Sew Lazy
There's a right way to sew: this isn't it. What makes a sewing project lazy? Super easy + shortcuts = lazy sewing. This is "my kid needs a costume in an hour" sewing.
Tips for Lazy Sewing
- Use a serger:
Using a serger really helps lazy sewing. You don't need to fiddle a lot with the different settings or stitches. You don't have to finish edges. Sergers can do a rolled hem without installing a special foot. Threading is more difficult that on a regular machine, which is why I'd suggest: - Don't change the thread
As a general rule, I only change the thread on my serger for "nice" projects. That's going to be something that is either a gift or an item to wear out of the house. If it's something that's only to be worn at home (like pjs), then who cares? I will try to use white or cream colored thread if I'm planning on leaving it in the machine for a while. Cream colored thread hides especially well on a variety of fabric colors. For darker or brighter colored fabrics, permanent markers can touch up any threads that happen to show. - Don't use zippers or buttons
Zippers and buttons are extra work, so very few of my projects will have either. Adding elastic or using a pattern that doesn't need a closure is much easier to sew. - Use non-fray fabrics
Hemming is something I'd rather not do. Because of this, I generally opt to use non-fray fabrics. Jersey knits, fleece and microsuede make up a lot of my projects. If I'm using a fabric that will fray, I still try to avoid hemming. Adding a cuff using the serger is much easier than pressing and topstitching a hem. Upcycling sweaters and using the preexisting hem is another way to avoid hemming. - Use assembly line method
Whether working on a single project or a stack of projects, using the assembly line method saves a lot of time. The biggest difference will be seen when making a lot of the same thing.