How to Pack a Handy Sewing Kit

When you are trying to find time to sew in your busy days, it can really help to pack a handy sewing kit to take along. A portable sewing project kit holds everything you need to work on so you can tackle needlework tasks in small pockets of time. Read on to pick up a few useful tips.

How to Pack a Handy Sewing Kit image Courtesy of Pixabay

How to Pack a Handy Sewing Kit

By: Laure Justice

To get started on making a portable sewing kit, keep in mind that a sewing project that is small in size is most convenient, like adding an embroidery design to a hand towel or stitching a few quilt squares together.

Choose a Sewing Kit Container

Start by choosing a container for your sewing supplies, considering things like size and the type of material you want the kit to be mode from, for durability or flexibility.

• For example, if you need to tuck your sewing kit in a purse, briefcase, or backpack, you need to choose a container or sewing wallet that fits in your bag. 
• If you think it may get bumped around in your bag, you need to choose a case made from durable material, and that seals securely so it will not pop open if it gets bumped.

Choose a Portable Sewing Project to Pack in Your Sewing Kit

Almost anything you want to work on can be adapted for a portable sewing kit, but big things take extra planning, and might not be as convenient.

If you choose a small handheld piece of needlework, for example, it is going to be easier to pull it out and work on it in your spare time - compared to a large item that has to be spread out and completely readjusted with every few stitches.

It can be part of a larger project, but you ideally need to be able to tuck the part you want to work on in your sewing kit.

Pack Your Sewing Kit

So, here's the part this article is really about, though choosing your container and project are important.

Set out (as needed for each individual project):

• Container
• Fabric pieces to be sewn
• Thread or embroidery floss
• Needle (Thread the needle so you can just grab it and start working - it is easier and it reduces the chance of losing your needle.)
• Small scissors or snips
• Magnetic pincushion (again, for your needle and any pins in your project)
• Small embroidery hoop (if embroidering)

Pack Your Sewing Kit

• Put the fabric and largest items in the kit first, then tuck smaller items in around the edges of the case. 
• Remember to stick with the basics - if you overload this handy sewing kit, it isn't going to be handy anymore - it's going to be a nuisance because it will spill each time you open it. 
• The point of this type of kit is that it is easy to take along anywhere and that it makes it easy to fit sewing projects into pockets of spare time, or any time you just really need a creativity break to restore your spirits. 

Thanks for reading, and be sure to pop back and let me know how it goes if you make your own portable sewing kit.

How to Find Time to Sew

Sewing is relaxing, and it is a fun way to release your inner creativity, but life is busy, so how do you find time to sew? Read on for a few easy tips.

How to Find Time to Sew image courtesy of Pixabay

How to Find Time to Sew

By Laure Justice

It's so common for us to put the things we enjoy aside while we're dealing with the day to day challenges of life, and things like creative hobbies (ahem... sewing) are often the first things we skip.

We shouldn't do that, though, and here's why... releasing your creativity leads to you being your best self.

Sewing is More Than Just the Act of Stitching Something

If you are mending something, you might not get a lot of chance to express your creativity, but even with mending, you get a chance to feel good about extending the useful life of a garment or decor item.

More than just the stitches you run through the fabric, though, is the experience of turning a plain piece of fabric into a useful, attractive thing, plus, being able to say you made it yourself.

But, life is busy, so, how do you find time to sew?

Think Small

By think small, I don't mean you can only make little things. I mean, break your projects into increments you can do in short time pockets throughout your day or week.

For example, if you want to make a pair of jeans, but don't have time to do it all at once, get everything ready in one pocket of time. Then, lay out the fabric and pattern in another - if you can't leave it out with pins in it - like if you have kids or pets - you may need time to go ahead and cut. Then, break each segment of the directions into things you can do a bit at a time. It will take longer, but you'll get it done. Compared to if you try to do it all at once and never get to it.

Set a Timer

If you know you only have ten minutes to spare, set a timer and enjoy. Even if it's not long, it is your YOU time, and you deserve it.

Prepare a Handy Kit

You can use a tote bag, an old purse, or even a plastic crayon container for this. Just tuck a small piece of handiwork, like a towel you want to embroider or some bead work you want to do, in the container. Include thread or embroidery floss, a small pair of sewing scissors or snips, and your needle and you can get some stitching time in on lunch break, when you're waiting at the doctor's office, or any time you end up with a few free minutes.

If sewing makes you happy, there are so many ways to fit time for it into your life, so go ahead, enjoy your creative time. You deserve it.