This cute card wallet has two clear-view pockets that can hold a gift card and a handwritten note. We also designed a matching free printable: two sheets of 10, perfectly-sized gift tags to download + customize.
A pretty valance is an easy way to add some color and style to your window. Ours is lined, adding a bit of weight to help the valance take on some sun-blocking duties, and to allow the pleats to more easily press into crisp folds.
String style backpacks are always in high demand for back-to-school, but they're really a year-round, on-the-go mainstay. Compact and lightweight, you can still load them up with plenty of provisions. They're available in almost every style, from ripstop athletic gear to high-end leather bags. Ours is made in brightly colored quilting weight cotton. And to
Freshen up the pillow-scape on your bed or sofa with this terrific trio. We used simple patchwork techniques to blend together 13 coordinating prints, creating three different pillow shapes: square, rectangle, and bolster.
It might seem like a geometric rule-breaker, but one way to keep a square pillow square is tapering the corners rather than sticking with a classic 90˚ angle. Use this quick pro tip to learn how a slight curve can create a better square.
This beautiful runner design is created with two layers of burlap joined by decorative stitching and highlighted with a splash of luxurious silk. We show it as wedding décor, but it would be lovely for a variety of seasons + occasions.
Our simple box tote adds eye-catching yarn wrapped handles + hand stitched accents for a pop of bold Summer color against a solid background. We chose fiery red, fresh green, and golden yellow. It’s surprisingly easy.
Window coverings are a great DIY project; and simple enough for the beginning sewer. Straight edges. Simple, straight stitches. But even the most basic curtain project starts with knowing how to take proper measurements.
Like whipped cream on a plain piece of pie, decorative stitches turn an ordinary project into something special. We started with a basic bib + skirt apron design in natural colors of cotton duck, then added multiple rows of stitching.
Toss that plain plastic shower curtain and go for gorgeous. This layered shower curtain is guaranteed to improve your singing in the shower by 110%. I can’t back up the part about the singing, but I can promise a very pretty curtain.
These adorable purses are just the right size to carry a few important items. Originally designed to work as a coordinated set of Bridesmaid Clutches, they would be beautiful for so many occasions. Pattern resizing notes included.
Vibrant fabric accents look great against the bright color of the mesh and the gleaming nickel hardware. Plus, the mesh body lets sand and dirt sift out while at the same time allowing air to flow in and help dry out suits and towels.
Divide and conquer to contain the chaos! We created one of our famous fabric baskets, then added some organizing extras: inner and outer pockets, double carry handles, and a removable center divider. Great for car trips!
Elastic shirring creates a wonderful stretchy texture. It occupies the space between the simplicity of gathering and the intricacy of hand-smocking. We cover the technique itself as well as several free project ideas.
Narrow tucks, called pintucks when they are super narrow, are often used in heirloom sewing, but they can add a lovely detail to many projects. Did you know you can create the look quickly and easily with your Quarter Inch foot?
With a generously-sized round bucket tote, you can keep all your tools of the trade together so they’re handy to take from room to room or out and about. For extra toughness, we suggest canvas on the exterior as well as the lining.
The curved design of this toiletries bag reminds us of the classic Airstream travel trailers. It’s an efficient size and shape, with an open-wide zipper, so you can organize all your bath necessities whether on the road or at home.
Sergers. For some, the word alone can send them screaming into the darkest corners of their sewing rooms. “The threading… not the threading… make it stop!” Well, perhaps that’s a wee bit dramatic, but the fear of threading the loopers on a serger, “Sergiothreadaphobia” as it is known in medical circles, keeps many a sewer
A single broad strap at the back makes this bag easy to sling over your shoulder and very comfortable to carry. There’s a drawcord top plus two exterior zippered pockets, so you’ll have plenty of room for all your summer supplies.
If a full-coverage apron feels like too much, switch to a lightweight half apron for casual cooking and serving. This beginner-friendly project takes just a couple yards of fabric and can be finished in an afternoon.
