Stitch your way to a fabulous bookmark, toy or gift bag.
By Staff Writer
Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate sewer, these ideas will have you crafting a new item in no time.
Fabric Coasters: Cut fabric squares into your desired coaster size. Place two squares with their right sides together and sew around the edges, leaving a small opening. Turn the coaster right-side out through the opening, press it flat, and sew the opening shut. You can add decorative stitching or quilting if desired.
Fabric Bookmarks: Cut fabric into bookmark-sized strips, typically about 2-3 inches wide and 6-8 inches long. Fold the strip in half with right sides together, sew along the long edge, leaving one end open. Turn it right-side out, press, and topstitch the open end to finish. Add ribbons, buttons, or embroidery for embellishment.
Simple Plush Toys: Choose a plush toy pattern or design your own simple shape. Cut two identical pieces from your chosen fabric. Sew them together, right sides facing, leaving an opening for stuffing. Turn the toy right-side out, stuff it with polyester fibrefill, and hand-sew the opening closed.
Fabric Bunting: Cut fabric into triangles or desired shapes. Fold the top edge of each shape over a ribbon or string and sew it in place. Leave some space between each shape. You can embellish the bunting with appliqué, paint, or fabric markers.
Reusable Grocery Bags: Cut fabric panels for the bag’s front and back, and two long strips for handles. Sew the sides and bottom of the bag panels together, attach the handles, and fold and sew the top edge for reinforcement. Fold the bag for compact storage.
Intermediate Crafting Patterns:
Quilted Pot Holders: Cut fabric into two squares for each pot holder, and a layer of insulating batting. Layer them with fabric right sides facing and the batting in the middle. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening. Turn it right-side out, sew the opening shut, and add quilting stitches for decoration.
Fabric Baskets: Cut fabric panels and interfacing. Sew the fabric with right sides together and interfacing on the inside, leaving an opening. Turn the basket right-side out, sew the opening shut, and fold it into shape. Topstitch the edges for stability.
Fabric Wall Art: Stretch fabric over a canvas frame or embroidery hoop, securing it with staples or glue at the back. Trim excess fabric. You can also add embroidery, fabric paint, or appliqué to create your desired design.
Fabric Gift Bags: Cut fabric into rectangles and fold them in half with right sides together. Sew up the sides, fold over the top edge, and hem it. Thread a ribbon or cord through the hem to create a drawstring closure.
Fabric Dolls: Follow a fabric doll pattern, cut out the doll and clothing pieces, and sew them together. Add details like eyes, nose, and mouth using embroidery. Dress the doll in the sewn clothing and accessories.
These explanations should help you get started on these crafting projects. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided in your chosen patterns for more detailed guidance.
