For the last few months of 2025, I have had BERNINA projects (which I love to do!) and family obligations so I haven’t been creating as much as I would want. But I’m looking forward to getting a fresh start on using my creativity for sewing, quilting, and machine embroidery in 2026 so I can share my projects and techniques with you. In this post, I want to let you know how to be creative even if you don’t feel like it, or you don’t know where to start, or you can’t decide on what you want to create. Keep reading to see to see how I put myself in a creative mood to sew, quilt, and stitch whatever I want! As you think about boosting your own creativity, remember this quote from Maya Angelou:
Try Something New
One of the best things about sewing is that you have so many options to stitch something that is unique to you. Even though I have been sewing for decades, I still find new techniques, new projects, and new sewing tools to create something distinctive and one-of-a-kind. Most of us use the same techniques and tools but it’s a good thing to try something new. One way to do this is to use a new presser foot (or one that you have but never use). Below is my video that shows a technique using the Circular Attachment #83 and Open Embroidery Foot #20/20C. If this technique is one that you are familiar with, go to my Sewfeet YouTube Channel where there are many other presser feet and techniques featured.
Stitch Play
Today’s sewing machines have an abundance of decorative stitches and most of them are not used. Partly because we don’t know what to do with them and partly because many sewist do not look and explore to see what they are. Spend a few minutes at the beginning and end of your sewing sessions looking at and sewing a few of the stitches. The sewn-out stitches are so beautiful, sewing them may inspire you to use them on your next project. The video below gives a few presser feet tips for sewing decorative stitches.
Just Sew Something
The best way to boost your creativity is to just start sewing (read the quote again at the beginning of this post). When I feel like sewing but don’t know what to sew, I create small quilt sandwiches (10″ square to 20″ square), sewing simple quilt patterns across the fabric surface. My quilted projects are usually small such as journal covers, zippered bags, placemats, mini art quilts, etc. and I use these quilt sandwiches for future projects. This gives me a head start when I finally decide what I’m going to make. The video below features my favorite stitch for quilting these small projects. It is a simple and quick way to quilt and it has an elevated look compared to the traditional straight stitch.
I hope you have creative plans for 2026 – I’d love to see what you’re sewing!
As Always,
As editor of "The Big Book of Feet: A Guide to BERNINA Presser Feet and Accessories," Susan created Sewfeet to provide Educational Courses, Content, and Resources to help you with all your sewing projects.