25 Tips to Optimise Your Sewing with Autism!

check out my autism journey video: • My Autism Diagnosis Jo...
check out a recent shopping haul i did: • Shopping haul for my n...
Subscribe, like, comment and share to support the channel.
If you would like to support financially I would love you foreverrrr. You can click the thanks button under my video or find me on www.ko-fi.com/...
Thank you for watching. I appreciate each one of you!

[@Penguinandpear]

A few days ago I published a video sharing my autism diagnosis kzbin.info/www/bejne/nISnm4t5payslc0 so today I thought I would share some tips on sewing with neurodiversity! Let us know below what your tips are for stitching with autism! Please consider purchasing a ko-fi as this goes a long way to helping me financially! www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear ty xx

[@daxxydog5777]

I don't have autism, but I HATE the way modern machines sound. I guess because the plastic won't dampen the clanging like a solid metal body? My Featherweight, Singer 201, Singer 401a Singer 500a, and Pfaff 362 are really quiet. And nothing is quieter than a treadle or handcrank. So maybe test out some vintage machines? A Singer 401 or 500 have a good variety of built in/zig zag stitches, so they're my favorites.

[@MorganJ]

This was an excellent video! I appreciate the tips, and it made me feel just, you know, heard to listen to it. It's rare for people to talk about how autism impacts their sewing journey, and it made me feel represented and happy to hear your perspective.

[@Penguinandpear]

I’m so happy to hear this!! ❤

[@karinbaird2499]

Autistisk hand sewer here😁 I also sew with vintage Singers. I have difficulty with the feel and noise of plastic sewing machines.

[@victoriahannah1633]

They do sale mats you can put underneath your sewing machine to reduce noise and vibrations. I always set my timer or I would forget to take my dogs out. You’ve been through a lot this past year so do things at your pace.

[@nonstopmom8185]

It is maddening that it takes years and so many doctors etc. to figure out a diagnosis. I don't understand it. A note about noisy machines - I collect vintage machines. Many of the ones from the 60's and 70's are so much quieter. New ones seem so clackety! The older ones are so inexpensive - $25 - $50 can get a beautiful, quiet and serviceable machine that has metal parts inside which almost NEVER break down! Keep an eye out.

[@MorganJ]

About the difficulty finding fabrics that are sensory-friendly in person - one place to potentially try on a budget is the thrift store. Depending on the project, secondhand sheets, blankets, or curtains might work for some projects - and they tend to have been laundrered a lot, so sometimes they're already soft.

[@frannygrace2191]

Very good tips not just for neurodivergent individuals. Something I've learned that works for me is if I'm getting frustrated with a project I need to set it aside instead of trying to push through it.

[@lindamahmood9829]

Can’t wait to see you back with sewing videos I have just had a double mastectomy and my cloths situation is bad nothing fits I’m 78 so not had reconstruction surgery I don’t know where to start getting some clothes up together .I remember watching you sew a tan coloured jacket with a pocket on the sleeve you were so pleased with it . I am glad you are in your new home and you have worked so hard to sort your life problems out enjoy your new beginning be happy stay safe

[@janewarnock8855]

You will find a way to make your clothes fit.. That's the beauty of sewing. Have you watched Catherine Sews? She is inspirational for adapting things to fit 😍

[@MorganJ]

I'm very excited to watch this video! As a fellow neurodiverse person who sews, I welcome the representation. ❤

[@Penguinandpear]

You're very welcome!!!

[@Lorraine-yy8ey]

Oh, sweet Claire! All great tips. A general tip is to keep your iron clean. I abhor a dirty iron or ironing board cover. Drives me crazy! You know what else drives me crazy? How loud my serger is. It rivals the roar of a rocket lift-off. I have NEVER made a garment in an hour. I wouldn't begin to even attempt it. Great to see you. Loved the video. Bye for now.

[@joannashworth2396]

Great information. I struggle with following instructions in that I get really excited to start on some step that is further in on the project. Most recently, I wanted to make some placemats for autumn. The fabrics were so pretty, and I couldn't hardly wait on process wherein I would get to join two very lovely pieces together....SO(!) I started at that step....oh what a mess I made. I had to get two pieces of fabric to replace what I had ruined. End result, it took me a year to finish that project because I just mentally berated myself over my mistake. I am learning about ME in this process. Staying on track requires my self discipline. But I am talking more kindly to myself in this endever

[@Penguinandpear]

I can relate to this. Also I think self reflection is super important which it sounds like you have x

[@joanneentwistle7653]

Hey, I'm on the spectrum too! You have company out here. I was diagnosed at 48. I look forward to listening to this video.

[@t.davila2997]

Excellent video! Lots of good, calm, common sense advice that is applicable to anyone. Thanks for keeping it real 👏👍💐

[@yc70jade]

This is such a great video! I never add tags to my clothes. That's the no.1 annoying thing. I will use bias binding whenever possible or line the bodice. Sewing machines. Ahhh. I have 4 mechanical vintage machine, Elna tsp, Singer Featherweight, Bernina 707, Singer 201 that I used to piece quilt tops and make garments with. I have a modern Bernina but I only use it for quilting. I swear I can hear the computer board making "eeeee" sounds. Just subbed!

