Has there ever been a time in your life when you’ve seen a decorative pillow or a set of placemats and thought to yourself, “I could totally make that myself!” With a creative eye, a little bit of practice, and the right materials, you could easily take on a home décor sewing project that might even be better than what you can find in store. The best part about home sewing projects is that many of them are perfect for beginners and can even be made pretty quickly with little to no expense—hello, upcycling and recycling!
But what we truly love about easy sewing projects is that they also make for great gifts for friends and family, too—especially housewarming gifts. Read on to learn about five great home sewing projects you’ll be proud to show off.
Reversible table runner:
Table runners are a simple yet effective way to add a pop of colour, style, and texture to your kitchen or dining room without much work (or skill required). The best part about this reversible table runner project is it’s easy to complete and you can make multiples without much effort at all.
You’ll need:
- Two 1/2 metre pieces of fabric that complement each other
- Thread
- Pins
- Ruler
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Scissors
- Hand-sewing needle
- Iron
Step 1:
First thing’s first, cut your fabric to your desired dimensions to properly fit your space. The tutorial we’re following suggests cutting 137 x 41 centimetres of each fabric.
Step 2:
Next, you’re going to pin the fabric together with the right sides facing each other. The right side refers to the wrong side, or back, of the fabric facing out.
​​Step 3:
Now you need to create pointed ends. Make a mark in the centre of the width of your fabric. Measure down 10 centimetres on the sides and mark. Draw lines from the side mark to the centre mark and cut to create the point.
Step 4:
Next, you’re going to sew the fabric together. ​​Sew around all the edges with a 0.6 centimetre seam allowance. Be sure to leave a 13-centimetre opening on one of the long sides of the runner and then back stitch at the beginning and end of your stitches.
​​Step 5:
Now, you need to trim the corners. Be sure not to cut into the stitching. This step helps to remove bulk at the corners.
Step 6:
Take the table runner fabric and turn it right-side out at the opening.
Step 7:
Iron the seams to flatten them by opening the seam and then iron. Fold it back and iron again to create a sharp edge.
Step 8:
Hand-stitch the opening, then close it with an invisible stitch.
Step 9:
Finally, topstitch 0.6 centimetres in from the outer edge of the runner to secure all the pieces together to create a finished look.
Linen napkins
These easy-to-make linen napkins are the perfect addition to any home, especially if you like to entertain. We love using linen because the fabric is fairly inexpensive and available at almost all fabric stores. Another great thing about linen is the more it’s washed, the softer it gets, so over time you’re left with beautiful napkins.
You’ll need:
- Two to three metres worth of linen fabric washed and dried (this will make 12 napkins)
- Fabric scissors
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Iron
Step 1:
Lay your fabric out on a large, flat surface. Using a ruler and pencil, measure a grid of squares in your desired napkin size plus five centimetres for a hem allowance on all sides.
Step 2:
Cut out all your squares using fabric scissors.
Step 3:
Fold over edges about 0.6 to 1.2 cm. Then fold over again. Iron as you fold.
Step 4:
Open the corners of the napkins and look for the four square fold lines. Then, trim from corner to corner. This removes the bulk in each corner of the napkin when you’re sewing. Refold.
Step 5:
Sew a neat line around the inside of the fold and another around the outside. Continue until you have a full set!
Upcycled envelope pillow cover
If you’re looking for a fun way to add a pop of personality to a room, upcycle a treasured shirt, old vacation T-shirt, or college sweatshirt sitting in your drawer into a one-of-a-kind envelope pillow cover tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens. We’ve broken down the tutorial below, but you can find the detailed step-by-step instructions here.
You’ll need:
- Fabric pencil or marker
- Fabric scissors
- Straight pins
- Sewing needle or sewing machine
- Old sweatshirt or T-shirt to cover an 45-centimetre pillow
- Kraft paper
- 45 centimetres of stiff cotton fabric that coordinates with your shirt for the back of the pillowcase
- Thread
- Pillow inserts
Step 1:
Prepare your fabric. Use kraft paper to create a pattern the size of a 45-centimetre pillow. Mark the top centre of the pattern.
