How to plan your sewing and embrace slow sewing
I used to sew a lot of clothes for myself. Skirts, tops, dresses. At the time, my wardrobe was full of handmade pieces, but when I look at it today, many of those early makes are gone. Not because they wore out or were passed on, but because they were never truly finished or made with intention.
I rushed through the process, chose the wrong materials, or followed trends that did not really reflect who I was. As a result, those garments never became part of my everyday life. Some were worn once, others not at all, and eventually they disappeared from my wardrobe without being missed.
These days, my sewing looks very different. I have made pieces that I still wear years later. Clothes that feel like me. Some are for special occasions, others are simple, everyday garments that fit naturally into my life. They are worn, washed, and reached for again and again.
The biggest change has been intention. I plan my sewing now. I think about how a garment will be used, how it will feel on my skin, and whether it truly belongs in my wardrobe. Most of all, I give myself time. That, to me, is the essence of slow sewing.
Why quality and intent matter
Slow sewing is not just a trend or an aesthetic. It is a mindset. It is about caring deeply about each piece you make, from construction and material choices to practicality and wearability.
Of course, we want our garments to be beautiful. But beauty alone is not enough. We also want clothes that are comfortable, durable, and genuinely worn, not pieces that live quietly at the back of a wardrobe.
Learning never stops in sewing. I still make mistakes and continue to grow with every project. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that material choices can make or break a garment.
I still have fabrics in my stash that no longer feel right for me. Some are synthetic blends that do not align with my current values around comfort and sustainability. I do not want to waste them, so I use them thoughtfully. Sometimes as linings, sometimes for test garments, sometimes combined with more natural fibres.
At the same time, I am far more intentional about what I bring into my sewing room. Less impulse, more purpose.
Planning your sewing projects
Good sewing often starts with a plan. You do not need spreadsheets or strict systems unless that is something you enjoy. A simple vision is often enough to avoid frustration, waste, and half-finished projects tucked away in drawers.
This is how I like to approach it.
Start with either fabric or pattern
Sometimes I fall in love with a fabric first and then look for a pattern that allows it to shine. Other times, a pattern captures my attention and I search for the right fabric to match it. Both approaches work. What matters is not forcing a combination that does not feel right.
Preparation matters
Wash your fabric, especially natural fibres like cotton or linen. Press it carefully. This alone can transform the accuracy of your cutting. Cut thoughtfully, paying attention to grain, layout, and potential waste.
Sew when you have time and energy
Avoid starting complex projects late in the day when focus fades. Mornings or clear-headed weekends are often the best time for tricky seams and important decisions.
The challenge of slow sewing
The biggest challenge is often ourselves.
We want to wear our makes immediately. We want the satisfaction, the photograph, the feeling of completion. Sometimes we genuinely need something last minute, and that is perfectly fine.
But when everything becomes urgent, sewing can quickly turn into frustration and burnout.
One small exercise that helps is understanding your own pace. Time yourself when making a simple garment, not to rush, but to learn how long things actually take. Include preparation, cutting, sewing, and finishing. Planning becomes much kinder when you expect a project to take two weekends instead of two evenings.
A few final thoughts
Do not sew garments just to fill your wardrobe. Sew what you need and what you love. Repurpose fabrics that no longer feel like you. Take time with the inside finishes, because invisible details add durability and pride.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Your sewing journey is yours. Let it be slow, joyful, and meaningful.
Happy sewing,
Karolina
