2025 Precious Fabric Challenge: Sew Something Special
It’s that time again! I’m so excited to announce the 2025 Precious Fabric Challenge. We had so much fun with this last year, and I’d love for you to join us again. The whole idea is simple but powerful: cut into that “too precious to use” fabric you’ve been holding onto and finally make it into something beautiful you’ll wear and love.
The challenge was inspired by a conversation in one of my pattern fitting classes about how sad it is to let gorgeous fabrics just sit in our stash. We bought them with so much excitement, and they deserve to be worn, not hidden away. So this September, let’s all take a deep breath, grab those special pieces, and sew with them together. Read on or watch here:
What Counts as Precious Fabric?
Your “precious” fabric can be defined however you want:
- A vintage find that can’t be replaced
- A gift or inherited fabric with sentimental value
- Something luxurious (like silk or wool) that feels intimidating to cut into
- A stunning fabric you bought but can’t decide how to use
The common thread is that it’s fabric you’ve been saving instead of sewing. Now’s the time to make it shine!
The Challenge Rules
Here’s how it works:
- Pick one precious fabric from your stash
- Make a muslin (ideally a wearable one in a similar fabric) so you don’t run into surprises
- Sew your garment during September
- Share your progress and final project on Instagram
- Tag me @tomkat.stitchery and use the official hashtag #preciousfabric25
👉 The challenge runs through September 30, 2025, at midnight EST. Winners will be announced the first week of October.
We’ve got wonderful digital prizes from fantastic sponsors—meaning anyone in the world can win. Multiple projects are welcome, but only one entry per sewist will count for prizes. Many thanks to our sponsors: Ann Tilley Handmade, Cashmerette, Closet Core, Greenstyle, Helen's Closet, I Am Patterns, Itch to Stitch, Love Notions, Seamwork, Sew Over It, Stash Hub, and True Bias. (click here to see the prize packages--they are AMAZING!!)
My Precious Fabric for 2025
This year, I couldn’t resist a showstopper wool jacquard I found back in May. At $48 a yard, it was definitely an indulgence, but when I saw the reversible pattern, I had to bring home three yards. It immediately screamed Boden-inspired cropped jacket to me, and that’s exactly what I plan to make.
I may even squeeze out a matching skirt if there’s enough left! I’ll be fussy cutting to match the large-scale pattern, but I know it will be worth it. This jacket is going to be a staple for fall and spring, and I can’t wait to share the process with you throughout September.
My YouTube membership will be helping me choose the specific jacket style and finishes, but I’ll be sharing the muslin, fitting steps, and final project on my main channel too.
Why Join the Challenge?
This is a perfect way to:
- Step outside your comfort zone
- Get that special fabric off your shelf and into your wardrobe
- Celebrate National Sewing Month with a meaningful project
- Connect with other sewists in the community
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, this challenge is for everyone. The only requirement is that your fabric feels “precious” to you.
Sewing Community Fun
The Precious Fabric Challenge is also a great way to discover new sewing vloggers and creators. Several other creators across YouTube and Instagram are joining in the fun. Click here for the full schedule and see some familiar faces and some new-to-you makers joining in.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll join us for the 2025 Precious Fabric Challenge. It’s a chance to finally sew with that fabric you’ve been saving, learn along the way, and end up with a garment you truly love to wear. Even if you don’t enter, it’ll be so much fun to follow along with the community all month long.
Here’s to making September a month of fearless sewing!
