Top 10 Time Saving Tips For Quilters

[@karenhenry614]

The number one tip that I need to really practice is to cut down on watching your and others quilting videos, and get busy!

[@jenmckitrick]

me too!

[@brendagriffin6437]

sometimes you just need inspiration! Videos help me get back in the groove.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Watching tv and being on my phone are big distractions that I just have to eliminate when quilting.

[@karenboyd6293]

OH NO! You mean have to actually do the stuff? They don't just appear after we watched a video?

[@barbolson8768]

This is my biggest problem. I turn on KZbin and that's it, I've got down a rabbit hole and before you know it, the day is wasted and I haven't sewn anything. I can't get out of this rut. I haven't sewn anything in about two months, now I don't care to. I've just lot my sew-jo.

[@suzannemiller993]

Folding fabric onto comic book boards then storing them by color has really helped me organize, find, and use my yardage quickly. Also, one day a week (usually Sunday), I have a "scrap Sunday" where I cut my accumulated scraps into set sizes and put it away. Scraps ready to use are more likely to get used.

[@brendagriffin6437]

I attach small index cards to my boards with fabric info and yardage. So if I need 3 yards and it only says 2, I find something else

[@karin0963]

@@brendagriffin6437 great idea!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great idea!

[@cathylombard964]

Great tips. The best tip I have is based on my own experience as a mistake prone quilter. When you get frustrated & keep make several mistakes in a row or the same mistake over & over, take a break. Go do something else for awhile. It seems to calm me and reset my brain so I stop making the mistakes.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes, great tip!

[@jenmckitrick]

Strip piecing units like 4-patches, 9-patches, and rail fence units saves so much time over cutting individual patches and sewing them together. And I find that it improves my accuracy.

[@karin0963]

That's a great suggestion!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@bgturman]

I can’t work in a messy room either. You don’t even want to go in there, much less be creative! Definitely winding the bobbins ahead of time is a good time saver! Good tips!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes! Thank you!

[@deborahlunsford6983]

I personnaly like listening or watching you tube vidéos about quilting or other topics however it is sometimes distracting. We all have busy lives and sometimes it is difficile to find the time to just sew. Keeping my small sewing room neat and tidy helps to motivate me to sew whenever i have a bit of time. I like to always have a scrap project that i can just pick up. I also like sewing EPP while watching tv in evening with my husband. Thank you Michelle for the video.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brendagriffin6437]

Great tips! Having a clean orderly area is essential for me. I do many different crafts. I clean up every night as I may be doing something different the next day. I can't work in chaos. I also make a test block or prototype of whatever I'm making with scrap fabric. It helps me work out potential "bugs", especially with someone else's patterns. I cut up a queen size quilt in my early stages of quilting only to discover there was a mistake in the pattern. I learned a very expensive lesson that day. I have to really like a pattern to buy one now, otherwise, I do my own...either on graph paper or Excel. I use a lot of white thread. I take a new spool of thread and wind as many bobbins as I can with that spool. I bought extra bobbins just for that purpose.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes a test block is a must for me! It is the first thing I do when starting a new quilt!

[@susanmarling2079]

Thanks, Michelle, a test block is the key to success!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Absolutely!

[@deloresrast8543]

Know your limitation’s- when I’m tired I make a lot of mistakes - don’t quilt when your tired.

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Amen.

[@peggyr3862]

No. 1 on my list!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That is soooo true!

[@suebassetmom115]

Yes, me too, when it's close to bedtime and I try to do "one quick thing" I mess it up and either stay up later to undo it or try to go to sleep thinking about the mistake I just made (LOL)!

[@MayCreager]

I love all your tips. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of the simplest things. You are so down to earth and real in your comments. I really enjoy you. Thanks

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you so much!

[@suebassetmom115]

@@thesimplequilter7499 Yes, I agree, just found your channel today and watched a few videos and you are great, very accessible and knowledgeable, thank you : )!

