No-Sew Ribbon Chokers
Simple ribbon necklaces are a striking accent that can work with nearly any outfit. We show you 5 no-sew solutions that combine beautiful ribbon and some standard jewelry findings. A fun activity for kids and teens.
Liz Johnson.Editor.Sew4Home
Fabric Gift Envelopes
Pretty fabric gift envelopes you can customize. Use florals + brights as we did or switch colors + prints to match the season or occasion. They tie shut with a clever pull-thru bow. And, we’ve included a free gift card download.
Therapy Neck Wrap with Scented Rice + Flax Filler
A longer, double-compartment pad slips inside a comfy terry cloth sleeve. It’s perfect to wrap around your neck and shoulders for a bit of welcome relief and relaxation. Scented rice and flax seed is recommended for the filler.
Measuring Tape Neck Caddy
Do you loop a tape measure around your neck while sewing? This design capitalizes on the habit, turning a measuring tape into a mini caddy. Scissors on one end and a pincushion on the other – or customize the tools to you!
How to Close Up a Seam with Invisible Hand Stitching
Most projects require at least some hand stitching. Often, it’s the final seam closure after turning a project right side out. A Slip or Ladder Stitch creates an invisible seam between two folded edges, or a folded edge and a flat edge.
Learn How to Crinkle Gauze
Learn contortion pleating, which involves twisting the gauze into a bound bundle then drying it in a conventional dryer or a microwave prior to final air drying. Learn to crinkle, then learn to make this gorgeous tasseled scarf.
Fast and Easy Gym Tote
It snaps closed and opens wide to carry a pair of shoes, a change of clothes, and all the extras you need to get back to your workout routine. The lining is water-resistant ripstop nylon so you can toss in damp items.
Ruffled Square Pillows in Crisp Seersucker
Apply some old-fashioned goodness in a new way, creating a set of pillow covers wrapped in the Southern charm of classic, candy-colored seersucker. We added ruffles, rick rack trim, and a button placket back closure.
All Weather Door Draft Guard
Use these energy savers year ‘round. When fall and winter weather comes knocking at the door, they’ll keep heat in and drafts out. In summer, they help keep cool air inside – heat, humidity, and smoke outside.
Guitar Strap
The name is due to its similarity to the wide, ornate straps musicians use to hold their guitars. By changing how the ends attach, it’s also a fun way to update any bag that uses a removable strap. We added die cuts!
Unisex Belted Half Aprons
Their utilitarian, get-down-to-business style works well for women, men, even kids. You’ll love the tough riveted canvas, zippered pocket, and a cool slide buckle belt to cinch in place at waist or hip level.
Travel Size Tissue Covers
It’s always good to have tissues at-the-ready when out and about: dab away a tear, capture a sneeze or wipe up a mess. Pretty them up with our adorable tissue covers, combining colorful scraps and decorative stitching.
WordPlay Messenger Bag
Got something to say? Make a messenger bag with a real message! We used iron-on letters to create our FACT-FICTION phrase. Button flap pockets and a cool closure are just the start of this hardworking, dramatic style.
Cat’s Meow Appliquéd Pillow
Let this pretty kitty keep watch over the rest of the pillows on your sofa or bed. The bold silhouette with its sweet dimensional bow is truly the Cat’s Meow. Our appliqué design is a free download, including the lettering.
Vintage Style Kid’s Book Satchel
We took the sophisticated styling of an adult carryall and scaled it down to kid-size. Feeling like kids have all the fun? Want your very own mini vintage book satchel? Simply lengthen the strap and you’re good to go.
Classic Fabric Journal Cover
Turn a plain spiral notebook into your own inspiring journal with our step-by-step instructions. The notebook is removable so you can fill it up with plans and dreams, then easily slip a refill into the same pretty cover.
Faux Fur + Cotton Half and Half Pillows
Mixing textures is a fun way to create a unique look. For these toss pillows, we made one half cool cotton, the other half soft faux fur. When placed side-by-side and back-to-back, you get a pillow pile with plenty of personality.
Ribbon Flap Shoulder Bag
The beauty of ribbons always makes a statement. When paired with solid color fabric, they get others talking as well. This small shoulder bag features a full flap created from seven gorgeous Jacquard ribbons stitched side-by-side.
Upcycle an Off-The-Rack Cardigan
We love the look and creativity of handmade, but that doesn’t mean we never buy at the store. Try these fast and easy ways to customize an off-the-rack cardigan with decorative elastics and fasteners.
Industrial Style Quilted Oven Mitts
This pair of oven mitts has a tough industrial style: clean lines, simple patterns + bold machine-inspired accents. Light to mid-weight canvas and denim are excellent choices. Neutral tones and simple patterns keep the utilitarian flair.
Vintage Style Bolster Pillows
The classic round bolster is a great way to add a new and interesting shape to your pile o’ decorator pillows. Cording accents and gathered ends are elegant touches that add true designer style yet are so very easy to accomplish.
