Alternatives to sewing (or any habit) to stay focused in class

If sewing helps you learn, consider bringing it to an in-person lecture.

• In a large lecture hall, I seriously doubt anyone will notice/care
• In a more intimate class, it could be worth asking the professor if they mind.

While you might have a bad experience with a grouchy professor, I think the vast majority will either understand or not care, particularly if you are clearly engaging. Personally, I would rather have a student paying attention while sewing than on their phone.

My wife knits in faculty and committee meetings. She can do that without looking at the needles, and so can look at whoever is speaking. I suspect you can't do that with sewing, so maybe that solves your problem.

If you have a disability that impairs your concentration, you can get accommodations that require your professors to allow you to sew during class. Without official accommodations, however, it's within the professor's discretion whether or not to permit this (at least in the US). In that case, you'd probably want to email or talk to them beforehand so they don't perceive it as rude. Most will probably understand, and some may not. Without a documented disability, however, you won't have much recourse if they decline. However, it shouldn't be a problem for most, as long as you explain beforehand.

Disclaimer: I'm not a professor