[@helenwilliams7112]

Thanks for these gentle reminders! I forget how many ways we can get off track and then we get frustrated because we haven't accomplished more by the end of our sewing time! Blessings to you and your patient attitude and delivery of information.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you for sharing!

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

As you were talking about seam rippers, I was using mine. Had to laugh.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I used to get so mad and irritated when I had to use mine. Now, I just know it's part of quilting!

[@connieking9873]

Even those that are not new but are so useful we need reminding once in awhile. I love the test block even with my scrappy squares. Love reading the comments.Great video thanks

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome!

[@judithburke1539]

I like the tip I learned from Just Get it Done Quilting. She sets a timer for 30 minutes. Then when the timer goes off, she resets the timer for 5 minutes, then gets up, moves around, checking for fatigue, thirst, progress, etc.. Then starts back up with the project.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great tip!

[@marciasegura1253]

I keep a spreadsheet of all my UFOs and ongoing projects. Each project has its own storage box and I can choose which one to work on at a whim. This has enabled me to be really productive. And this leads to a neat work space because each project has a place to call home.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I do the same thing!!! I am not sure I am very productive at getting my UFOs done but it does keep them neat and organized! I am working on them but I have a ton! I also keep a running list of them! I love it when I get to cross one off!!

[@karenboyd6293]

I don't have a spreadsheet, but I do fond it very helpful to coral the items for a specific project, so I don't have to try to find them when i get to work.

[@marciasegura1253]

@thesimplequilter7499 the spreadsheet started in 2018 with a UFO challenge from my sister. We meet in Maine each summer for 2 weeks of mostly uninterrupted quilting. The challenge involved a $25 gift certificate to Mardens. The person who finished the most UFOs in a year would get this prize. What Quilter doesn't love high quality cottons from the likes of Moda, Timeless Treasures, etc for less than $4 per yard?! I do most of my fabric shopping there each year (note that last year's price was 4.99 but still a bargain) so this win meant more fabric!!!! Long story short, my sister admitted defeat 9 months in. I had 50 UFOs - one as old as 1999. I am happy to say that only 7 remain. Now that doesn't mean I have only been working on the old projects. That spreadsheet has morphed to include works in progress from 2022 and new projects. I keep the completed projects listed there too. In all categories, there are 85 projects. My goal is to start 2024 with only UFOs from 2022. Only time will tell how successful I will be.

[@suebassetmom115]

Wow, a spreadsheet, never thought of that, what a clever idea : )!

[@delwacker8187]

Thank you for sharing the idea for test blocks…a sampler in the making.😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes!

[@karenboyd6293]

Good tips. I will add a couple of amendments. When you organize so everything has a place, consider the places. Do you pick the place where if fits the space best or where you will use it best. For example, I keep my cutting rulers and rotary cutters on or very close to my cutting table. If I use something every time I sew, I keep it handy. I could store things more effieciently but if I have to struggle to get it out or in, I am not going to put it away. The hard part of the having a place for everything is the rule to put every thing back in it's p;lace. I find you ways to stop distractions is interesting. I do best if I watch (listen to) TV. It keeps me from being distracted by when my husband is doing or what the neighbors are doing. It also helps me keep track of time if it is broadcast tv. So I know when I need to stop to start supper etc.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Karen, Great post! I try to store my stuff close to where I am using it…if possible. It does help! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@marymiller-crews1307]

As always, lots of solid information here. Thanks again, Michelle and quilters!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@1231234brenda]

Love the tip about using a favorite color for a test block!!! As a newbie I didn't know about this!!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisepineda1788]

I starch my fabric which has helped me cut more accurately. I try not to get too tired while sewing or I goof up and have to pull out Jack the Ripper. I love my thread cutter too. It is so much faster to clip all those blocks you have chain pieced. Thanks for the great tips!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Test blocks are essential.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes!!!!

