Liz Johnson.Editor.Sew4Home 
Make it in vinyl, faux leather or cotton laminate to whisk away the weather. We even used a weather-resistant zipper for the outer pocket. With 5″ box corners, you can handle a full load of power shopping rain or shine.
There are two major curves you encounter in sewing: inward or concave and outward or convex. Learn the keys to a smooth result with both: an accurate seam allowance, proper clipping, and careful pressing.
Tall, thin and elegant, this bag could be a runway model. Or maybe at least be carried by one of those long-legged beauties. Soft faux leather is the perfect background for the beautiful jacquard ribbons from Renaissance Ribbons.
Stenciling is one of the oldest forms of human art. We’ve used it to embellish some pretty half aprons. A coordinated set of these aprons would make great gifts for a bridal party or a cooking or crafting collective.
Wreaths are always a popular decorating accent, whether for a special holiday or to brighten up every day. Our 16″ diameter design uses coordinated colors of yarn pom poms along with mini pom trim and some scrap fabric for the hanger.
This pillow’s pleated front is embellished with thin belted accents and a bow. With no intricate angles or curves, it’s a great project to practice pleating. Master the fold-and-tuck method, and you can use it again and again.
A top zipper with end tabs is one of the easiest zipper installations you can do. This small, medium and large set of posh little pouches combines a luscious, jewel tone satin with a sturdy canvas. Cuts provided for all 3 sizes.
Make Baby’s First Holiday special with an adorable baby quilt and matching bib. We used traditional 9-patch blocks, but stretched four of the squares within each block into rectangles, resulting in the look of a little wrapped present.
Cats of all sizes and smaller pups will have sweet dreams in this comfy pet bed made from two cozy fleece coordinates. The design incorporates four bolster pillows sewn onto a flat base with a separate tufted pillow insert.
This tote is designed in a shopper style, which means it’s a generous size that opens wide at the top and can be slung over your shoulder or carried by hand. We recommend easy-to-sew faux leather and vinyl for the sleek look.
Cloth napkins are more beautiful, more absorbent, and more green. These nifty napkins use a technique for building patchwork strips called a strata. So colorful, it will make breakfast, lunch or dinner feel like a party.
One of the fastest holiday makeovers is a tablecloth. Just three steps: cut, hem, set the table. So fast, why not create a set?! Use a thick, rich drapery or upholstery weight for the underlay – a gorgeous sheer for the overlay.
When the light outside dims, it’s the perfect time for a bag with built-in reflective capabilities. Although designed with kids in mind, there’s no reason it couldn’t be used for adults as well. Just lengthen the crossbody strap.
Lightweight enough to fold away into their own handy carrying case, but tough enough to take on the big shopping chores. We used bound ripstop nylon for a great set of flexible totes that work as hard as you do.
Flying geese blocks combine with the fabric’s vintage motifs to give a beautiful background for free-motion quilting. The variety is a quilter’s dream. Isolate and piece together all the interesting bits into a wonderful collage.
Which accessory gives you the most fashion muscle per square inch? A big, gorgeous scarf! This long lovely combines a striking fabric with rows of colorful tassels. Best news: scarves are super easy to make as are custom tassels.
Combine stunning fabric with a unique handle and you can create your very own designer style handbag for a fraction of boutique prices. Look at home décor fabrics for especially unique motifs and textures.
Do you usually turn to quilting cottons or fleece for a throw? Give linen and rayon a try! This lightweight yet warm throw has an absolutely amazing drape. The finishing touch is the swing and sparkle of chainette fringe.
Patchwork done in small prints in a coordinated color palette is lovely. But when you want to mix it up, try bold designs + bright colors set against crisp, clean white with hand embroidery on the front and pretty tassels on the back.
Do something sweet for your trusty sewing machine. Make it a little outfit to keep it protected from dust and sun exposure. Our sample fits a standard mid-range machine. We added a kicky bottom ruffle and a bright ribbon accent.
Pleats and tucks are a versatile sewing embellishment. We love the Wave Tuck, done with clever folding and stitching in two contrasting fabrics. We use it here on a pillow; bet you can think of lots of ways to add some rippling waves.
Need something fun to wear trick-or-treating with the kids or to answer the door for the ghosts and ghouls? This apron is a perfect choice. It’s made from pre-cuts, and with the faux front lacing, you’ll be both spooky and stylish.
It’s a reversible placemat. No, it’s a kid’s activity. Wait… you’re both right! There’s festive fabric on one side and unique chalk cloth on the other. Write on it with regular or liquid chalk; wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Elegant appliqué accents of a teapot, teacups and saucers, and teaspoons grace the skirt and pocket of our pretty half apron. Get instructions and all the tea time templates. So fun to do, you’ll want to make tea for two!
Greeting cards are a nice, but most are eventually forgotten. Instead, try our mug rug project with its custom Salutation Strip through the center. It’s an every day reminder to the recipient that they have a friend in you.
Fussy cutting of multiple motifs is the name of the game in creating this bag’s special look. The front features a fabric flower, and decorative metal rivets help hold the strap ends in place for a subtle dash of dimension.
Buttonholes. For many of us, beads of sweat start to form at the mention of the word. “Am I about to ruin everything by botching the buttonholes?” Nope! They’re really not hard once you break it down into individual steps.
All those “special” T-shirts from events, vacations or sports teams… you don’t wear them anymore, but you also can’t seem to part with them. Make them into keepsake pillows! Cut out the motif, stitch, and stuff! It’s as easy as that.
We searched for trendy decorator pillows at retail then “knocked off” our own versions for $100s less, like this bold awning-stripe option with piping + peek-through grommets. Other interesting accents? Try buckles, rings or toggles.
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