Sparkling Holiday Table Runner
Bound all around and featuring accent bands and elegant tassels at each end, this table runner is perfect for a formal tabletop setting. It finishes at approximately 86½” x 15″. Choose a metallic cotton for the prettiest sparkle.
The Rocky Mountain Satchel
Our five-star satchel’s features are top notch: precise fussy cutting and pattern matching, an inset zipper, bias cut handles plus a detachable strap. You get S4H’s signature step-by-step instructions with over 70 photos to guide you.
Great Glittering Gift Ideas
We used two layers of craft weight glitter vinyl to create a set of five last-minute gift projects: a journal pencil pouch, tasseled bookmark, wrist loop key fob, and 2 sizes of cord wraps. Nearly no sew! Perfect as stocking stuffers.
Batik + Velvet Crazy Patch Tree Skirt
To simplify construction and get the best blend of color and pattern, the shapes within each quadrant of our circle are the same, only the fabrics change. By rotating each quadrant, you get the look of random crazy patch.
How to Draw and Measure a Circle Without a Pattern
We’re here help with the steps you’ve forgotten since high school geometry: parts of a circle, how wide to cut fabric to fit a circle, how to draw a circle without a pattern, and how to convert decimals to inches to work with Pi.
Laminated Toiletries Case with Wraparound Zipper
Open wide, fill to the brim, zip it up, and go! If you’re new to working with laminated cottons, we have a full, step-by-step tutorial with lots of great tips and techniques. It’s easy and so is that wraparound zipper!
Deep Dish Fabric Treat Baskets
Sweets for your sweet look even more delicious in these beautiful baskets. They’re extra wide and just the right depth for cookies, candy, and more; they’re not too thick, not too thin… deep dish, like a good Chicago pizza.
Baby Bib with Patchwork Front + Terry Back
Cuteness alert! These baby bibs are pretty and practical. The front is made from Jelly Roll strips. The back is absorbent terry cloth. Download our free Baby’s First Christmas gift tags to create an adorable holiday bundle.
Mini Drawstring Gift Bags
Our simple yet clever design results in a beautifully finished bag inside and out. And because you can reuse them, it’s like two gifts in one. Great for scraps or pre-cuts! We also include a free gift tag printable.
Fleece + Faux Fur Infinity Scarves
Soft and warm – the two just go together. Our double-sided infinity loop scarf is super fast and fun. And, with so many great color and design options in both fleece and faux fur, you can bundle up everyone in designer style.
Classic Border Trim Pillowcases
Add a little holiday cheer by changing out your pillowcases. It’s fast, easy, and inexpensive. Our instructions show how to make two standard cases using just 1½ yards of main fabric and ½ yard of trim fabric.
Small Patchwork Table Runner
At just 16″ x 30”, it’s a great size for smaller tables, breakfast bars or as the center décor on a larger table. The pretty patchwork center features four flying geese blocks. Includes a free set of matching cards + tags to download.
Faux Fur Bucket Bag
When was the last time you wanted to give your handbag a hug? Try our unique faux fur bucket bag. It has a great combination of structure and softness in an easygoing style that can be dressed up or down.
Sleepover Bag with Matching Pillowcase
Whether traveling or staying home for the holidays, kids will love crashing near the Christmas tree in this cozy sleepover bag and matching pillowcase made in pretty holiday flannel and cotton. It’s big, but it’s not complex.
Structured Fabric Baskets
We used standard quilting cotton, which means fabric choices are huge! Because our structured basket set nests together, it’s easy to store when not in use. But when would they not be in use?! Organize any room or use as gift baskets.
Flannel + Sherpa Fleece Lovie
Small and soft; those are the requirements for a “lovie” – a cuddle-up-with-me blanket destined to become an instant favorite and a soothing companion for nap time, story time, or any time a little soft security is needed.
Tuxedo Style Pillowcases in Soft Flannel
Looking for a clever way to wake up the snappy dresser in your life: our “well-suited” pillowcases in soft, garment style flannels might be just the thing. The “shirt front” accent at the trim’s center features mini pleats and buttons.
Best Organic Fillers For Warming Pads
Microwavable heating pads with organic fillers are a wonderful way to soothe sore muscles or warm up on a cold day. We’ve done several pads here at S4H and also tested 3 favorite fillers. Would you choose: rice, corn or flax, or…?
How to Insert a Flat Round Base Into a Tube
If the idea of sewing a 2D item (a flat circle) into a 3D item (a tube) sounds like something from another dimension altogether, read on. We break it down into a simple step-by-step process and even show you two different methods.
Washed Canvas Tote with Belting Handles
Crisp white + pops of color: it’s eye-catching every time. This versatile tote opens wide or cinches down to a handy tapered top. The two-part lining pulls up to form a clever drawstring cover, protecting the contents inside.