15 ways I started sewing FASTER while making HIGHER QUALITY garments…

Speed up your sewing practice, while improving the quality of your handmade garments! These are 15 ways I've improved my efficiency in sewing over the past 4 years. Let me know YOUR speedy sewing tips and tools in the comments below!
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[@farmwife7944]

I’ve been sewing clothes for 65 years now. Last year I bought a $45 pair (using an Amazon gift card) of rechargeable scissors and they are amazing. I have arthritis in my hands and wrists but I can now cut out multiple patterns pieces accurately and pain free. I realize now how often in the past I had retreated from sewing due to pain, but now I am recharged!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Honestly they make a HUGE difference! So glad you found them!

[@elisemelancon295]

The best tip that my mother gave me is this one : instead of measuring a seam for the hem of a dress for example, I sew a line with the longest length possible on my machine according to the instructions on the pattern. For example, when the hem has to be folded at 1 inch, I sew a line with my machine at 1 inch. I fold and iron the fabric after and I topstitch the hem. This is fast and I am sure that the length of the hem is always exact and perfect. Love this very interesting podcast. Have a good day. Elise

[@michelleroberts4364]

That is a great tip. I am definitely going to that in the future. Thanks for sharing your mothers best tip😍

[@charliedarwintextiles]

A great tip!! Thank you, Elise! 😊

[@Retrochick330]

The best iron I have ever used is a vintage iron straight from the 60s (it was new in the box). It’s easy to fill with water, gives really great steam and doesn’t shut off on me ever. It also heats up really fast. I have tried all the fancy irons but they’ve all broken on me or cause too much headache. I hope my vintage iron and I last for many years to come.

[@dressmaking]

1) Washable glue stick for quick basting seams before stitching, 2) washable crayola markers instead of fancy fabric marking pens that always run dry, and 3) setting up my sewing machine at a standing height. Your tips are amazing! I am totally drooling over that cutting and pressing table that folds down. Game changer!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Woah. These genuinely all blew my mind. The standing sewing machine especially. I want to try that! The markers make me nervous... they really wash out every time??

[@dressmaking]

@@charliedarwintextiles I mean test on scrap piece of fabric but they are washable! If soap and water don’t work, then rubbing alcohol will do the trick.

[@annstrobel7729]

I'm using Frixion markers and love them! I feel like they're a little more consistent than the washables. I also have my machine at standing height, but then I bought a saddle stool that raises up to drafting height so I can sit or stand with my machine at the same height.

[@KristinaHoneyHavenFarm]

Whether I have one project or several going (with different fabrics but the same thread), I gather everything that is ready for sewing and do it all at once. By that, I mean that I start piece 1, and then go on to piece 2 with just a few stitches between them, and then go on to piece 3, etc., all without stopping and starting my my sewing. Effectively, when done I will have a long string of sewn pieces. I snip them apart, and then go on to the next step of every project until I can do it all again. Saves so much time and much less to deal with in terms of thread ends.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Love this tip! Thank you for adding it!

[@allisonkellycraft]

I have a Singer heavy duty and I will sing its praise forever, it's a total beast. I am lowkey obsessed with it! Love the tips! I have electric scissors, but find it difficult to use on fabric flat on a table, so might save up for the electric rotary cutter, that seems a lot nicer. My little tip, is I have a ironing mat its not that big, but can be folded to fit any available work space, which works well for me because my desk is always messy so having the flexibility of ironing basically anywhere (even the floor if needed) is really helpful!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Yes! It is the best!! And thank you for adding your tips, the mobile ironing mat sounds like an awesome idea for small spots!

[@MPam1619]

Love, love, love tip #1, it's gold! As for me, at nearly 70 years of age, a tip from which i [personally] would probably benefit the most (and which is not on your list of course) is: TAKE A SEWING CLASS and actually learn to sew!! I say this facetiously, but i'm serious. I'm so tired of my free hand projects and occasionally having things serendipitously turn out well or sort of, well. Then i could make use of some of the nifty tools you feature here. Btw, my latest nail biter, $70 worth of gorgeous linen (i bought 2 years ago) from which i hope to make a maxi dress. Thanks ever so much for your delightful video!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Ooh that is a great addition to the list! A sewing class really does help speed things up. I took one in middle school and it really gave me a good quick overview on what all the tools do and how to use them! Good luck with your linen😊, I believe in you!!

[@divinenonbinary]

HANDHELD (cordless) VACUUM YALL 👏💪 no dust everything under control 😤

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Genius!! I'd love to get a small one for my sewing room-- dust is everywhere!!

