Sewing and knitting skills ‘dying out' in Britain, survey finds
A survey shows that sewing and needlework are the most endangered domestic skills. Just 27 per cent can operate a sewing machine confidently and only 16 per cent are proficient knitters, according to Good Housekeeping's domestic skills survey.
Darning is nearly obsolete as only 9 per cent are doing it regularly, while just 10 per cent still crochet. They are also among the skills that respondents were least invested in passing on to future generations.
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Times
2 days ago
- Times
Sewing and knitting skills ‘dying out' in Britain
Gone are the days when it was normal to darn a hole in your socks or use a sewing machine to take in a pair of trousers. Now, a crochet blanket is more likely to be made by your grandmother than to be one of the skills in your arsenal. A survey shows that sewing and needlework are the most endangered domestic skills. Just 27 per cent can operate a sewing machine confidently and only 16 per cent are proficient knitters, according to Good Housekeeping's domestic skills survey. Darning is nearly obsolete as only 9 per cent are doing it regularly, while just 10 per cent still crochet. They are also among the skills that respondents were least invested in passing on to future generations. By contrast, ironing lives on as 91 per cent said that they could adequately iron a shirt and 88 per cent feel the same way about shoe-shining. Competence in the kitchen is also more common than needlework, as three quarters of respondents said that they could happily poach an egg, 65 per cent are confident making a roux for a white sauce and 60 per cent make shortcrust pastry from scratch. Not all needlework has dropped off, as 89 per cent said they could sew on buttons and 71 per cent said they could fix a fallen hem. Nearly two in three can make a loaf of bread by hand and 57 per cent of respondents are happy to create a homemade stock. Even building and lighting a fire fares better than sewing, as seven out of ten said they are at home with the skill. Of the 2,138 respondents of the survey, which was conducted last month, the vast majority (96 per cent) said that they value passing on homemaking skills. Most adding that these should be taught equally to girls and boys for self-reliance, saving money and building confidence. Katie Mortram, the homes and household advice editor at Good Housekeeping UK, said: 'While skills like these have been essential in our past, now that solutions are so easily accessible and affordable, they've gradually become hobbies rather than necessities.' She added: 'I think any skill which can bring you peace and help with mindfulness is essential for life. Focusing on a needle and thread can bring your attention to what's in front of you, here and now, and give you a physical reward for your efforts at the end. Even polishing silver can give you a sense of satisfaction when you look at the gleaming results.' Sewing and needlework have not completely died out. Tom Daley, Britain's most accomplished diver, has led a knitting and crochet revival, often making his own clothes. Videos of people sharing sewing and needlework tips or showing off their creations get thousands of views on TikTok. The Great British Sewing Bee is airing its 11th series, while a trend of knitted postbox toppers has been booming since 2012. Poppy Koronka, a 28-year-old avid knitter and journalist at The Times, said: 'Knitting and sewing are really popular. While it's probably declined in popularity since the 1920s when everyone made their own clothes, I think it is seeing a massive resurgence in younger women who are interested in sustainable fashion, want to make their own stuff and find it therapeutic.' The full survey findings are available in the September issue of Good Housekeeping UK, which is on sale now.
Times
3 days ago
- Times
Sewing and knitting skills ‘dying out' in Britain, survey finds
Gone are the days when it was normal to darn a hole in your socks or use a sewing machine to take in a pair of trousers. Now, a crochet blanket is more likely to be made by your grandmother than to be one of the skills in your arsenal. A survey shows that sewing and needlework are the most endangered domestic skills. Just 27 per cent can operate a sewing machine confidently and only 16 per cent are proficient knitters, according to Good Housekeeping's domestic skills survey. Darning is nearly obsolete as only 9 per cent are doing it regularly, while just 10 per cent still crochet. They are also among the skills that respondents were least invested in passing on to future generations.
Scottish Sun
17-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
5 of the best climbing plants to transform your garden including fragrant flower that blooms for six months of the year
From leafy greens to traditional blooms, there's something for everyone IN BLOOM 5 of the best climbing plants to transform your garden including fragrant flower that blooms for six months of the year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WANT to add a dash of colour into your garden but aren't sure where to begin? Climbing plants are a great option if you're low on space and want to maximise the plants you can have. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Common Honeysuckle can give your garden a burst of colour Credit: Getty - Contributor 2 Rambling Pink Roses are a great choice for larger spaces Credit: Getty Speaking to Good Housekeeping, gold-winning Chelsea Flower Show designer Joe Carey, who co-designs with his wife, Laura at Carey Garden Design Studio shared five of the best climbing plants to add to your space. Common Honeysuckle A great choice if you want something relatively low-maintenance that can also survive the grey skies of a British summer? The gardening whizz recommended honeysuckle for the best of both worlds. He explained: "As a UK native, common honeysuckle is really well suited to UK gardens, and we love it; it has such a wonderful scent." READ MORE ON GARDENING MAKES SCENTS I swear by my old-wives FREE gypsy hack to banish rust from garden furniture Climbing Hydrangeas For more shady gardens, climbing hydrangeas are a great pick. According to Joe, they're both gorgeous during the summer months when they flower, but the seed heads also look great in autumn. Although it might not be the best choice for chalky soil, it will thrive in a spot with plenty of space to grow, he added. Clematis Perfect for sunny spots which are usually overbearing for plants, varieties of clematis can weather it all. He added that his favourites include clematis 'Frances Rivis' and clematis cirrhosa var. balearica, - but of course there are plenty of options out there. Not only that, but some clematis, like the 'Sugar Sweet' hybrids and 'montana' types, can start blooming as early as March and continue into November, meaning you can enjoy them much longer than other blooms. Kids will have hours of fun in the garden with The Range's bargain buy - it also lights up, plays music & is on sale Climbing roses On the hunt for something more traditional, look no further. Joe said his personal favourites are the Rosa 'Wedding Day' type: "I prefer the single flowers because they look more like our native roses and bees can access the pollen more easily." However, for larger spaces, a 'rambling' variety might be the best pick. Star Jasmine And if you want some more greenery in your garden, Star Jasmine could be just what you're looking for. Not only does it have evergreen foliage, but when it does bloom the scent is stunning too, the pro explained. Simply pop them in a sunny spot and they'll grow fast and thrive.
