Make tassel

W E LO V E C R A F T bunting!

HOMEideas
SEWING
QUICK & EASY FABRIC PROJECTS FOR EVERY ROOM

KITCHEN
M
FRO

SEW A NEW
RIT UR
ES
OU YO
FAV

LOOK NOW!
Create a dreamy MAKE OVER
new bedroom today! YOUR HOME
IN MINUTES
NURSERY

PLUS!
OUTDOOR
INSPIRATION
Sew your own deckchair
& picnic rug for summer! BATHROOM
Be bold
OFFICE BEDROOM with
colour!
Europes leading patchwork and quilting show

The Festival
of Quilts 2016
11th14th August
Halls 7, 8 & 9 | NEC, Birmingham, England

Ticket Offer: Quote SBOOK16 for 2.50 off*!

9DOLGRQDGXOWWLFNHWVLQDGYDQFHRURIIFRQFHVVLRQV7HUPVDQGFRQGLWLRQVDQGIXOOPHQWIHHDSSOLHV

A celebration of quilting with over 300 exhibitors offering essential supplies,

extraordinary galleries from international artists and over 1600 quilts on display.
For more information call: 0844 581 1289 (+44 121 796 6347 from outside the UK)

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Workshops in association with

by

Image: Branching Out by Barbara T Kmpfer from 6th European Quilt Triennial
 HOMEideas
SEWING
Editor Charlie Moorby
Managing Editor Charlotte Martyn
Art Editors Claire Watkins, Julian Dace
Production Editor Helen Dorritt

EDITORIAL TEAM
Welcome!
Art Editor Lisa Jones
Technical Editor Rebecca Reid
Production Editor Michelle Grady

46
ADVERTISING
Call: 0117 300 8206
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MARKETING AND CIRCULATION
Direct Marketing Manager Kevin Slaughter
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With summer on the horizon its a great
PRODUCTION
time to refresh your home, so weve
Production Director Sarah Powell gathered together our favourite dcor
Production Manager Louisa Molter/Rose Griiths
LICENSING
projects from Simply Sewing magazine.
Whether youre looking to make over
88
Director of International Licensing and Syndication
Tim Hudson tim.hudson@immediate.co.uk a whole room or just add a few
International Partners Manager Anna Brown
handcrafted touches, theres plenty
PUBLISHING here to inspire you.
Publishing Directors Kerry Lawrence,
Catherine Potter
Publisher Liz Taylor With chapters devoted to upstairs,
Group Senior Editor Julie Taylor
downstairs and creative spaces
FIND A COPY
Call +44 (0)844 844 0388, (including your all-important sewing
visit www.buysubscriptions.com/craftspecial room!), well give you ideas from top to
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bottom. Revamp the upstairs with pretty
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Printed in England by William Gibbons makes for the bedroom and cool blue
and white style for the bathroom. Show 33
your kitchen some love with new
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Deputy Chairman Peter Phippen accessories and impress guests with
&KLHI([HFXWLYH2IFHU Tom Bureau
Managing Director, Bristol Andy Marshall
elegant table linen. Weve not forgotten
the outside, either, so youll also find
brilliant projects to help you make the
most of your outdoor spaces this season.

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Editor 58
 Bedroom bunting! 8
p

HOMEideas
SEWING
33
58 71
46

36 Bed runner
upstairs 38 Cloud cushions
8 BOLD BOUDOIR 39 Beanbag
Four bright bedroom designs 40 Covered notebooks
14 Laundry bag 41 Storage trays
15 Lampshade 42 Coathangers
16 Pillowcase with tassels
17 Fabric-mounted picture frames 46 TIME TO PLAY
Nursery toys and decorations
18 FRESH LOOKS 50 Geometric bunting
Projects for the first floor rooms 51 Kite height chart
22 Fabric boxes 52 Playmat
23 Tissue box cover 53 Jigsaw cushions
24 Patchwork towel 54 Stacking rings
25 Toilet roll holder 56 Stool covers
26 Appliqu towel and bolster
a note on fabrics 28 Bench cushion
30 Banner downstairs
The fabrics weve used in some of these projects 58 KITCHEN BRIGHTS
may have been discontinued since they were first 31 COSY COVER-UP Update the heart of your home
listed in Simply Sewing. Weve kept the original Sew a hot water bottle cover 62 Pot holders
details, however, so that you can visit the suppliers 63 Oven gloves
website to find a suitable alternative. 33 PRETTY IN PINK 64 Apron
Pastel shades for a relaxing bedroom 66 Carrier bag tidy
 102
study style

