I am a big sewist and have learned a few tricks over the years to make my sewing more efficient. These tips may not work for everyone but they work for me.
Buying fabric, pattern, notions, driving, etc = I buy notions in bulk from Wawak and patterns when they are on sale. I check the pattern sales online and go to the stores with my list ready. Fabric online. So 4 hours per year total, .04 hours/week
Cutting out pattern = If I need to trace and add seam allowances this could be 1 hour, it could be 2 hours if I have to assemble the PDF print- at-home pattern. With regular patterns, probably .5 hour
alter pattern = .33 hours as I have learned my needed alterations and have all rulers, curves, etc.
prewash + iron fabric = All fabric is washed upon entering the house, or sent to the dry cleaner if it is that sort. It gets processed in bulk, so each individual fabric takes .1 to wash. Ironing? I have an iron press and I also have the big board
Big Board so even a large garment probably takes .5 hours
layout and cut pattern, transfer pattern markings, etc = I use generally simple shapes and employ pattern weights instead of pins. I also use an elevated, extended cutting table with grid mats. I use snips to mark almost all markings. .25 hours
Sew long seams and iron flat= .5 hours
Sew fiddly bits (plackets, waistband, press and sew darts, pleats, etc)= I try to avoid fiddly bits but if I do have to use them, .5 hours
Install notions, buttons, clasps, zippers, etc, = Again, with my clothing style there are not many of these. Maybe elastic, with elastic puller: .1 hour.
2.28 hours for a regular garment if I am doing the math correctly.
Hope these tips help someone.
Catie George wrote:
From my experience:
Buying fabric, pattern, notions, driving, etc =1.5 hrs.
Cutting out pattern = 1 hr (read instructions, mark cutting lines, cut, iron pattern pieces).
alter pattern =0.5-2 hrs.
prewash + iron fabric = 1.5 hrs.
layout and cut pattern, transfer pattern markings, etc = 1-2 hrs.
Sew long seams and iron flat=1.5 hr.
Sew fiddly bits (plackets, waistband, press and sew darts, pleats, etc)=2 -4hrs.
Install notions, buttons, clasps, zippers, etc, = 1-2 hrs.
So about 10 hrs to 15.5 hrs, plus more time for my screw ups, etc. About 5+ hrs of screwups on my last project- (button holer not working and 1 way directional fabric that you can only see in strong light, and a lot of seam ripping..)
My last project took about 5 days of my Christmas break. Project before that 10 hrs and never finished. One before that (easy circle skirt) 2 weekends + 5 evenings. Yes, you can save time by reusing patterns and buying the fabric and notions for multiple at once, but it's still a lot! I don't have 15 extra hours in a month to use for sewing at this point in my life.
