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10 Habits That (Quietly) Changed My Sewing Life

Seamwork

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In today's video, I'm sharing 10 simple habits that have quietly transformed my sewing life. These tiny habits are easy to add to your sewing routine, and make everything feel effortless, calm, and creative.

I'm wearing:
👆 Zazanna sweater by Norah Gaughan: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

Video Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Habit 1: Planning My Projects
02:06 - Habit 2: Only Buying Fabric for Specific Projects
03:30 - Habit 3: Setting Realistic Time Expectations
04:26 - Habit 4: Sewing Big Projects in Small Chunks
05:25 - Habit 5: Alternating Easy and Hard Projects
06:28 - Habit 6: Cutting and Sewing on Different Days
07:35 - Habit 7: Using a Press Cloth
08:22 - Habit 8: Taking Photos of Successful Machine Settings
09:06 - Habit 9: Always Testing New Techniques on Scraps
10:02 - Habit 10: Treating Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

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20 Comments

@MariaRevArt 10 months ago

Having easy projects in-between bigger ones is such a good tip. I also like to cut out multiple projects at a time.

@sjarman1115 10 months ago

Instead of trying to sew an entire project, I tried splitting up steps in my last piece. I would look over a couple steps in the instructions the night before until they make sense, then work on those steps the next day. It stopped me from procrastinating the whole project because I was anxious about certain steps. I finished my project so quickly, without anxiety. Yay!

@subaru7233 5 months ago

I live with chronic pain and sewing is an important part of my distraction toolbox. Putting on music or an audiobook and spending even half an hour at my machine gives me a boost on rough days. I have used the "cut out multiple projects" strategy for years. It's so satisfying to just roll through projects without having to shift between cutting and sewing. Your videos are very helpful, thanks.

@OnePoetWanderer 10 months ago

These are all such great tips. Last month I was trying to finish a jacket...probably one of the more complex projects I've done since I picked back up sewing again...and to keep from getting overwhelmed I did the whole 'break it down into little bits each day.' I wrote them down as a schedule in my planner and really kept me from getting overwhelmed by thinking 'I only have to do THIS much tonight.'

That's also the project that taught me your step 10. I measured and remeasured my arm length and compared it to the pattern and decided to shorten the sleeve by about an inch. Except I, a numbers person, made a really stupid error and shortened it by TWO inches. Realized it when I was about ready to do the sleeves. Disaster. I wallowed in my disaster for about a day and then started trying to think of ways I could fix it (other than just always wearing the sleeves rolled up). I had almost no scraps of the fabric left so I couldn't recut or piece in enough to get the length back. And then I thought 'insertion lace.' Scoured Etsy and found some I liked. It came and I realized I didn't like how white it was. So I learned two things on that project: 1. How to coffee dye lace and 2. How to sew insertion lace into a garment. I'm actually pretty happy with the results!

@emmaspif 10 months ago (edited)

I test out my button hole setting on scrap every single time

@MJG-d6s 10 months ago (edited)

I spent a while this week unpicking seams of garments I'm not keeping but the fabric will be perfect in scrap quilts. Fabric is so expensive, and it's time to go back to the way our grandmothers used for making scrap quilts. It never once occurred to my grandmother to buy fabric for quilt tops.

@irynazinchenko2759 3 weeks ago

For the first time, I feel that I can approach sewing with genuine intention and confidence. I no longer have to gather every step from scattered bits and pieces of information or become discouraged by mistakes I could have avoided. Everything is explained clearly and thoughtfully, from planning an entire wardrobe collection to completing an individual sewing project step by step.🎉

@440sew-what 10 months ago

For project storage after cutting: I found 9x12 and 11x17 vinyl envelopes with zippers at the top. They are clear, so I can see whats inside. And they expand to hold the pattern, fabric and all the notions. I can also stand them up to stack them . Taking notes: if I find a better or different way to sew something, or I figure out what the pattern instructions are really tellingme to do- I write it on the pattern instruction sheet. So when I make the pattern again, I know what to do. I also make note of the fitting adjustments I made, so I know those have already been done. I re-use my patterns a lot.

@Cambrilsbirds 10 months ago

Loved all of your tips and the biggest change that I made was I set a timer when I go into my sewing room for one hour sometimes I might go three times a day but I sew for only an hour I go do something else for at least an hour before I go back if time allows. , it has helped me with countless mistakes and also more enjoyment.

@carolabieniek8648 10 months ago

On buying fabrics, I would like to add: don't buy fabrics because they're “in style”. Buy fabrics that are your style. Because what's the point in spending your time, effort & love on making a garment when you're going to toss it the moment “it's no longer in style”? Yes, you might realize that something you thought was you didn't fit your style after all. But such accidents happen and are learning opportunities, while sewing just according to fashions is wasteful.

@ruthkirkparick3535 6 months ago

I have quite a few projects on the go, almost all based on inherited materials from two complete sewing rooms -- including storage units. My goal is to use what I have first, and only buy what I do not have to complete a project. As I run into a problem or simply loose enthusiasm, I set that project aside and work on other things, including keeping a sewing journal (writing & editing as projects evolve).
And obviously, when I need to take a break, I watch this and other sewing vlogs for inspiration, tips, and encouragement.

@janepollock8525 10 months ago

I love the way you understand the psychology of sewing. How it seems like work when it ought to be fun. Thank you.

@cc83jc85 1 month ago

you are so correct on this- small steps, just like cooking is better..always takes longer!

@JustJ0YouKnow 10 months ago

Okay I'm on the right track to not unintentionally demotivate myself. Thank you for sharing these tips...specifically the call out of having cutting days and sewing days. That makes sooo much since. I'm super new to sewing but I'm soooo excited to level up my skills and start making my own clothes.

@irynazinchenko2759 3 weeks ago

Following your process does more than make sewing feel manageable — it inspires me, gives me new ideas, and makes me want to keep learning, planning, and creating more projects.

I am deeply moved and incredibly grateful to you and your team for sharing your experience in such a generous, practical, and beautifully presented way. This is exactly what I have been missing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

@nclk-g3j 7 months ago

“If you cut twice, it will still be too short”. 😝 learned that the hard way

@myrnarose5743 8 months ago

Because my life gets interruptions, I don't cut out more than 1 outfit at a time. By the time I'm ready for a new project - I sometimes make a different item from "that" material.

@Jeanne-ny2cp 9 months ago

What works for me is going through stages of construction, taking breaks, & completing before taking on another project. Except for hemming - I use to rush - now I take more time looking & judging hem lengths.