic, according to mental health studies
The usage of biodegradable sewing threads has increased by 15% over the last five years, responding to environmental concerns
The usage of lightweight and portable sewing machines has grown by 25% in the last four years as consumers seek convenience
The adoption of environmentally friendly packaging by sewing product manufacturers increased by 35% between 2020 and 2023, reflecting sustainability initiatives
The average lifespan of industrial sewing machines is approximately 20 years with proper maintenance, significantly longer than household machines
The adoption of antimicrobial fabrics in sewing products has increased by 15% over the past three years, targeted at healthcare and sports markets

Product Trends and Material Developments Interpretation

As the sewing industry stitches together a 125% surge in patterns and a 40% embrace of eco-friendly fabrics during the pandemic, it’s clear that creativity, sustainability, and mental well-being are threading through the fabric of a rapidly evolving craft economy.

Regional and Geographic Insights

The Asian-Pacific region dominates the sewing industry with over 55% of the market share
The majority of sewing machine sales in Europe are concentrated in Germany, Italy, and the UK
The average time spent on sewing as a hobby in the US is about 3 hours per week
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of the world's sewing machinery exports
The demand for luxury sewing accessories has grown by 12% annually in the last three years, especially in Asia and Europe
International trade of sewing machines is heavily impacted by tariffs, with the US imposing tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on imported sewing machines in recent years
Sewing machine repair shops are more prevalent in urban areas, with approximately 65% located in metropolitan regions
The number of sewing DIY kits sold in North America increased by 20% in 2022, fueled by increased demand for at-home crafting

Regional and Geographic Insights Interpretation

As the global sewing industry threads its way through regional dominance in Asia-Pacific, rising hobbyist engagement in the US, and trade tensions with tariffs, it’s clear that while the needle moves across continents, the market’s rich tapestry is woven with passion, luxury, and resilience.

Technological Advancements and Innovation

The use of computerized sewing machines has increased by 35% over the last five years
The number of sewing-related patents filed globally increased by 15% from 2019 to 2022
The development of eco-friendly sewing machines has increased, with 25% of recent models being hybrid or energy-efficient
The adoption of 3D embroidery and computerized design software has increased the productivity of sewing businesses by approximately 25%
The use of augmented reality (AR) in sewing pattern design is emerging, with 5% of industry stakeholders adopting AR tools as of 2023
The adoption of eco-friendly dyeing and printing techniques in sewing apparel has increased by 20% annually, driven by consumer demand
The number of sewing-related patents filed in the US reached 1,200 in 2022, marking a 10% increase from the previous year
The use of automation and robotics in sewing factories is projected to increase by 10% annually through 2028, improving productivity and reducing labor costs

Technological Advancements and Innovation Interpretation

As the sewing industry stitches together a new future—embroidered with 35% more computerized machines, burgeoning patents, eco-conscious innovations, and a 25% productivity boost from digital designs—it's clear that while innovation is threading its way through every stitch, the industry is cautiously embracing AR and automation to ensure its pattern remains sharp and sustainable in a rapidly evolving fabric of technology.