Babies drool. It’s kinda their job. It’s also messy and the cause of frequent changes of clothing. Our bandana style drool bibs are a great way to keep baby clean, dry, and cutie pie. Free pattern downloads in 3 sizes.
Start with an off-the-shelf hot pad and mitt set – we found ours for just $2 – add some simple fabric and trim details and voila: style on a shoestring and a great first make. It’s also an excellent ScrapBusters project.
We go over our recommendations for what to have on hand if you’re just getting started in the world of sewing as well as a few favorites to add to your toolbox as you move up in your skill level and expand your projects.
Dig down into your scrap stash for your favorite tall and narrow pieces, fussy cut them to center the prettiest possible vertical motifs, then stitch them together into this striking table runner with a subtle ruffled edge.
Scrumptious sherbet colors give this flouncy little apron just the right blast of spring sass. There are two layers, both fully lined, with a wide waistband and generous ties. And check out that jaunty diagonal pocket!
If you’re brand new to bags, this is a super quick and easy project to kick off your experience. It starts as one long panel, then folds up with finished seams inside and out. Dive into your scrap stash for your best bold prints.
We invited the classic pool noodle inside with our exclusive Land Noodles™. Thin, soft, and flexible; they’re made with rolled batting wrapped in cozy luxury fleece. For sleeping, lounging, and epic pillow fights.
This project is excellent for young kids or anyone just learning to sew. Classic bandanas on the outside, denim on the inside, layered webbing handles, and bound all around. Add a mini pom tassel for extra fun.
It’s a duffle and backpack in one! The drawcord top looks great and makes it fast and easy to load and unload. Then, slip it on as a backpack for hands-free strolling to the beach – or wherever the day takes you. The main fabric is quilting cotton!
It’s the perfect “protection pair.” A bib for baby and a burp cloth for the person holding baby! We used two coordinating cottons with a layer of soft batting between – a bit more fashionable than slinging a dish towel over your shoulder.
This cute set of totes is great for travel, and just as handy when used to organize your closet at home! Both drawstring bags are lined and feature bold appliqués to identify the contents. A great gift idea for friends on-the-go.
Oilcloth is water resistant with a wipe-clean surface, making it ideal for patio living. “It will be too sticky for pillows,” you shout! These pillows are meant to be used as bright pops of color to decorate not for sleeping.
Keep your tots tidy with this adorable apron for art projects and more (like Easter egg painting). We used laminated cotton for an easy, wipe-clean finish. The free pattern is designed to fit 4T to 5T. Whip one up, then whip out those paints.
Pretty little patchwork makes a very pretty little zip pouch. This is also a great project to feature a decorative zipper. And, we show you how to make a kicky double-tier tassel as a fun zipper pull.
More things in life should be reversible. Having a string of bad luck? Flip it over and win the lottery. If that’s not possible, you can at least start with this cool reversible apron. We used bold, summer-fun colors on both sides.
It’s getting close to gardening time! This apron can help with tough outdoor tasks. Its design features a unique split-skirt that allows you to squat, bend, sit or stand without stretching, pulling or binding.
Whether it’s seating for outdoor events or yoga in the park, you often need something to sit on! A blanket can be too big and bulky to pack in. Instead, try this lightly padded, roll-up cushion in outdoor fabric.
When temperatures rise, a great quick-cooling spot is your neck. Our easy-to-make wraps use water absorbing crystals within the pockets of a long, tie-on tube for fast cooling power. For adults, kids, even pets.
This lounger is made from simple rectangles! We suggest tough outdoor fabric so it can work on the patio as well as inside a bedroom or family room. Our sample is sized for kids, but we give you dimensions to up-size for adults.
These clever mats are an outdoor version of the mug rug. There’s a full-width pocket and a grommet for hanging to store. Hold utensils or slip in a paperback to save your place on a breezy day. Outdoor fabric adds durability.