Finding Time to Sew as a New Mom
Hi, We All Sew readers! I’m Jaclyn. I’m a BERNINA ambassador and the proud parent of two new babies: The first is my two-month-old baby, and the second—my new B 735 sewing machine! 
If you’re familiar with me and my projects (@jaclynsalem on Instagram), you know that sewing is my passion. I’m mostly a garment-sewist and a sometimes-quilter, but I dabble in a bit of everything. I love sharing the process of my projects on Instagram, and I make time to sew nearly daily. Even before I became a mom, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is around how I manage my level of output. So today I thought I would share a blog post dedicated to some time-saving machine tips and also my thought process related to productivity.
I’ve divided the content of this post into two buckets: 1) machine-specific tips on my B 735, and 2) more personal-ethos-related thoughts. Both are crucial to my workflow and how I optimize my time—especially now that I have a baby and making time requires that extra bit of planning.
Previously I was sewing on a BERNINA 1090. It was my Mamaw’s machine that she taught me how to sew on and then passed down to me. Even after 34 years, the B 1090 is still going strong and has the incredible power that we expect from BERNINA. I’ve been excited about a machine upgrade for a while, but don’t worry, I’ll never part with my B 1090 (we all need backup machines, right?). I’m loving my B 735! There are so many features that help me maximize my sewing time.
Let’s start with the machine-specific time-saving tips and thoughts.
Machine Tips
1. The first productivity-enhancing features are standard on many BERNINA machines, but deserve a mention:
Starting with the basics—the famous BERNINA hook sews up to 1,000 stitches per minute, and the 7-series machines utilize jumbo bobbins. Jumbo bobbins hold 70% more thread than a standard bobbin. More stitches per minute and less bobbin refills equals faster sewing.
2. Use feet that are fit for the purpose.
I’m a big proponent of using the right foot for the right task. When I upgraded my machine, the first thing I did was make a list of the presser feet I wanted back in my collection. Not only does the right foot make a task easier and quicker, but it also enhances the quality of the final result.
3. The foot pedal’s heel kick streamlines the process.
The B 735 has a heel kick (back kick) feature that allows you to raise and lower the needle by rocking your foot backward on the pedal. (Some machines can also be programmed to secure and cut threads, and raise the presser foot depending on the model.) You might not think of micro-movements like this as time-saving, but they definitely add up! Check out this post from Sylvain with more in-depth heel kick information.
4. Are you utilizing your machine’s Free-Hand System (FHS / knee lift)?
Because if you’re not, let this be your PSA to start using this time-saving feature today! For some reason, I thought that getting used to the knee lift would be awkward and difficult—not the case. About 15 minutes into sewing with it, I had the coordination down, and now I can’t imagine sewing without it. Not only does the FHS free up both hands to maneuver projects under the machine, but it also saves so much time by not having to manually lift and lower the presser foot. It’s estimated that sewing with the FHS makes your sewing 20% faster.
5. Engage auto-hover for chain-piecing.
The B 735 has the option to program your presser foot to auto-hover when you stop stitching. I save so much time with this automation feature when chain-piecing.
6. Program buttons and sewing settings with the functions that make sense for you and your project.
So much of time-saving machine settings is in the programming of functionality that you want (or don’t want) at the start and end of your stitching. Foot hover, automatic thread cutting, thread tie-off…what do you need and when do you need it? The more tasks your machine can automate for you (or equally, turning off features that you don’t need) is additional time saved.
7. Consider using the Securing Program stitch instead of the standard straight stitch.
Typically I want to secure my stitching at the beginning of a seam with forwards and reverse stitching. Rather than doing this manually with the machine’s reverse button each time, the Securing Program stitch (#5 in the Practical Stitches menu on the B 735) automates this task for me.
8. Consult with the Creative Consultant.
Not sure what settings to use for a project? Cut down on research time and utilize Creative Consultant to answer questions like: which needle and thread is most suitable for a project, suggested stitch options, the best presser foot, and additional tips based on fabric/material type.
9. Save stitches to your Personal Memory.
At the start of each project, spend some time auditioning stitch settings that you want for a project, and then save those to your Personal Memory. This way, each time you return to your machine, you don’t spend any time reconfiguring particular stitch combinations because they are ready to go in Personal Memory.
Now that I’ve gone over some machine features, I want to spend some time discussing personal strategies around time saving and productivity. Please know that project workflow can be personal. There are many ways to approach productivity, and a lot of it depends on individual personality. Maybe some of my strategies will resonate with you!
