Tips on How to Sew More Efficiently

An advanced beginner sewist recently asked what can you short cut/speed sew and what can you not? That question got me thinking about sewing efficiency. 

 I took a class on Craftsy years ago called Sew Better, Sew Faster. The class explained industry techniques for sewing efficiency.

Sometimes I like to go very slow and sew couture level detail. I did that for my MOG gown that took months. ( And I took a class to learn to sew couture too).

Most of the time I sew RTW style for myself and my family. This is a concrete decision to let go of perfectionist tendencies and not hold myself to a standard that exceeds what I would accept from most shops. I’ve sewed almost all my clothes since 2011. Not all garments I wear need to be couture quality. Sometimes good enough is good enough.

Here are my prime takeaways for increasing efficiency:

1) Using a serger is quick and gives a nice seam finish.

2) Presser feet are engineering miracles. The correct foot for the job helps. Stitch in the ditch feet, 1/4 inch feet, feet with adjustable arms give perfect straight stitches. Every time.
Straight stitch feet, roller feet make sewing difficult, slippery fabrics like silk easier. Teflon feet make sewing leather easier.

3) Modern needles are also engineering miracles. Change needles often and use the correct needle for the job. Dull needles cause skipped and bungled stitches. The wrong size or shaped needle will also make sewing challenging. And cause both lost time and frustration.

4) Wonder clips save time over pins, prevent unsightly holes in delicate fabrics like silk or rayon challis and prevent serger accidents.

5) Pattern weights (I use washers) and rotary cutters make cutting more efficient. Be sure to sharpen or change blades frequently.

6) Batch sewing also increases efficiency. This can be done with multiple garments or by organizing stitching within a single garment project. 

7) Adapting a well fitted, TNT pattern, sloper, or pattern block is generally faster than cutting, fitting and making muslins for new patterns.

Happy sewing!

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