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Although I love sewing, it can get put on the back burner with my busy schedule. There’s work, appointments, cooking, and other things to do, but I’ve still found ways to make time for it.
For me, squeezing in a few minutes a week is better than doing none at all. And well, dreaming about it is nice, but it’s not moving the needle any.
I’ll share the things to do to find some time. This may help you get on that sewing machine more often, or at least give you ideas to try!
Creating Time for Sewing
These are in no particular order, but I think the most important comes first. Sometimes doing things to hold us accountable keeps us sticking to it.
1. Write it on your to-do list or planner.
I read about a hobby sewist who scheduled a half-hour at 5 a.m. daily to sew. She wrote this in her planner, just like she penciled in her appointments and other activities.
Starting the day with sewing fostered creativity throughout her day. That’s a bit too early for me, but I love the idea of making it a habit first thing in the morning.
Having a schedule helps me, however I’m also flexible. My planner is more like a to-do list. It’s something I have scheduled, but I can be flexible with the time.
That way it won’t feel like a grind, but more like a reminder that I have to fit it in.
2. Replace TV time with sewing.
I don’t watch much TV, which makes this one much easier for me. When there’s nothing interesting to watch, I run to my sewing machine.
You could replace TV time with sewing. I’ll sew with the TV on in the background, or rather, YouTube.
I’m not really watching it, but listening to it. Plus, I listen to audiobooks and podcasts. So, it’s like killing two birds with one stone, if you can multitask.
3. Make use of shorter time blocks.
Sometimes I can find shorter blocks of time throughout the day to organize. They might only be 10 to 20 minutes.
You can complete smaller tasks during those times. I’ll sort through sewing patterns, select my next project, cut some fabric, and organize my workspace.
It only takes a couple minutes to put sewing tools back in place or set up for my next project. Every little bit helps!
4. Swap out other activities.
Do you have other activities that you can swap out? Sometimes I replace my meditation time with sewing.
I’m not saying my meditation and yoga time isn’t important. When I sew, it can be meditative too.
The hum of the sewing machine and being creative really bring me peace. This helps clear my mind too.
Speaking of which, another activity I swap out is social media time. I find myself wasting so much time scrolling on apps when I could be sewing instead!
5. Create a sewing circle.
Have you thought about creating a sewing or crafting circle? Maybe you can get together with others once a week to be creative.
This is a good way to hold yourself and others accountable and stick to the schedule.
I know someone who did this. She invited me and others to come over and create.
People could bring whatever they wanted, such as cardmaking, sewing, knitting, or coloring. It was just a way to fit in creative time and socialize.
I’ve also done video calls with long-distance friends. They would work on their projects while I sewed. Fun right?
6. Set sewing goals.
It always helps to create goals and work towards them. Keep them visible as a reminder that you need to stick to them.
That way, you’ll make the time. Whether you want to sew for leisure or turn it into a business, you’ll keep it in mind.
Would you like to get more advanced with your sewing skills? If your dream is to learn to sew a garment a week, you’ll want to put aside time each day.
And if you plan to make sewing your full-time job, you’ll really need to put your nose to the grindstone. Make it a priority on your schedule, and you’ll reap the benefits.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found the best thing for me is a good balance. But, whatever your goals are, I hope you can get even a few minutes a week for sewing.
And make sure you save time for yourself as well. And if creating is part of the equation, all the better!
More About Sewing
- I’ll dive into how I actually save money on sewing costs.
- What about a no-sew method for fixing a small hole in clothes?
- I’ll show you how to make fabric swatches so you can keep track of what’s in your stash.
Originally published: August 15, 2024