[@divinenonbinary]

@@charliedarwintextiles honestly absolutely game changer in terms of an entire household but the targeted dust management especially. I used to be so precise with unravelling and ripping up the seams to make sure to keep threads intact cuz tiny pieces would drive me crazy n I don’t care anymooor 💪😤

[@msmonet]

I put my inexpensive adjustable height ironing board to my right side at 90 degrees. Handy worksurface, ironing surface while at the sewing machine. I set its height the same as my sewing table. It's so lightweight. Also since I no longer have kids underfoot, I use an ironing with long cord. I also use a powerstrip for the iron, and a task light. When done sewing, I turn off strip. If I see the task light on, I know my iron is still on. So good reminder for this older brain. I noticed all your dyed linen is sold out, will you be making more soon? Thanks!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Ooh thank you for the extra tips! These are great! And yesss I am hoping to get the dyed linen back in stock very soon. Hopefully within the next few weeks! 😊

[@trudi1962]

Great video! If your machine has a knee lift, that's a game changer.

[@annstrobel7729]

I desperately want to use mine but just can't get the hang of it! Need to keep trying I think!

[@rhondadownes207]

All great tips! Especially winding a few bobbins before beginning a project; it’s a great tip for quilting as well. I never realized that an electric rotary cutter even existed until I started watching your videos. 😂

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Thanks! Yeah I didn't know they existed either until I saw someone using on 2yrs ago, and my mind was blown!!

[@maryjanegibson7743]

Bias tape makers are some of the unsung heroes of my sewing (not that there are any heroes, but you know what I mean). I was surprised at how efficient they are.

[@Sandrab769]

I bought the Amazon bias tape maker, but it left it in the drawer for about a month before trying it. Wow, what a fool I was. It is a game changer. I’m making drawstring backpacks to donate for my local Christmas charity event. I am truly enjoying doing this. I hope the kids like them.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Same!!

[@SouthpawElbowJabber]

I love these because I always love to make my own bias from the same fabrics. It’s a pet peeve of mine if the colors don’t match or coordinate well with the main fabric!

[@Tiachops]

I would love a pattern for your Scarce Forester dress - would you consider making one? Thanks!

[@danniefrenchpea63]

Excellent tips Léah! 👍 Thank you so much for sharing your video 🙏 Am going to have a look at the table as I currently use the end of the table where my serger sits or my ironing board and kind of shuffle the fabric around... not ideal! I do use some of the tips you have mentioned already, but would never have thought of taping buttons, how smart! I have your wide leg pants pattern, can't wait to get started on it! 💖☺️

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Yay! thank you for the kind words, and good luck on your pants! I'm glad the button taping was a new one for you, and you might really like the upgrade to this table! 😊

[@daughterofgod6964]

Very very helpful tips. Thank you for taking the time to help others have a better sewing experience.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

I'm so glad they helped! Thanks for letting me know 😊

[@mariemarie819]

--Stray and uncut threads make me crazy, so I keep scissors and a lint roller on my ironing board to help keep them at bay. --I use muslin to make pressing cloths--bought on sale, then washed and pinked into whatever size I want. They are easy to wash and reuse. --I use Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste to clean my iron--it’s their basic and least expensive toothpaste and I get it at Dollar Tree. Just put some on a damp wash rag then rub on a warm iron and the glue from interfacing, etc. is wiped away and your iron smells minty fresh!!!😂***Be careful to MAKE SURE you fold the wash rag THICK enough so you don’t burn yourself on the hot iron that you’re cleaning. DO NOT ask me HOW I know this!!!😂🤦‍♀️😂🤦‍♀️😂

[@charliedarwintextiles]

I'm going to have to try the toothpaste trick!! LOL I've definitely had some unfortunately dumb moments of cleaning the iron while it's too hot... very good you included that warning reminder haha

[@janetwilliams7705]

Thank you!

[@cleanqueen75]

I have the EZ cutter electric scissors. Love them! I can cut out a pattern so much quicker!

[@patriciakovach8656]

I’m so glad I came across your video… I love love your patterns!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Yay! Thanks for being here, and I'm so glad you found me 😊

[@Teresasblaze]

I stick those stick on hooks on my sewing machines (I have 12) and hang scissors on there so they’re handy and I can see where they are. Also you can use this method for hanging a pin cushion on the sewing machine. Voilà!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Oooh great ideas!!

[@IceCream-hp7mm]

That electric shear looks so fun! I don’t sew that much but I still want it jajaja

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Haha they really are so fun to use!!

[@Mila.s5]

Soy principiante. Tus consejos son valiosos💜 . Gracias💜

[@charliedarwintextiles]

¡De nada!

