Pleated Window Valance

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.

Elegant Patchwork Pillow Trio

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.

How Tapered Corners Make Square Pillows

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.

Two Tone Rustic Burlap Table Runner

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.

Box Style Tote with Yarn Wrapped Handles

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.

How To Measure Windows For Curtains + Drapes

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.

Scandinavian Style Apron

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.

Fabric Shower Curtain

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.

Ball Frame Clutch

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.

Mesh + Cotton Beach Bag

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.

Divided and Structured Fabric Basket

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 Projects

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.

How to Make Tiny Tucks with a Quarter Inch Seam Foot

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?

Round Heavy Duty Bucket Tote

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.

Airstream Zippered Toiletry Bag

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.

Sporty Summer Sling Bag

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.

Extra Easy Half Apron with Jumbo Pockets

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.

Bandana Style Baby Drool Bibs with Binky Leash

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.

Upcycle a Dollar Store Hot Pad and Mitt

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. 

Best Basic Sewing Tools

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.

Patchwork Table Runner with All-Around Ruffle

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.

Double Tier Half Apron

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!

The Quick + Easy Angela Bag

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.

Land Noodles™ in Cozy Cuddle

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.

Closet Hanger Caddy Safe

We originally designed this clever caddy for travelers. It’s perfect to slip onto a hotel hanger, fill with any valuables, then cover up with a hanging garment. But it works equally well in your own closet for outfit planning.

The Boho Bandana Bag

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.

Beach Duffle Backpack

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!

Baby Bib and Burp Cloth Set

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.

Shoe Bag + Lingerie Bag Travel Set

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.

Ruffled Oilcloth Pillows

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.

Toddler’s Art Project Apron

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.

Patchwork Zipper Mini Pouches

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.

Reversible Summer Apron

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.

Gardening + Tough Task Apron

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.

Outdoor Padded Roll ‘n’ Go Cushion

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.

Cooling Neck Wraps

When temperatures rise, a great quick-cooling spot is your neck. Our easy-to-make cooling wraps use water absorbing crystals within the pockets of a long, tie-on tube for fast cooling power. For adults, kids, even pets.

Pyramid Bean Bag Chair

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.

Outdoor Mini Mats with Pockets

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.

Picnic Placemats with Handy Flatware Pockets

Outdoor dining season is coming; at least that’s what we’re telling ourselves as winter stubbornly clings on. Keep the faith and get ready with our darling, durable placemats that have built-in pockets to hold flatware and/or napkins.

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