83
18
88 cool blue
sew chic

fun in the sun 115 113 speedy scissor case

67 Tea cosy 94 Fabric letters 119 Windbreak
68 Tea towel 95 Cable tidy 120 Picnic throw
96 Board tidy 121 Duffel bag
69 CREATIVE COASTERS 97 Board cover 122 Deckchair sling and cushion
Fun with felt weaving 98 Sewing pinafore

71 THE PERFECT SETTING 99 WALL ORGANISER

Create beautiful table linen
74 Zig zag napkin
75 Frayed napkin
76 Hemstitch napkin
78 Basket liner
79 Table mat
80 Chair cover
82 Table runner
83 DCOR FOR DOORS
Show your doors some love!
creative spaces
88 FABRIC COVER-UPS
Give your sewing room a makeover
92 Sewing machine cover
Upcycle your jeans!
essentials
123 THE GUIDE
Stitches, tips, techniques and tools
102 WORK IT!
Revamp your home office 126 TEMPLATES
106 Backpack
108 Magazine files
109 Ring binder cover
110 Desk tidy
fabric inspiration
130 ONE OF A KIND
111 Slogan banner The story behind a unique quilt
112 Office organiser
113 LOOK SHARP!
A pretty padded scissor case
a note on patterns
A few of our projects have patterns that are too
115 DECKCHAIR STRIPES large to print here, so they can be found at www.
A set of al fresco accessories simplysewingmag.com/101ideas. Just print and sew!
118 Garden cushion
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 upstairs
From the bedroom to the bathroom via the nursery and landing, get
set to show your irst-loor rooms some fabulous fabric love!

SEW
THE SET!
PreTty &
PraCtIcal

Covered boxes make

for stylish storage
 bright bedroom

bold boudoir
Add tassels, pictures and hoops for a boho
bedroom makeover in eye-catching colours!

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LOUISE DAY Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

8 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

ColOuRful PilLow CasEs
We love the way these fabric inserts look like
theres one pillowcase inside another! Weve
gone for bold brights as our main casing; for
a more subtle look, use a bright accent as the
insert and a softer shade for the main case.

TasSel TasTiC!
Tassels make a change from bunting and
are a fun way of using up fabric scraps. If you
want yours to co-ordinate with a room,
simply buy extras of your favourite prints to
cut into strips. And try yarn tassels on pillows!

LigHt Work!
Co-ordinate your bedside table lamp
with your bed linen and accessories with
this simple technique for covering most
lampshade shapes. Add a ribbon edging in
a contrasting colour for a modern twist.
 bright bedroom

HooPs of fun
This ingenious laundry basket uses a large embroidery
hoop. It keeps dirty washing hidden away and even
provides potential play as a basketball-style receptacle
for shooting your socks into!

PreTty as a PicTure...
If, like us, youve been meaning to make some fab fabric
pictures for ages but havent quite got around to it,
nows the time! Picture frames can be bought cheaply
and, with the right fabrics, look good in any room. Our
no-sew method really can be done in minutes.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 11


01
03
Pillowcases
YOU WILL NEED
QStandard pillowcase, 50x75cm
(20x30in)
QContrast fabric, see instructions
for sizing
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
Standard pillowcase size, 50x75cm
(20x30in)
FABRICS USED
Grey chevron pattern Makower
Modern Folkloric Ref: 1327/S Chevron
Grey. www.makoweruk.com
Grey chevron with spot Simply
Color by Vanessa Christenson for
Moda. Ref: 10804/13 Graphite Grey
www.modafabric.co.uk
Grey birds Folk Art Holiday by Gina
Martin for Moda Ref: 10021/16 Mist.
www.modafabric.co.uk
12 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
bright bedroom
02
Choose lining
fabric with a bold
contrast pattern.
MAKING EACH PILLOWCASE
Step one Turn your pillowcase inside out and
ed pillowcase
Turn your finish h the lining
it
right sides out, w en you put
undo the side seams. One of the short edges
fabric inside. Wh ake sure the
will already be hemmed and the other has a
large pocket to slip your pillowcase in. You
e, m
your pillow insid ses the end
need to cut the pocket edge to meet up with
lining fabric enca w.
the other edge but cut it 3cm longer for the
hem. Turn over the edge by 1.5cm and 1.5cm
again, then stitch down. The two ends of your of the pillo
pillowcase will now be the same length. 01
Step two Measure across the hemmed edge
of your pillowcase and cut your lining fabric
to this length and 46cm wide. On your lining
fabric, turn both long edges over 1.5cm then
1.5cm again to the wrong side, press then
stitch these hems into place. 02
Step three Fold the lining fabric in half
lengthways with right sides together. With
your pillowcase inside out, place it inside the
folded lining fabric, making sure the two
hemmed edges are all the way up inside the
fold, aligning the side edges of the pillowcase
and lining fabric. Stitch together down both
side seams of the pillowcase, through all
layers of pillowcase and lining fabric. 03
 bright bedroom

