Have you ever wished that sewing was a quicker process? I’ll give you 5 tips that will help get more efficient sewing.
1. Batching
Getting your flow on by batching similar tasks together. So that might mean cutting a few projects out in one day, or it could mean overlocking all you seam allowances at once. It could also mean leaving any hand sewing until the end to do together or sewing all your panels together at once.
Batch all the tasks that use the same action, function, stitch or machine together saves you having to switch between different tasks and machines which slows you down.
Batching for the win!
2. Transferring all your pattern markings before you start sewing
If you transfer all the markings from the pattern to the fabric before you start unpinning you pattern pieces you will lessen the risk of missing any and having to refer back to the pattern at a later stage.
The more experienced you become the more you will know which markings are essential and which are dispensable. However until you know; mark them all.
Here are 3 different methods you can use to transfer pattern markings.
3. Be Organised
Keeping your work organised means that you don’t waste time looking for the things you need.
I like to keep the pattern pinned to each piece until I need it. That will reduce the time spend searching for the correct pieces.
I keep ongoing projects all together in separate boxes, so that I have everything together ready to go.
4. Optimise your Workspace
Set up your workspace in a way that works for you. Put your ironing board up and keep it up in a space that’s close to your sewing table. You are going to have to move regularly between the ironing board and sewing machine. Make that transition as easy as possible. Is space is at a premium, get a mini table top ironing board and a Prym Mini Iron.
Have a small thread/scrap bin on your table.
Have everything you need in close reach. Time spend moving about in your sewing room is time wasted.
5. Sew what you Know
If all you’re looking for is more efficient sewing, then sew a project that is tried and tested. Something that you’ve made before will always be quicker second time around.
The more you sew the same pattern the more familiar it will become and you reduce the time spend reading the instructions and deciphering what it all means. You don’t have to trace or cut the paper pattern again and you already know that it fits.
The pattern I’ve made the most over the years is the Tilly & the Buttons Agnes Top.
Having said all this, sewing doesn’t always have to be speedy. In fact there is a definite joy to be found in slowing it all down and savouring the process. But in today’s time poor world, being more efficient means you can do more with less time.
Love & Stitches
Alison xx
