Sewing mistakes are part of the journey, and I’ve come to value the lessons they bring.

Let’s talk about sewing mistakes. After decades of sewing—and teaching —I can tell you this with full confidence:

I have never finished a project and not learned something.

Not once.

See the photo above? What is the first thing you see when you look at it? Do you see the mistake? Yep, there’s a mistake.

Sewing Mistakes Are Part of the Process

I’ve made my fair share of missteps over the years.
Misjudging a fabric. Sewing the wrong seam. Cutting something backwards.
(Yes, even after all this time!)

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Every “mistake” is a stepping stone.

They don’t mean you’ve failed.
They mean you’re learning. Growing. Expanding your skills.

My Mistakes Make Me a Better Instructor

When I teach, I bring those hard-won lessons with me.
I share my own slip-ups, not to highlight flaws—but to model what learning really looks like.

I want my students to know:
Perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is.

Because every time we try something new, we stretch.
Every time we troubleshoot, we sharpen.

Confidence Comes From Practice—Not Perfection

If you’ve ever walked away from a sewing project frustrated, thinking it didn’t turn out “right,” I want you to hear this:

You’re doing it right.

You’re learning.
You’re showing up.
You’re building confidence, one stitch at a time.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Practice makes perfect, so never give up. You’ve got this, I know!

A Reminder for Every Sewist:

Never stop trying.
Never stop learning.
Never stop creating beauty with your hands.

Join a group of like-minded people to help one another succeed.

Hint: I host a weekly Live Q&A session where members come to ask questions, find answers, share goals, celebrate each other’s wins, and leave encouraged and inspired to grow. And guess what? This is one of the favorite parts of the Designs by Donna Membership!

Ready to Grow Your Sewing Skills?

If you’re ready to build your confidence, sew more efficiently, and bring more beauty into your work—I’m here to help.

 Explore My Membership Program

Where we turn sewing mistakes into mastery—and sewing into joy.

Do you have a question or would you like to share your own “mistake turned lesson”?
I’d love to hear it—drop it in the comments or send me a message!

Want to build your confidence and skills in soft furnishings and home decor sewing?

Join a supportive community within the Designs by Donna membership. Meet with us live each week to have your questions answered, learn new skills, help someone else with your knowledge, and leave encouraged and inspired to grow your sewing skills. We welcome you! Designs by Donna Membership is now accepting new members.

That’s what I’m here for. Keep up to date on what I’m doing by following me on Instagram 

I’d like to invite you to join my Facebook group, Donna’s Sew Creative & Healthy DIY:Pillows & More