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I love that feeling you get when you finish a sewing project and it looks fabulous.
I just wish everything didn’t take so long to sew…
Don’t get me wrong; I love to sew! What I don’t like is all the time-consuming tasks that are sometimes involved. That’s why I’m always looking for ways to save time. Here are 10 super easy ways to speed up certain sewing tasks.
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Use a Rotary Cutter and Mat
Everyone needs a good pair of sewing scissors, but a rotary cutter and mat can help you cut out pattern pieces even faster. I love rotary cutters because your cut lines come out more precise and you don’t have to pin your pattern pieces to your fabric. All you do is lay out your pattern pieces on your fabric, put weights on top, and then use your rotary cutter to cut everything out. It’s fast and simple.
Of course, you’re only going to cut out pattern pieces faster if you have a large enough rotary cutting mat. The small ones that are made for quilting cause more hassle because you must move them as you cut. You need a cutting mat that covers your entire cutting surface. Otherwise, you’ll only be able to cut out one piece at a time.
Avoid Difficult Fabrics
If you’ve been sewing for a while, you know some fabrics are more difficult to sew on than others. Slippery fabrics, like silk and brocade, are challenging because they require more pins, slower speeds, and more patience. Heavyweight and stretchy fabrics also slow you down. If you’re trying to sew faster, choose cotton and linen fabric instead.
Skip the Pinning or Use Fewer Pins
If you read my earlier post about pinning, you know I think pinning is the most tedious task in sewing. It’s a necessary step that I tend to avoid. If you’re sewing on cotton or flannel, you don’t need as many pins because your fabric naturally sticks together better than silk and satin.
You need to use pins if you’re sewing curves or through multiple layers of fabric, but sometimes skipping the pinning step saves you time. With straight seams, you can simply line your fabric edges up as you move them through your sewing machine. Sewing projects do come out more precise when you use pins, but most people won’t be able to tell if you used them or not.
Use Quality Thread and Notions
Poor quality thread and notions require more care when sewing, which equals more time. There’s more to choosing thread than making sure it matches your fabric. You also need to make sure it is high quality so it does not break while you sew.
I once bought a container that had 30 different spools of thread in it, thinking I wouldn’t have to buy thread again for a long time. Unfortunately, every time I tried to use the thread, it would break while I sewed. Now, I always choose a good thread brand, like Gütermann, for my sewing projects. You’ll save time if you always buy high-quality thread and notions.
Choose an Easy Sewing Pattern
Some sewing patterns are easier to sew than others. If you want to sew faster, look for patterns that don’t require a lot of extra detail or embellishment. Everything you make doesn’t have to have shirring, buttons, multiple pockets, or pointed collars. Yes, finishing a complicated frilly dress is satisfying, but sometimes the simplest sewing projects are just as fun.
Look for patterns that say you can sew the project in two hours or less. I also find that sewing tutorials on the internet help me sew faster because of the step-by-step pictures and videos.
Keep All Your Sewing Tools in Reach
Organization is important when you’re trying to sew faster. Put together a small tote that stores all your tools — pins, seam ripper, measuring tape, fabric chalk, etc. Then, keep it nearby whenever you are working on a sewing project. You will sew faster if you have everything you need at your fingertips. If possible, always sew in the same space so your tools and project do not get scattered everywhere.
Invest in a Serger
Sergers are great because they sew straight stitches and finish your seams at the same time. If you can afford to buy one, it will save you tons of time on your sewing projects. You will still need a sewing machine for topstitching, inserting zippers, and other small tasks, but you can do most of your main sewing with a serger. Plus, sergers can sew a lot more quickly than sewing machines.
Some sewing machines have a presser foot attachment that turns your sewing machine into a serger, but a dedicated serger machine is still faster.
Use a Longer Stitch Length
Your sewing machine has several different stitch lengths. The longest ones are for basting and gathering and the shortest ones are for tight seams. You can save time sewing by choosing a longer stitch because your machine is able to move more quickly. You won’t notice much difference in the quality of your finished sewing project if you choose a 2.5 stitch length instead of a 2, but you’ll be able to sew faster.
Attach Buttons with Embroidery Floss
Sewing buttons on by hand is tedious work, especially if you use a single strand of thread. Instead, use a few strands of embroidery thread to attach buttons. You can sew your buttons on in just two or three passes. Simply tie a square knot in the back and your buttons will never come off.
You can also sew buttons on faster if you use your sewing machine. All you do is adjust your zig-zag stitch to match the width of your button and then set your stitch length to zero. This method is best for buttons with two holes. You can’t really do it with shank buttons.
Only Sew One Line of Gathering Stitches
Most patterns recommend that you sew two or three lines of gathering stitches, but you only need one. The only time you need more is if you’re sewing curtains or on heavy-weight fabric. Why waste the time sewing two or three lines of gathering stitches if you’re not going to use them? It just wastes time.
Do you have any other tips to help people sew faster? Leave a comment below.
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