01 02 03

04 05 06

Fabric Tassels MAKING EACH TASSEL

Step one Fold your fabric in half lengthways
with wrong sides together. 01
fabric tightly, straightening out the strips as
you go because they will get wound up in
each other. At the end, fold the raw fabric
YOU WILL NEED Step two Cut into the fabric to form strips edge under and roll over it. 04
For one tassel 2cm wide start cutting at the open edge Step five Fold the rolled fabric in half with the
QCotton fabric, 36x50cm (14x20in) and stop 4cm from the fold. Cut the final strip end you turned under on the inside. 05
off completely this will be used to tie up Step six Take the strip you cut off earlier and
MEASUREMENTS your tassel. 02 wrap it around the rolled-up fabric, approx
Each tassel measures 18cm (7in) long Step three Open your cut fabric out flat and 2.5cm from the top. Wrap tightly to form the
place it right side down on your table. 03 tassel. Fold under the short end and hold
FABRICS USED Step four Starting at one end, roll up the securely in place with a few small stitches. 06
Grey chevron pattern Makower
Modern Folkloric Ref: 1327/S Chevron
Grey. www.makoweruk.com
Grey chevron with spot Simply
Color by Vanessa Christenson for
Moda. Ref: 10804/13 Graphite Grey
www.modafabric.co.uk
Grey birds Folk Art Holiday by Gina
Martin for Moda Ref: 10021/16 Mist.
www.modafabric.co.uk
Orange solid Spectrum, flame by
Makower. Ref: 2000/R61
www.makoweruk.com
Pink solid Spectrum, fuschia by
Makower. Ref: 2000/P67
www.makoweruk.com

Make as many tassels as

you want, then thread cotto
n
tape through the loops at th
e The frayed fabric
top to string them together. edges add a
softer texture.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 13


01
03
Laundry Bag
YOU WILL NEED
QGrey cotton fabric, 2 pieces
68x48cm (27x19in) for bag outer
QOrange cotton fabric, 2 pieces
68x48cm (27x19in) for bag lining
QWooden embroidery hoop, 25cm
(10in)
QRibbon to hang
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished laundry bag measures
65x45cm (26x18in)
FABRICS USED
Grey birds Folk Art Holiday by Gina
Martin for Moda Ref: 10021/16 Mist.
www.modafabric.co.uk
Orange solid Spectrum, flame
by Makower. Ref: 2000/R61
www.makoweruk.com
14 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
bright bedroom
02
04
MAKING THE LAUNDRY BAG
Step one Place the two grey outer pieces of
fabric right sides together. Stitch down the
The lining
will be on
display as
much as the
side, along the bottom and up the other side, outer bag.
using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Repeat with
the two orange lining pieces, but leave a
10cm gap along the bottom for turning. 01
Step two Place the outer bag RS out inside
the lining bag WS out. Right sides should now
be together. Match up the side seams. Stitch
together all the way around the top. Turn the
bag right sides out through the gap in the
lining. Slip stitch the gap closed. 02
Step three Push the lining inside the outer
bag, then topstitch around the bag opening,
approx 0.5cm from the edge, to secure. 03
Step four Place the embroidery inner hoop
over the bag outer and fold the top over it by
approx 4cm. Place the outer hoop on top,
over the lining. Tighten the screw to finish. 04
Tie a length of ribbon around the
screw and hang it up to make a
laundry bag thats always open.

01
04
Lampshade
YOU WILL NEED
QCotton fabric, see instructions
for sizing
QDrum lampshade
QMatching sewing thread
QRibbon, see instructions for size
MEASUREMENTS
To fit your lampshade
FABRICS/LAMPSHADE USED
Grey chevron Makower Modern
Folkloric Ref: 1327/S Chevron Grey.
www.makoweruk.com
Drum lampshade our lampshade
from www.okadirect.com measures
15cm high and 20cm in diameter,
Ref: JJS020WHT-0
p r e f e r , y o u can glue
If you ade cover in
your lampsh and bottom
top
place at the stitching it.
instead of
bright bedroom
02
05
MAKING THE LAMPSHADE
Step one You will need a plain, fabric-covered
lampshade and enough fabric to wrap
around it. Measure the height and
circumference of your lampshade and add
3cm to both measurements. Cut out your
fabric to this size. 01
Step two Wrap the fabric RS down around
your lampshade and pin RS together along
the side to make sure it fits. 02
Step three Keeping your fabric pinned, ease it
off the lampshade and stitch together along
Use ribbon to add a
colourful edge to
your lampshade.
03
06
the pinned line. 03
Step four Press the seam open. Fold the top
and bottom edges 1.5cm to the WS. Press. 04
Step five Turn the cover RS out and slip it over
your lampshade. Secure it in place by making
a small stitch through the edge of the fabric
cover on the lampshade and the edge of your
fabric cover. Stitch all the way around the top
and bottom edges. 05
Step six Cut lengths of ribbon to fit around
the top and bottom of the lampshade. Glue
in place to finish. 06
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 15
 bright bedroom
01 02 03

