If you’ve spent much time quilting, you've likely experienced the tug of perfectionism. My corners aren’t lined up! My stitch didn’t stay in the ditch! From meticulously aligning seams to ensuring perfect points, the pursuit of flawlessness can become all-consuming. The drive toward perfectionism in quilting comes with pros and cons.
The Perks of Perfectionism
At times, perfectionism can serve as an internal engine leading you to greater mastery of your skills. As you expand your skill set, you gain more respect for the quilters who have come before.
Precision in Craftsmanship
Perfectionism compels you to pay attention to the smallest details, leading to impeccable results. If you show your quilts and compete for recognition, you know that the judges are looking just as closely at your work as you did when it was running through your machine. A perfectionistic streak will help you feel confident that your work will be evaluated and rewarded.
Personal Satisfaction
Achieving perfection, even in the smallest aspects of quilting, can be immensely gratifying. Each perfectly aligned block or precisely matched fabric brings a sense of accomplishment. Have you ever shaken out a block after pressing and experienced the brief “hooray!” of seeing seams aligned perfectly? It might be a small moment, but the feeling of success is real.
Mastery and Growth
Perfectionism motivates you to continually strive for improvement. By pushing yourself to reach new levels of skill and precision, you can expand your repertoire of techniques and deepen your understanding of the craft, evolving from a novice to an expert quilter. As your skills build, you may also choose to expand the ways you involve yourself in the quilt community. Maybe you’re ready to start teaching beginning quilters based on the confidence that has come from your pursuit of perfect quilting?
Are you looking super-closely at this block, trying to find a mistake? We get it.
The Pitfalls of Perfectionism
However, the pursuit of perfection in quilting also has its downsides.
Paralysis by Perfection
You may find yourself hesitant to start a project or afraid to take risks for fear of making mistakes. Maybe you’re really interested in a highly complex pattern that requires new-to-you techniques and you’re not willing to allow yourself the space to make mistakes. Or perhaps you’re well into a project and find a set of corners that don’t align perfectly. What do you do? Rip out the imperfect section and start over? This fear of imperfection can stifle creativity and hinder the joy of quilting.
Frustration and Burnout
Striving for perfection can be exhausting, especially when you inevitably run into setbacks or mistakes. You may feel frustrated with yourself when your high standards are not met, leading to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment.
Unrealistic Expectations
Perfectionism can create unrealistic expectations, setting you up for feelings of failure and inadequacy when you inevitably fall short of your own impossibly high standards. This cycle of perfectionism can erode your confidence and your drive to complete your projects.
Unraveling the Psychology of Perfectionism
The roots of perfectionism in quilting (or any hobby) often lie in deeper psychological tendencies. You may feel pressure to excel in your craft due to internal or external expectations, seeking validation and recognition through the pursuit of perfection. Fear of failure and the desire for control can also drive a need to be perfect, as you strive to maintain a sense of mastery and competence.
Finding the Perfect Balance
While perfectionism can be a valuable tool for your quilting, knowing when to let go of perfection is equally important. Here are some moments when you should embrace imperfection and allow creativity to flourish:
Exploration and Experimentation
Embrace imperfection as part of the learning process. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and discovery, leading to new techniques and unexpected creative possibilities. Remember that beloved painter Bob Ross called mistakes “happy accidents” and embrace that mindset for yourself.
Joyful Imperfection
Remind yourself that perfection is subjective. While an imperfection might feel glaring to you, it’s likely that no one else will even notice it. Instead, they’ll be impressed with the time and thought that went into your creation.
Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion when faced with setbacks or mistakes. Quilting is a journey, and perfection is not the destination.
If you're finding yourself in the middle of perfection frustration, it might be a great time for you to take a Quilt Break! Shake things up by working on a small project that keeps your sewing mojo going and helps you feel the joy of completing a project. Learn more in our blog post: Advice for Quilters: Take a Quilt Break!
At Nebraska Quilt Company, we’re committed to helping you find your balance between perfection and creative freedom. We’re your source for classes, retreats, machines, kits, patterns, fabric and more! Visit us online or in store to learn more.