I must start by saying that I have had experience on both sides of this subject, not planning my sewing projects and planning my sewing projects. Some people may think that this is not that big of a deal, but to be honest with you, by planning your projects, it makes it go more smoothly and it also makes it more enjoyable. In this post, I want to share with you 10 reasons why I feel it is important for you to plan your sewing projects.
1. Time Management
Planning helps you allocate time efficiently, ensuring you complete your projects without unnecessary delays. It helps to to know how much time that project will take. Whether it is a project that is too big for the moment, or whether it will be done just in time for when you want to wear or use it. Time management helps you to plan around other things you may have going on at the time, and it helps you to realize what you can actually get completed.
2. Resource Allocation
By planning, you can gather all the necessary materials beforehand. This is where you can take the time to get all of the necessary items needed for your project before you begin. Gathering things like fabric, notions like buttons, zippers, elastic, and such. This step also allows you to avoid last minute trips to the store which can also lead to spending more money than you want to, because your choices can be limited or you don’t have the time to look for a better bargain.
3. Budget Control
Planning allows you to budget for your projects, helping you keep track of expenses and avoid overspending on supplies. This helps you to see how much you want to spend and how much the project will actually cost. By paying attention to how much you’re spending, budget control will help you to sew on a budget and keep more coins in your pocket.
4. Better Organization
A plan keeps you organized, ensuring you have a clear roadmap from start to finish and reducing the chances of missing steps or making errors. Organization helps you to avoid chaos during the process of your project. This also helps you to plan your project out in the order that you want to do each step in. When you read through the instructions of creating your project, there may be some steps you want to complete first to make it more time effective in completing your project.
5. Skill Development
Planning your projects can help you focus on specific skills you want to develop, allowing for more intentional practice and improvement. I must admit that this is one of my favorites. Doing something you’ve never done before or trying again at a skill that you’ve done before helps you to develop your skills at piecing your project together and applying notions that you need more practice in. This also helps you to really hone in and study on a new skill, like buttonholes and zippers, and helps you to learn the correct way of doing it. As you continue this practice, you see a lot of improvement along the way.
6. Reduced Stress
Having a clear plan can alleviate the stress of uncertainty, making the sewing process more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Planning can help you feel like your project is not a “must do”, but a “CAN DO”. By already knowing what is required for your project, you are ready to go on with it, and usually with more excitement to see the finished results.
7. Increased Productivity
A well thought out plan can help you work more efficiently, increasing your overall productivity and allowing you to complete more projects. In learning and practicing your skills, you will be allowed to see how many more projects, that are similar to the one(s) you have completed, you will be able to finish a bit faster and error free. You will find that the more you increase your productivity, the less instruction you will need. However, this doesn’t always have to relate to speed, you can also just enjoy the process of sewing as you move along with more familiarity about what you are making.
8. Improved Creativity
Planning gives you the opportunity to think creatively about your projects, allowing you to explore new ideas and techniques. Sometimes as you’re sewing, your creativity juices get to flowing, and you begin to think of ways that you can change and enhance your project in the future. This process also helps you to imagine how your projects can pair well with other items.
9. Quality Control
With a plan in place, you can ensure that you follow the necessary steps to achieve a high-quality finished product, paying attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked. It allows you to see the quality of your fabric and notions against the pattern itself. By paying attention to these details, you are able to envision what your project will look like when completed.
BONUS: 10. Goal Achievement
Setting clear goals for your sewing projects through planning helps you stay focused and motivated, providing a sense of accomplishment as you complete each project. This is the point where you reward yourself! Once you have achieved the goal of completing your planned project, you should simply feel good and reward yourself. You can do this with photos of you wearing or showing your project, purchase another pattern, purchase more fabric, or simply make another one in different fabric. You might even just reward yourself with dessert! However you choose, it just feels good to know that you have accomplished your project.
In conclusion, planning your sewing project is a personal choice, but definitely one that I feel everyone should try to see if you like the process, and evaluate if the process went smoother for you. If you would like to hear more elaboration on these points, be sure to watch my YouTube video on this topic by clicking here.
As a free gift for you, at the bottom of this page, you will find a photo where you can sign up to receive periodic emails from me and become a part of my growing community, and for doing this, you will receive a FREE Sewing Project Planner page where you can start planning your projects!