Step 2:
Lay your shirt on a flat surface. To make the shirt lay flat, you can cut off the sleeves and waistband, if needed. Mark the top centre of the shirt design. Now, place your pattern over the centre of your shirt and align the marks and pin in place. Trace with a pencil or marker and cut out. This will become the front of the envelope pillow cover.
Step 3:
Cut two pieces of cotton for the back of the pillow cover. Ensure the width of the back pieces matches the pillow front. With one back fabric piece right side down on your work surface, use a sewing gauge and iron to fold up and press 2.5 centimetres of one 45 centimetre edge. Fold the raw edge into the pressed fold to create a 1.2 centimetre fold. Pin in place.
Step 4:
Now comes the fun part: actual sewing! Either machine or hand stitch 0.6 centimetres from the fabric edge to secure the hem and then repeat for the second back piece. Now, lay the front piece right side up on your work surface.
Lay the back pieces right-side down, matching the outside edges and overlapping hemmed edges in the center (this is your envelope opening). Pin together around edges. Stitch the pinned outside edges with a 1.2 centimetre seam allowance and sew with the cotton side up.
Now, cut the corners at an angle, careful not to cut the stitching. Turn the cover with the right sides out and iron, avoiding any decals or designs on your shirt that might melt. Finally, stuff with a pillow insert (look for one that’s five centimetres larger than your pillowcase) and voila! You’re ready to show off your custom, upcycled pillow.
Seasonal tablecloth
​​You can dress up your dining or kitchen table for your next dinner party with a handmade seasonal tablecloth. A new tablecloth can instantly change the entire look and feel of your space, but buying them can get expensive, which is why making one yourself is a great idea. They’re also an easy way to decorate for the holidays. You can make a tablecloth for each season!
You’ll need:
- A notepad and a pen
- Measuring tape
- Home décor fabric
- Fabric shears
- An iron
- An ironing board
- A pencil or tailor’s chalk
- Sewing machine or hand sewing needle
- Thread
Step 1:
Before you go fabric shopping, measure the length and width of your table and write the measurements down.
Step 2:
Ensure you have enough material to not only cover the table but also so there’s an equal amount of fabric to hang over each edge of the table. You can have any length hanging over the edge, from a centimetres to a metre, it just depends on your preference.
Step 3:
Once you get your fabric home, pre-wash it. After you’ve taken the fabric out of the dryer, press it with an iron.
Step 4:
All that’s left to do is make the hem. Starting at one edge of the fabric, fold the edge in, towards the wrong side, about 0.6 centimeters to 1.2 centimetres. As you go, run the iron along the fold, so that it will stay in place. Now, stitch the hem of the tablecloth. It’s best to do this with a sewing machine, but you can also do it by hand in a pinch. And you’re done!
Cozy blanket with trim
You can create a cozy companion for your sofa or bed to fit your exact colour—and texture—specifications with this easy trimmed wool blanket tutorial. Cut a length of your favourite woolly fabric (127 by 152 centimetres for a small throw; 152 by 229 centimetres for a large one), then customize the edges.
You’ll need:
- Cosy wool fabric
- Trim, enough to cover the two raw edges of your fabric plus a few extra centimetres
- Sharp scissors
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
Step 1:
Trim your fabric to the exact size you’d like. Once trimmed, you’ll have a large piece of fabric with raw edges on two sides and selvage edges on two sides.
Step 2:
Fold one raw edge under about 1.2 centimetres, then fold it under another 2.5 centimetres and pin it in place.
Step 3:
Hem the raw edge. Sew along the length of the hem, close to the fold.
Step 4:
It’s now time to add the trim! On the right side of the throw, stitch your trim close to the edge. Repeat to finish the remaining raw edge, and you’re done.
Sewing doesn’t have to be clothing! You can create one-of-a-kind décor pieces for your home or as gifts for friends and family. Whether you’re opting for napkins, pillow cases, or something more adventurous, you’ll surely feel accomplished when your project is complete.
Courtesy: realtor.ca
Posted by Teri-Lynn Jones on
Leave A Comment