Hello and happy Monday, Friends. Today I’m writing about a favorite topic of mine, and I’ve also filmed a video discussion of these ideas. I know things are crazy everywhere now, so I feel like these 11 Productivity Tips for Quilters are pretty timely. Whether you are getting a lot accomplished these days or are just looking for some simple tips, the ideas in this post and video are sure to help!

11 Productivity Tips for Quilters
Productivity Tips Video
Watch my Productivity Tips Video above (or go here to watch it on my YouTube channel). In the video I not only share the specific tips that help me but also talk about why I believe each tip is so helpful.
All the Tips!
While I feel like the video is the best way to learn about my best tips, I’ll also list them here with a brief explanation of each one. I’m also linking some previous posts below along with one of my favorite productivity books mentioned in the video.
- Brainstorm— I believe brainstorming is not only part of the creative process but also part of the productivity process. Use your favorite method: Browse books, pattern, Pinterest, blogs, and Instagram!
- Sort & Organize your Works in Progress–it’s amazing how going through older projects can jump-start your productivity! Many of your older projects might even be nearly finished.
- Schedule Regular Planning–Be sure to make note of your recent finishes and what you want to get finished next when you make plans.
- Make Lists–make lists of works in progress, bucket list projects, quick projects, gift ideas, and more. Then, you can easily get inspired to work on and finish the items on your lists.
- Have a Realistic Time Frame–I feel like not planning on the correct amount of time for finishing projects is one of the biggest hindrances to finishing. I struggled with this until reading the book Essentialism and learning to add 30% more time to all of my estimates.
- Menu Planning–this one is not quilt-related but oh, so helpful! I feel menu planning is one of the best ways to get more accomplished in all areas of your life.
- Quick and Frequent Clean Ups–I’ve always suggested this tip as it relates to productivity. I’ve really seen it in action since the stay-at-home orders began and I started filming more videos. By cleaning up my studio once or twice a week it’s been much easier to keep caught up and even to get ahead!
- Cut out Multiple Projects at Once–By cutting out multiple projects at once you can save time on the cutting process. You’ll also have projects ready to begin which means you’ll be able to more quickly get to work.
- “Ready to Sew” Projects–This involves having projects right at your machine ready to begin working on the second you step in the room. I share examples in the video.
- Ready to Take Projects–I also like to have something small that is always ready to take along in the car or on a trip. I put everything needed in a project bag and have them ready to take at a moment’s notice.
- Create Top 3 Lists–I have a daily top three, a weekly top three, and a monthly top three. These projects can be small. In fact it’s good if they are easy projects if you know you’ll be having a busy day/week/month. The idea is to keep the list short to help with focus and to make it easy for you to cross things off the list.
More Reading: Productivity Tips and Tricks
- 10 Tips for a Great Year of Quilting
- Productivity Tips & Tricks
- Best Time-Saving Tips for Quilters
- Time Management for Quilters
- Essentialism (book I mention in the video)
I hope you’ve enjoyed these ideas with tips to help you get more done. I hope your week is off to a great beginning. Happy quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by!
Maria Wells says
Your videos have been very helpful for me. I love the scrappy happy colorful quilts you make! Thank you for all of the tips.
Brenda Powers says
Thank you for sharing your tips, Sherri. I look forward to reading your blog each day and watching your videos as they come out. Your advice is so down to earth and helpful. I love your new sewing room!
Sherly says
Sherri, Thank you so much for sharing these helpful hint as a newbie in quilting I’m so glad to starting off with these great tips. Also love the video.
Again thank you.
Dee says
Is the book “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown? thanks for your wonderful blog…I always look forward to it.
sherri McConnell says
yes! There is a link in the post 🙂
Deborah says
Sherri I do enjoy yr new videos & tips! You are always so down to earth & right to the point. I’ve ordered yr new book & counting the days for it to arrive.. better get my “ to do list” made… especially dinner menus;)
Linda says
Sheri, thank you for all your tips , but my biggest problem is staying away from the computer, these days I seem to spend more time on it, than on my quilts. I planned to work all day in my sewing room, since it is raining, but instead I spent it on the computer. I have to find a way to break this habit. It it very annoying to me not to accomplish what I had set out to do.
sherri McConnell says
I think this is a universal problem, especially now. I’ve been just setting limits for myself for screen time lately.
P says
Thanks for listing the tips–reading is my preferred format.
Laura McLaughlin says
Your productivity tips are wonderful but I am one of those people that needs it written down. Can you make subject matter available in PDF for download rather than download a webpage which is over 10 pages.
sherri McConnell says
I will have something available soon 🙂
Dee says
Thanks, Sherri, for answering my book question so quickly . I just didn’t read your blog all the way down! Lesson learned.
Linda Garcia says
There is no link to the video.