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So much to sew, sew little time. Here are a list of time-saving sewing hacks I use to make sewing projects go faster. I’d love to know if you do any of these, or if you have any time-saving tricks to share!

Use weights on your pattern

I used to pin patterns to fabric before tracing and cutting out. Now, I will usually use some kind of weight to hold the paper pattern steady. I don’t even have designated weights for this, any kind of paperweight will do. I have some bean bags, a jar of marbles, and small sewing tin. Large flat washers from a hardware store also work. This also helps keep your patterns in good condition – if you pin and unpin a pattern that gets used a few times, it starts to wear on the pattern.

Time-saving sewing tip: try using fewer pins

This is something I like to challenge intermediate sewers with. While learning to sew, many people put in a lot of pins. Try sewing using slightly fewer pins – maybe space them out more.

The top and bottom of the seam are the most important places to have pins. Once you are confident with straight stitching, try spacing your pins out just a bit more. There are exceptions of course, like if you are using a very slippery fabric.

Have seam allowance on your pattern if you are going to use it multiple times

This is fairly self-explanatory…I am a fan of having a seam allowance on my pattern and not just on my fabric. Plus you don’t have to remember to add it on later!

Batch sewing and cutting

If you are making more than one of something, it saves you time to cut everything at one time and sew each step on each item one at the same time (sew step one on all items, then step two on all items, etc). This can actually save you a lot of time from things like changing machine settings, pressing, staying at the machine and not getting up and pinning the next piece and sitting back down at the machine again. You might also call this an assembly line. There are times I make an exception here, mostly if it is something I haven’t done before and I need to make one from start to finish to make sure I am happy with the result then I will make one as a sample and batch sew everything else.

Use selvage where you can for time-saving sewing

If I am cutting something that is mostly square or rectangular, I will often line one edge up with the selvage and use that as the outside edge since it doesn’t require a seam finish.

To learn what selvage is, l made a blog post explaining this and other sewing terminology.

Stay organised

OK how often do you go to use a tool or find a specific notion and wast time looking for it? Whether you have a designated craft room or sew on the kitchen table, keeping your gear organized helps you avoid wasting time and frustration. If you find yourself forever looking for a missing tool, it might be time to sift through and organize your supplies.

Time-saving sewing tools

Rotary Cutter and ruler

Popular with quilters, but I use mine a ton even though I’ve never made a quilt! I use it most time I have a straight line to cut. Using a grid ruler and rotary cutter allows you to measure and cut in one step.

I like to use it for hemming pants, making straps, pocket bags, scrunchies and other smaller or striaght cuts. If you are looking to get one of these, there are some different sizes of rulers, mats and blades at MadamSew.

At the ironing board

I try and do my pressing for projects somewhat in batches – instead of pressing after every seam, I will do a few and then go to the iron when I can do a few at one time.

If you sew a lot, you may wish to consider upgrading to a sewing machine made for sewists!

I hope there is at least one tip there you can use for an upcoming project. I’d love to know what you are going to use next. Or if you have a time-saving sewing tip to share, leave a comment!

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