October 2025 Sewing Challenges

SAGAM: Obscure October

This month’s Sew a Garment a Month (#SAGAM) theme is very much open to interpretation: Obscure October. Use this theme as an opportunity to showcase lesser known pattern designers, or share an obscure technique. Or take a more literal direction by using a fabric or print to obscure something – perhaps you could conceal an error or add a hidden pocket. Really intrigued to see what the sewing community comes up with for Obscure October!

Share your school inspired garments to Instagram anytime during October. Use the hashtags #SagamObscureOctober and #Sagam and tag challenge hosts @suestoney and @sewing_in_spain.

Sew Recreate The Look 2025

Sew Recreate The Look inspires you to recreate something that you’ve seen on the high street, on IG or Designer Looks. Show us what you can achieve with your sewing skills!

All sewing levels are encouraged to enter. You can enter your make into one, two or all three of the following categories: Best Basic, Best Recreation and Best Interpretation.

There are weekly themes to keep you motivated throughout the month: Inspiration (1st to 7th October), Fabric & Pattern (8th to 14th October), Sneak Peak (15th to 24th October) and Reveal (25th to 31st October). When posting your recreation reveal during the last month of October, make sure to mention which categories you’re entering, tag challenge hosts Jen @jenleggsews and Sharlene @sosewdressmaking and use hashtag #SRTL25.

Sew Upcycle 25

Fancy a bit of sustainable sewing with a side of creative thinking? #SewUpcycle25 is the perfect opportunity to transform something unused into a garment or bag. Upcycling can be a great way to stretch your creative muscles, as you’re working with more limitations than when you sew with fresh fabric. Consider whether you plan to incorporate some of the original details of the garment or homeware you’re upcycling, or whether you’ll use it to make something entirely different.

Reveal your make on 31st October using #SewUpcycle25 and tag Becky @notes_from_the_sewing_room and Karen @sew.little.time. Remember to include a ‘before’ photo so that everyone can appreciate your transformation.

There will be a YouTube vlog tour for inspiration and a random prize draw for motivation!

Worktober

Do you wear your handmade garments to work? #Worktober is the challenge to celebrate your me-mades in the workplace. Whether your work in an office, or a more specialised workplace, share your outfits, inspiration and work appropriate makes with the sewing community this month.

Interpret Worktober however you like – you don’t have to make a new outfit to join in. Tag challenge host @alexandria_arnold in your posts and use hashtags #Worktober and #MeMadeWorkwear in your caption.

Sew Fizz Challenge

You’ve still got time to make something for the Sew Fizz Challenge! Reveal date is on Sunday 19th October – the day after SewFizzTeaCated, the in-person afternoon tea event hosted by Surrey Sews. The online challenge means you can join in the SewFizzTeaCated fun, even if you can’t make it to the event.

Sew a garment or accessory you would wear to afternoon tea. Share to Instagram on reveal day Sunday 19th October to be in with a chance of winning something from the huge prize pool! Tag @surreysews in the image and add #SewFizzChallenge25 to your caption.

#MyMakesOct25

Whatever you’re sewing throughout October, make sure to share a round-up for #MyMakesForTheMonth to be in with another chance of winning great prizes. This challenge is hosted by @sewmuchtodesign every month, so it’s also a great way to keep a record of everything you’ve made throughout the year.

To join in, simply share your sewing projects to Instagram with the June hashtag #MyMakesOct25, plus the challenge hashtag #MyMakesForTheMonth. Also tag @sewmuchtodesign and follow this month’s sponsors to support small businesses in the sewing community.