[@dillismoore432]

Your sewing tips are great! Thank you Claire!!✨️💐

[@MorganJ]

24:03 I appreciate you opening up about the struggles that you've faced in your personal life. Thank you for keeping your viewers and fans updated, but also like I'm sorry that that happened to you. :(

[@ZeldaSews]

Great information!

[@KhadijahHaleemah]

15:45 I think a lot of people find a benefit to having something generating some noises, such as a telly programme or something on the radio, not just people who are neuro-diverse. I just know that some friends of mine I have talked with about sewing have told me that they benefitted from having some kind of programme on making some noise. I am neuro-diverse (ADHD), but, I do not think that everyone else that I have discussed with are neuro-diverse.

[@catherineb6565]

Thank you Claire. I found this list really helpful as a parent of someone on the spectrum. I'd say there's lots of good tips for any mindful sewist!

[@kandyturner6854]

I have a standing desk and I always stand to sew. I would not want to live without my standing desk for sewing. When I started sewing my back hurt me so bad!! I had to protect it. I’m better now but still love to stand when I sew!!

[@kathygann7632]

When I sew, I lower my chair to the lowest setting so my back isn’t bent.

[@livinginthenow]

Hi there! I'm a woman who was diagnosed as autistic at 51 years old. I, too, have always had trouble with controlling the speed of my sewing machine. I recently upgraded to my first computerized machine, and boy am I happy! Not only does it have a speed control, but I can even sew without a foot pedal! So now I can concentrate on what's going on under the needle and not have to worry about monitoring the pressure I put on the pedal.

[@debbieevans7276]

Oh I hate running out ofm bobbin! What really makes me crazy is it never seems to happen on a short seam. It's either the longest seam or the little tight fiddley bit and I have stitched it all with no) thread! Glad you are back and feeling so much better! ❤❤

[@kathygann7632]

My bobbin almost always runs out about an inch and a half from completing the garment.

[@MorganJ]

About the noise in sewing: make sure that your machine is properly oiled. Sometimes extra irksome sounds can be due to it needing oiled.

[@Penguinandpear]

Great tip!

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

Hi Claire! I'm excited to see sewing videos. I started watching you after you had stopped sewing, and now is a great time for me as I am also easing back into garment sewing.

[@smoothbrain8519]

This was an awesome video, thanks so much for tackling this topic. Gave me a lot of good refinements to think about and integrate into my sewing and other hobbies ! Small tip for the keeping tidy: I like to keep a little jar/bowl on every table I work on to collect scrap fabrics and threads and other rubbish. That way I don’t even have to take my eyes off of what I’m working on to keep my table neat. Keeps the flow going. Then I just dump it at the end of session.

[@janewarnock8855]

So interesting. I do a lot of these already. Being able to focus without interruptions is key for my enjoyment 😀

[@Ninzip]

Diagnosed at 36. Sewing is my special interest! Haha

[@lesleyharris525]

A trick for machines that move when you are sewing is a cork mat, coasters work. And it helps with the noise. Thanks for all the tips and it's lovely to see you looking fad and smiling. ❤

[@chrisdollery5166]

Lovely to see you back Claire, looking forward to seeing you again, it was gracious of you Claire to explain Autism, and how to make allowances and making sewing fun, lots of Commonsense Claire,

[@SJohnson-u1d]

So glad your looking so good and have moved at last. I like to sew with Spotify on my little speaker. I find sewing very mindful. I always take breaks for a cuppa especially when you get to the end of a particular section in the process like put the sleeves in then stop. I agree with everything you suggest very good advice given. Look forward to your new sewing videos.

[@bernadettethomas1496]

Some times I do 30 min sewing 😊

[@YonB60]

Great hints for everyone! Thank you for your thoughtful consideration on all of these hints..

[@kathygann7632]

We all make mistakes. I made a beautiful knit dress with a set in waistband 3/4 around the dress, and a flat panel in the front. Many people liked it and wanted the pattern number. I gave it to them, but said I made so many mistakes and changed so much that theirs probably wouldn’t look like mine. I was new to serging and didn’t want to seam rip and seams. Alls well that ends well.

[@Penguinandpear]

Serger ripping is easier than you think. Take the straight stitches out then the overlock will unravel

[@doloresw]

Great video and information

[@marydogface]

You look great. You've lost weight, and you look much happier. I hope you have found a zest for life. I hope I haven't offended you, I just want to wish all the best.

[@Penguinandpear]

It’s all good. Yes I’ve intentionally lost about 90lbs. I am no longer living with my husband so that accounts for the happiness lol 😂

[@ninadukette3340]

I would say you lost 90 lbs plus his weight.😂😂😂😂@Penguinandpear