[@heidikollar2278]

Excellent tips as always Michelle. Especially having a fresh blade in the rotary cutter. They dont seem to go as far as they used to. And having full bobbins on hand is a must! It really is a pain to have to stop in the middle and refill another bobbin. Also, my cat really likes to participate in any sewing project. 😁 Thanks again Michelle. 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@amymilner9995]

Thank you for another great video. Your tips are simple and realistic! I like to try to find you tube tutorials that demonstrate techniques that are new to me or that I haven’t used in awhile. If I watch before I begin a new pattern, my brain works better.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! Thanks for sharing!

[@karin0963]

Great suggestions. I like the idea of making a test block first. I am still in the beginning stages of quilting, so I've not made difficult blocks yet. So this is a good reminder.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Test blocks help a ton! They can save you hours of time!

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

I have many seam rippers, and named them all - Peter picker, Laura seam line, Ronda rip, Tommy take apart, Cathy careful and Ellen eliminate.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I absolutely love it!! Thanks for sharing!

[@80657]

Unfortunately I don't have a sewing space dedicated to myself......my daughter's room is also my sewing room....its a split system and she thinks its super cool we share a room. She is also learning how to sew and she made her first pillow last Sunday and tomorrow she's waiting to make another one.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That's great that you can sew together!

[@judycampbell9640]

About having enough wound bobbins. I use prewnd, but there are times when my upper thread dosen't play well with them, so I wind at least two bobbins for that project. If that is not enough, as sometimes it isn't, and I find I run out of both bobbins, after talking to my self shamefully, I wind at least 2 more, of the same thread, and most times I don't run out again. Another thing I have done, to help use up thread, I will wind bobbins with colors that are close to the fabrics I am using, accomplishing having enough bobbins, and using thread I might not ever use otherwise. I am so glad you bring us tips that are down to earth for us, thank you.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I like your tip on using your thread that matches your fabrics. I do that with the binding for sure! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@charoletthoward7312]

I know this is a bit later than the original video, however, you said " embrace your seam ripper". I love that. Great tips and great video. Thank you❤

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks!

[@ccreel64]

Great tips Michelle! My favorites are don’t hurry and use your specialty tools. I learned don’t hurry years ago from a kindergarten teacher. Nina told me we don’t hurry, we make haste. Her point was to work as quickly as you can without rushing. Such a wise woman for that bit of advice! My new specialty “ruler” is a cutting aid from Sew Be It Quilts called the Slide Lock. It doesn’t have lines on it so it technically isn’t a ruler, but it grips the fabric firmly with little pressure at all. It has made my cutting so much more accurate since I got it. If anyone has trouble with their ruler wobbling while cutting I can wholeheartedly recommend this product. It’s handmade by Fallon and her husband Matthew but worth every penny spent on it. Thanks for the tips, and have a happy and safe 4th of July! 🤗

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I have seen Fallon demonstrate their new product! I am so glad it is working well for you!! Stabilizing the fabric is important when cutting and that is what they designed it to do. Have a great 4th!

[@quiltgram3056]

Thanks. I'm going to see if I can find this.

[@annelumsden5775]

Great idea about fabric for test blocks.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandracedar368]

I agree with your thought process & tips. Thank you🧵🪡✂️

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Happy Fourth of July!

[@hollyallen1065]

Yes cleaned and organized place is very important to me too. What also helps me to eat a meal before sewing and have plenty of ice water

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Love that! Thanks for sharing!

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

Always worth repeating the classic 'Measure Twice, Cut Once.' Also, don't do any cutting when your tired.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great reminder!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

Great tips. I know for me I need a tidy space

[@thesimplequilter7499]

It is a constant process for me!

[@suziehemmer6116]

Thank you for sharing your tips. We all have our own routine. But, it is great to listen to possibly a new helpful hint from time to time. I had a dress pattern years ago that never did tell me to sew the side seams on the bodice. It was a good thing it wasn't my first dress pattern.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for watching and sharing Suzie!

[@sunseekerrs3087]

Thanks, Michelle. You always have such helpful tips.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@debbielong1168]

Great advice

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!

