a guide to making the most of your sewing time

Even though we might not always have the ideal amount of sewing time, there are clever ways to boost productivity and keep the creative juices flowing, even during life’s hectic phases. After all, it’s precisely when our schedules are jam-packed that we need downtime the most to recharge and take care of ourselves. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to help you find moments to sew, even when you think you don’t have the time.

Maximizing Your Sewing Time

Here are a few strategies we’ve found useful for finding time to sew, even in the busiest times of our lives. Take a look—there’s bound to be at least one tip that resonates with you.

Create a Sewing Plan

This is perhaps the most crucial step for making the most of your sewing time. Planning your projects ahead of time can save you hours of indecision. Visualize your patterns and select your fabrics before you even sit down at your machine. This approach minimizes the time spent second-guessing and allows you to jump right into sewing.

Batch Similar Tasks

There are ways to optimize your workflow by grouping similar tasks together. For instance, instead of pressing each seam immediately after sewing, wait until you’ve finished a section, then press all the seams at once. The same logic applies to finishing seams. If you’re using an overlocker or zigzag stitch to finish edges, you can usually delay this step until after completing multiple seams. This method keeps the momentum going and propels you toward completion.

Work in Batches

When planning your sewing sessions, consider fabrics and thread colors. If you can cut multiple projects from the same fabric or work on consecutive projects that require the same thread shade, you'll reduce the time spent re-threading your machine. This is particularly beneficial if you’re working with an overlocker or coverstitch machine. I know threading these machines isn’t overly time-consuming, but I still tend to procrastinate. Grouping similar tasks can make the process smoother and more efficient.

Use Every Spare Moment

When you do have larger chunks of time available, use them wisely by cutting out several patterns simultaneously. This way, you’ll be prepared to sew whenever you have a small window of opportunity. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a full hour to get started. If your pieces are already cut and your machine is threaded, you can sew for just a few minutes at a time. Even completing one seam is progress—better than no progress at all.

A personal anecdote: A few years ago, during a difficult family situation, I barely had any free time for myself, let alone for sewing. The crisis lasted for months, but eventually, I realized that I could still sew—it just required adjusting my expectations. By setting aside just 10 or 15 minutes here and there to sew a few seams or press some fabric, I managed to complete my project. Had I not made this effort, it would have remained incomplete.

Pick Simple Projects

Sometimes you just need to sew, regardless of what you’re making. Quick, straightforward projects are perfect for satisfying that urge. Or perhaps you’re looking for something uncomplicated that doesn’t involve complex alterations or tricky fittings. Either way, we’ve got you covered. Here are some easy-to-sew projects to explore:

• Liesl + Co. one-scissor patterns
• Oliver + S one-scissor patterns
• Straight Stitch Society accessory patterns
• Free, easy, and fast patterns

Tell Us Your Tips

These strategies are effective, but they’re far from the only ways to maximize your sewing time. Do you have any unique ideas to share? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below.

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