Personal Tips and Strategies
1. I batch project planning or plan seasonal projects/collections.
The part of sewing that trips me up the most is project planning. When I’m suddenly blessed with 30 minutes of free time but have no project planned, I’m like a deer in the headlights! A lack of plan and too many options inevitably leaves me feeling paralyzed. I end up working on nothing and wallowing in my craft room. To combat this, I started batch project planning several ideas in advance. I do this by making a Pinterest moodboard, drawing and notating ideas in a sketchbook, or a making a project list in my phone’s Notes app. I make notes for: fabric pairings in my stash (or fabrics that I would need to purchase), pattern ideas to achieve the looks, and modifications or special features that I want to incorporate. I have never completed an entire Project Planning List, but that isn’t the point. The point is that when I have time to sew that I don’t waste any precious free time not knowing what to work on.
2. I set myself up for success by doing prep work ahead of sewing.
I don’t typically cut out and sew a project in the same day. Usually, I’ll cut one day and start sewing the next. So on a project-cutting day, I also spend some time preparing for the sewing day(s) ahead so that once I come back to my craft room I’m ready to go. This includes tasks like: inserting the right needle and presser foot for the project, auditioning stitches and saving them to my machine’s Personal Memory, laying out prepared stacks of chain-piecing next to the machine so that I’m not constantly getting up and sitting down, laying out the project’s pattern pieces so that I can clearly see everything, pre-reading instructions, circling or noting information like seam allowance, etc.
3. 15 minutes of sewing is still sewing. Any progress is still progress.
So sometimes, when it feels like the project ahead is really big, it can stop us from moving forward at all. I remind myself to stop thinking about the mountain and to only think about the next step. I don’t have to climb the entire project mountain in one day. I don’t even have to finish an entire step in one day! To me, even if all I do is project plan for 20 minutes, that is still progress. If I chain piece part of two quilt blocks, that is still progress. Our hobbies should be about enjoyment—they shouldn’t be a chore or stress-inducing. The moment that I’m rushing or not enjoying it is the moment that I step away and come back fresh later. Pacing myself like this always leads to renewed and sustained excitement, overall better execution, and less project burnout.
4. When time is limited, there are basically two options: Let go of perfectionism OR make peace with completing projects at a slower pace.
(And the tasks that others find time-consuming or not enjoyable/worth it will vary.) I am definitely a “try-hard” at heart, and I’m also very particular about small, aesthetic details of my projects. I enjoy process-driven work. Perfectionism is a spectrum. I think it’s unique to each of us, our personalities, life circumstances—even specific tasks. (For example, I don’t trace my patterns. I cut them out, and I’m okay with that!) For some, perfectionism kills the joy, and for others it’s part of the enjoyment. Life circumstances also definitely influence this. I used to not have a place to leave my sewing machine set up full time. I live in NYC and had roommates, so my machine lived in the living room floor corner and had to be set up at the kitchen table every time I wanted to sew. So because of that, I used to be someone who wanted to sew an entire garment in one day. Now that I have a dedicated craft room and can leave materials out, I couldn’t care less when it gets finished—I just plug away at it until it is. I don’t think one way is better than another—it’s about what brings you enjoyment. At this stage of my sewing life, I’m okay with my projects moving at a slower pace, however, others might get more satisfaction with finishing things.
5. If I’m really struggling with sewing mojo, I tell myself that I’ll work on something for just 5-10 minutes
This usually jump-starts my creativity and interest. I’m typically project monogamous out of convenience (I can’t be bothered to be constantly switching threads, needles, etc.). However, if my sewing mojo is really flailing, then sometimes I’ll set aside the current project for a new one and come back to it later. Enjoy your hobbies!
6. I read material lists thoroughly to make sure I’m aware of all the tools/notions that I need for a project.
I might not need everything on the list at the start (For example, I don’t think I’ve ever started a quilt project with my backing fabric in my possession haha!), but there is nothing worse than sitting down to work on my project and realizing that I’m missing a key item.
7. Prioritization is an art form. It takes practice and patience and is a constant negotiation.
About a decade ago, I read the quote: “If you prioritize everything, then you prioritize nothing.” As someone who too often spreads their attention across too many pursuits, that quote changed my life. We only have so many hours in a day, and we have to choose how we want to spend that time. I have too many projects, ideas, and things I want to do and too little time to do it. I want to do it all! But unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), that is physically just not possible. Taking stock of how I spend my time, and where I am putting my energy is key to making time for the things I want to do most. Priorities are always changing, too. There is no doubt about it–being a parent takes a huge slice of the Time Pie. It’s filled with joy and challenge, and it also totally reorganizes one’s lifestyle. Now that I’m a mom, I’ve re-prioritized and scaled back on some things in order to make time for sewing. For me, reading, TV, elaborate cooking, NYC outings, and social media were the first things I cut back on. Making time for creative pursuits is essential to my happiness, so I give it high prioritization.
Do you have strategies—either machine or personal ethos—that you utilize to help you save time? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. To follow along with my projects, you can find me on Instagram and my YouTube channel. Happy sewing!
-Jaclyn
