How to Keep a Sewing Notebook

A dedicated place to jot down notes is one of the best tips I can offer a new sewist. It’ll be one of the best resources for you to look back on.

I started taking notes for my sewing projects shortly after I began my handmade wardrobe in 2018. I wasn’t always good about keeping notes and regretted it when I tried to remember what I had done previously. No matter how many times I’d tell myself I’d remember, I never did.

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It doesn’t have to be fancy. I like to prep several pages at a time with a basic template. It makes it more uniform and gives me an easy way to start any project, but any notebook will do as long as you keep it nearby.

These tips work well for knitters and crocheters too! I like to keep a separate notebook to document my yarn projects.

For a basic template, I like to include:

Project
Pattern
Size
Fabric
Notes
Started/Completed

Aside from the basics, here’s what you can also include:

any modifications made
current measurements
actual yardage needed
what did you do differently from the instructions
what would you change next time
was there something difficult about the pattern
current thoughts on fit
future hack ideas
fabric swatch
social media post

Numbered notebooks with a table of contents make it easier to reference. I like to write the pattern name in the table of contents and reference any pages as I fill the notebook. That way, I can easily see each page for the same pattern.

With my first notebook, I started backward thinking that I would fill the front with things like ideas, fabric stash info, etc. That’s why you’ll see that my table of contents goes backward. In reality, I never filled the front with anything else and completely regretted doing it this way, because it was harder to write on the backside of pages I’d already filled.

I used washi tape to include fabric swatches which has held up with time. The only thing I’d change is I’d take two sides down so they don’t flip up when you’re going through the pages. Alternatively, you could staple them to the page. Just be aware that your notebook will become thicker and warped with the more fabric you add.

Ready to start your own sewing notebook? Here are the supplies I recommend and will be using for my next sewing notebook:

Dot grid journal. I love the size of this journal. The dot grid layout is easy to use and is adaptable to whatever you decide to do. It has a table of contents, numbered pages, and a pocket at the back to keep the included stencils and anything else you might need like a small ruler. The pen holder makes it easy to keep a pen on hand too.
Felt tip pens. I’m a big fan of these pens, because they write smoothly and don’t leave any indentations on my pages. There is slight shadowing on the backside of the notebook page, but not enough to bother me. I use these for my templates and alternate with a pencil to keep notes.