Looking for a sewing project to keep you busy while you’re staying safe at home during the coronavirus crisis? Here are 5 ideas for how you can keep anxiety or depression at bay during this difficult time by dedicating yourself to the craft you love.
Why Spend Time Sewing Now?
If you’re now facing home quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic, it's worth considering that time spent on a sewing project can bring great joy even in times of darkness.
Sewing offers many benefits, including mindfulness and stress relief. Whether you’re creating a back stitch, a blanket stitch, a zigzag stitch or hand sewing a French knot, the meditative action of sewing can encourage feelings of relaxation and positivity. Losing yourself in this pastime is a great way to look after your mental health amid the worry and panic on the news.
Aside from that, sewing provides a wonderful outlet for creative energy if you’re feeling a little stir crazy during the lockdown period. It can also help you feel purposeful and motivated toward achieving a goal.
Sewing Ideas For The Coronavirus Lockdown Period
#1 Try New Patterns and Sewing Techniques
Use your time in self-isolation to nurture and grow your sewing skills. Hunt for new sewing patterns online, keeping a lookout for projects that will let you test out sewing techniques you haven’t tried before.
New to ruffles or scalloped edges? Give them a go now.
Not sure how to sew a zipper? Master this little technique with the next item you sew.
Never sewn mitered corners? Now’s the perfect time to learn how.
Setting these little goals for yourself can help you feel productive and focused in a time when it’s easy to feel lost.
Here are some articles that provide a great starting point for sewing beginners looking for fun projects:
- 100 Fun Sewing Projects For Beginners
- Learn to Sew Online With YouTube Tutorials
- 6 Easy Dress Sewing Patterns
- 20 Free Sewing Patterns For Baby Clothing
#2 Sew Through A Stash Of Fabric You Already Have
During your sewing journey, you’ve likely collected a nice stash of fabric and fabric scraps. Chances are you have quite a large stash at home already. Make it a personal challenge to use up every little scrap of fabric you have to make items you personally love and love to use.
Brighten a loved one’s day with a thoughtful gift you’ve hand-sewn. Make something new using multiple fabrics. Or even consider opening up a sewing business to make some extra cash with your skills.
#3 Start Your Winter Sewing Early
Since you’ll have ample time on your hands at home, now’s the perfect time to start gathering ideas and sewing for winter projects.
Not sure where to start? Think jumpers, track pants, scarfs, leggings and winter dresses made out of cozy fabrics like double brushed polyester. Try making a hoodie, cardigan or pants out of French terry, or a snuggly blanket with minky fabric.
#4 Sew Scrub Hats For Our Healthcare Workers
If you’re feeling crafty, why not dedicate your time to help the people on the front line, the Australian nurses and doctors who are in desperate need of scrub hats?
Consider using your sewing talents to create and donate to assist the people who need it. Here are helpful tutorials on sewing a surgical face mask or scrub hat:
Resources If You Need Help
If you have lost your job due to the coronavirus, you can apply for financial assistance through Centrelink.
If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, please call the Beyond Blue Hotline on 1300 22 4636. Beyond Blue provides short term counselling via phone and web chat.
Mindspot offers a free online assessment for anxiety and depression, as well as free courses to help you learn strategies to improve your emotional wellbeing and quality of life.