How To Improve Productivity When Sewing

This is about how to improve your productivity when sewing. Some of you may have seen a post I wrote that was featured on the SewOver50 Instagram site (here). But in this post I wanted give a few more details about how I use the “10-20-30 Minutes to Sew” method and “The Busy Woman’s Sewing Guide” method popularized by Nancy Zieman.

I started this process several years ago when I worked full-time and my husband and I were parents to two young kids. That was back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. Now my kids are grown and my husband and I are empty-nesters, but I still use the same process.

My most important quick tips:

• I start with the premise that every step forward is progress. If you only have time to change the machine thread so it matches your next project, you’ve made progress.
• But before that, I organize. I keep my pattern, any notions and fabric in large Ziploc bags. It helps to keep things in clear containers or bags so I know what’s inside and I don’t have to guess.
• Stock up on essentials. In the book, Nancy talks about interfacing and thread. I have also stocked up on fabric and zippers. With the Covid-19 pandemic in full effect and not having the ability or desire to go to the store, I have realized I have more than enough to get me through a pandemic! And, I probably have enough to get through another one if need be.
• You can read through the instructions (at least halfway) in order to determine good stopping points. I don’t do this as often as I used to. Since I now have my own sewing space, I don’t have to clean up for us to use the table for dinner. But there are some things I like to do when I’m fresh (ex. putting in zippers or making buttonholes).
• Change the order of your sewing in order to save time. I do this often depending, of course, on what I’m making.

Sometimes getting something done boils down to getting started. That sounds simple but it’s not always easy. There may not be the “perfect” fabric or the “perfect” pattern for a project. But there are always some really good options. Make the decision and stop second guessing. I tell myself this all the time.

Just get started!

Spend your time on the things that really matter. In sewing, that would be making a tailored jacket, for example. That’s something that I know going in is going to take more time, so I have to be willing to spend that time to do a good job. I actually go into those types of projects with the idea that it’s going to be a “slow sewing” process, so I’ll enjoy it. So, if you have limited sewing time, know where you need to allocate the most time in order to not just get a garment completed, but completed well.

Sew multiple projects with the same colors when possible.

Other things that help me to save a bit of time are sewing in the same color family. If you can make to dark blue garments one after the other, then you shouldn’t need to rethread your machine. Many people cut out multiples of the same pattern. I might do that but not at the same time. I’ll make one, then I’ll make another of whatever color. I’ll do this before I put the pattern away. It’s easy to make another while the pattern’s already out.

And finally, just as the books say, I always advocate for buying the best you can afford. That means having the best quality fabric and thread, etc. that you can. It doesn’t matter if I’m just making a T-shirt, I still care about the quality and construction of the garment. I have clothes that I’ve made that have survived years of wear and washes.

So, be encouraged and just keep going… or keep sewing.