[@UtahGmaw99]

For gathering. Pull out a bunch of the top thread, at least 2x's the length of the fabric you want to gather. Set the stitch to a medium to large zigzag and stitch a couple of stitches then bring the top thread under the presser foot and zig zag over the thread. (You can pull on the thread a little bit if you need to as you go). This will gather your fabric and you can still adjust the gathers as you need. Am I clear as mud? lol I hope I'm not to confusing.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Ooooooh haha i did have to focus pretty hard as I read that, but I think I get it!! definitely going to try this!! Thank you!

[@UtahGmaw99]

@@charliedarwintextiles If you have a problem let me know and I will try to help. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

[@annstrobel7729]

Oohhhh...dated notes...that is so brilliant. I cannot even count how many times I've altered a pattern and then 6 months later gone to make it again and can't remember if I'm supposed to cut one line or the other...

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Lol I forget what I did 100% of the time 😂.

[@IAmCraftingAgain]

Wool pressing mat to press on my sewing table without having to get out ironing board. Mini iron for pressing seams without a heavy big iron

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Oooh both of those sound really fun to use, and great ideas to fit into a smaller space. Thanks for adding them!

[@emmylou7457]

great tips! I'm also a big fan of snips next to the sewing machine, snipping off the threads is so much more efficient than using scissors I found ^^ For the thread not getting pulled up by the machine, I got used to putting the needle in via hand wheel, might not be the most efficient though... I would like to add sewing clips to the list, I think they can be more efficient than pins, and less poky haha. Also, something I thought about ordering soon, is a better universal presser foot than the one my singer heavy duty came with, one where I can see multiple different lines of SA from both sides, so I don't have to switch my feet, for example for close edge stitching, and with that black button that's supposed to level the foot for getting over a bump of layers. Ps. I thought it's funny that you kinda look like a surgeon in your thumbnail, with that electric cutter and your blue top xD

[@charliedarwintextiles]

I've been wanting to try sewing clips! I'm curious how do you keep them 'contained' and not bouncing all around the room?

[@emmylou7457]

@@charliedarwintextiles they definitely need their designated bowl or container, but then it's easy to just scoop them up off the table with your hand into your bowl ^^

[@brooksidevt6120]

Hi Leah! The link you provided for the electric rotary cutter isn't working. Is the Hercules AS100-K Electric Rotary Fabric Mini Cutter what you like & use? Thank you for these terrific tips! I am looking forward to trying your taping on of buttons! Besides keeping my space clean as an enticement to sew, which I only periodically remember to do, I can highly highly recommend the vintage Bernina 820 sewing machine. It was a game-changer for me. I love it so! Thank you for your terrific and informative videos!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Thank you for letting me know, the link should be working now! And yes, that is the one I like and use. Also, thank you for the extra sewing machine recommendation!

[@Hakimworldwide]

So you can cut on the gridded ironing cover without damaging its surface?

[@Hakimworldwide]

Pretty cool

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Yep! There is a little foot on the bottom of the rotary cutter that keeps it off the surface. It's awesome!

[@prosie1968]

Needle coming unthreaded is my number one problem, because the thread thing that goes up and down inevitably is always at the bottom when I stop sewing. When i go to sew it goes up and comes unthreaded. When I remember, I raise that to the top and it’s a non issue, do I remember?? Occasionally!

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Lol I know! I put that tip in this video but I still only remember to do it like 75% of the time... so annoying!!

[@susanc.8009]

You’re machines are less expensive. I have the same ones. Wondering if you’ve bought these for the same reason I did-because you can replace it for about the same cost as having it repaired.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

I'm always working on a budget! Love getting good value though. I've had some cheapy machines in the past that break super easily, and these ones have really honestly outlived how much I paid for them!

[@michaelc3782]

Great video. Your sound was too low.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Thank you for the feedback on that, genuinely appreciate it!

[@chriswatson1698]

I don't see the point of filling up bobbins before you need them. Why such a big deal to fill one when the other is empty? At the end of the project, you have to transfer the bobbin thread back onto the spool, but now the thread in the spool is not continuous.

[@charliedarwintextiles]

Ha I just hate filling them, so doing it ahead of time gets it out of the way while I've still got energy. I also sew with the same color thread a lot, so I just keep the leftover threaded bobbins for my next project!

[@elaineforan4751]

I use white grey and navy all the time and have loads of bobbins ready to go. I also use these on most projects and only use matching thread where it will be visible which saves money too.

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Me too, I use grey, cream, and navy for most seams, it's amazing how many fabrics they blend with. So having extra bobbins is great. I have never heard of rewinding the thread back on the spool. For topstiching, I seldom need an extra bobbin. In fact, even with topstitching, I often use a neutral color instead of color matching if it blends, especially on patterned fabric.

[@elaineforan4751]

@theresaanndiaz3179 yes! I find it saves money, storage space and time.

[@katecapek3116]

​@@theresaanndiaz3179same here