[@afternoononthedock]

Your tip #11 reminds me if you're tired, stop. As much as you want to finish that laaasst little whatever, you will dig yourself into a hole full of mistakes. Put stuff down, tidy things, walk away, go have a snack, (or go to bed, because you realize it's midnight!)

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes indeed! Thanks for sharing!

[@wandawalker4191]

Thank you, Michelle!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@arhuntakamadebymizmouse5903]

As I play catch up, it’s funny that I watched this video as I was finding issues with some measurements on a pattern from a guild member. Thank goodness I didn’t cut everything out of my selected fabric beforehand since I would not have had enough had I made a mistake, and the fabric is no longer available. Thanks for all your helpful hints especially for us newbies.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@jarpisadie4]

Excellent tips! The biggest one for me is the slowing down. I love instant gratification but when I rush through something, I'm usually always disappointed in the results.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

So true!

[@1231234brenda]

If I make 3 mistakes in a row, I stop, get up & do something else, get a drink of water, go check the mail, etc. & then go back to the sewing machine... This has worked very well for me otherwise I keep making more mistakes!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That is a great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@jtumbleweed64]

The going joke with my two quilting buddies in Amarillo is Jill is always cleaning and organizing her quilting room. I can not work on a project if I have other fabric or project sitting out

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I get it!

[@wesfox4455]

Good video!!! I love you!!!💕❤️

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!!🥰🥰

[@heidilecompte4198]

I would re-emphasize making a test block. Example: a so called simple pattern like ‘Irish Chain’ where you sew a pieced block to a plain unpieced block and the pieced block always comes out too small. Everything matters like the thickness of the fabric and thread as well as the seam allowances. Even a perfectly sewn 1/4” can cause the pieced block to come out too small. Perhaps adjust to a scant 1/4”. Taking the time to see what you need to do is well worth it as from then on it is smooth sailing and your blocks will go together nicely.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great point! Thanks for sharing!

[@mahlemade]

My motto is “Life is too short to wind bobbins!” -I buy prewound bobbins. The time savings is worth the little cost to me.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Lol! I have had quilt friends who do the same!

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Just a small point . Not all machines can be oiled. I have 3 Pfaff machines none of which have a need to be oiled and no location where oil could be dropped in.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing! I have never owned a Pfaff and all my other machines (Singer, Brother, Bernina, Juki) have needed oiling.

[@AvivaHadas]

Be ready for your next step - pinned ready to sew, threads clipped ready to press, etc.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes! Thanks for sharing!

[@trekkiemary]

I learned, the hard way, how important a test block is with the last quilt I made. It wasn’t instruction mistakes, it was piecing mistake. First time I ever made flying geese. Let’s just say, every one was so wonky, the seam ripper was my best friend for a while. Would have been better if I’d done a test block 1st before chain piecing all those flying geese!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Oh no! You are not alone!!!

[@MarianneSmith62]

I had to make a rule not to try and do anything after 9pm. That's when my brain is at its most active and full of "great ideas" but I make the most mistakes, all of them because my brain really is fried at the end of the day. That's when I just sit and scroll through pinterest, or youtube to find something new I'd like to make. Usually I fall asleep while doing that :)

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That’s a good plan! It’s good to know those things!

[@terribishop5313]

I was quilting for over 2 years before I heard that most quilt books and some printed patterns have errors and to always check the creators website for corrections. I personally think it's pretty irresponsible

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I have had that happen as mentioned in my video. It was a hardcover book and I was new to quilting! We could not use that fabric for the quilt!

[@dianehuntley2493]

Love to listen to tunes while quilting. My biggest distractions are animals that want my attention😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I understand!!

[@pyenygren2299]

Take breaks! It's easy to make mistakes when I'm tired or hungry.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Reduce distractions? Mon Dieu! Trash TV and quilting are joined at the hip! I make it work by making a construction plan so that my brain is on autopilot. Cut this. Join that. Sip this watch that. Sewing Nirvana!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I think that is great! Whatever works for you is how you should do it!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

@@thesimplequilter7499 You do know that it was tongue in cheek!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

@@notesfromleisa-land lol!