04 05 06

pillowcase MAKING EACH TASSEL

Step one Fold your piece of card in half.
a few times, then knot again twice. 04
Step five Pull the wound thread down to the

with tassels Starting at the open side, wind your yarn

around the card approx 20 times. 01
Step two Cut a piece of thread approx 15cm
bottom of the tassel. Trim all the yarn ends to
the same length to neaten. 05

YOU WILL NEED
QPlain standard pillowcase, 50x75cm
(20x30in)
QYarn or stranded cotton for tassels
QCard, 10x10cm (4x4in)
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
Each finished tassel measures 5cm
(2in) long
long. Thread it under the yarn wraps at the
folded edge of the card. Knot tightly twice. 02
Step three Insert scissors between the wraps
at the cards open side. Cut the yarn. 03
Step four Slide the yarn off the card. Cut
another piece of thread, approx 15cm, and
knot it around the yarn, approx 1cm down
from the top. Wind one end around the knot
ATTACH EACH TASSEL
Step six Find the two ends that you tied
around the top of your tassel and thread one
onto a needle. Insert needle into the edge of
the pillowcase seam to the WS. Repeat with
the other end a short distance away. Knot
together to secure. Attach more tassels in the
same way around the pillowcase. 06

K
We used cotton D
els,
yarn for our tass also
on
but stranded cott ent
im
works well. Exper urs
lo
with different co and
arn
and weights of y effect
thread to get the
you want.

Attach tassels to
your pillowcase at
regular intervals.

16 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS


01
03
fabric-mounted
picture frames
YOU WILL NEED
QPicture frame
QCotton print fabric to fit frame
QHeavyweight interfacing to fit frame
QDouble-sided tape
FABRICS USED
Small floral print Kaffe Fassett
Prints Collection, Violets Pattern,
pink Ref: PWGP123.
www.makeitcoats.com
Orange/pink/purple flowers
Kaffe Fassett Prints Collection,
Oriental Trees, red Ref: PWGP129.
www.makeitcoats.com
Large floral print Floating Mums,
magenta Ref: PWPJ056.
www.makeitcoats.com
Grey chevron with spot Simply
Color by Vanessa Christenson for
Moda. Ref: 10804/13 Graphite Grey.
www.modafabric.co.uk
bright bedroom
02
04
MAKING THE FRAME
Step one Remove the backing and glass from
your frame, then place it over your piece of
fabric until you are happy with the position of
the pattern inside. Draw around the outside
of the picture frame onto your fabric. 01
Step two Cut out your fabric, just inside the
outline you drew. Iron heavyweight
interfacing to the WS of your fabric. 02
Step three Using double-sided tape, attach
your fabric to the paper inset that comes with
the frame. Trim the fabric to fit, if needed.
Place the fabric and inset into your frame,
then place the backing board on top. 03
Step four Turn the frame over and your fabric
picture is now finished! 04
out of our
We left the glass n enjoy
e ca
frames so that w fabric,
the texture of the e the
ud
but you can incl er. Get your fave fabrics
glass if you pref
out of your stash
and frame them.
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 17
 blue & white style

fresh looks
For the bedroom, bathroom and landing, these
projects will co-ordinate your irst loor!

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LOUISE DAY Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

18 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

FabRic BoxEs
Everyone needs storage we just like
ours to look good, especially when its so
easy to make your own. Whatever size box
you choose, stack them in contrasting colours
or patterns for impact and co-ordinate with
complementary accessories.

ahh... TisSues!
We never really like the designs on tissue
boxes, whatever their shape, so weve made
a simple cover for them. This idea makes a
great gift too as everyone needs them.
 blue & white style

EmbElLish a TowEl
Plain towels made posh! Practise your patchwork skills
by sewing each of the fabrics together to create a smart
edging, or appliqu someones initials on a bath sheet.

lets Make StuFf BanNer

Join in our mantra and sew yourself a decorative banner
to hang anywhere you choose. Dont stop with a single
message make up your own for birthdays, anniversaries
and general good wishes.

BolSter and BenCh CusHions

Add some comfort and a little luxury with new cushions
in any room. Bolster cushions make great head or
arm rests on a window seat or as extra padding for
bedtime reading. Our made-to-measure bench cushion,
meanwhile, creates a cosy space for daytime lounging.

ToiLet Roll HolDer

These arent of the old-fashioned crocheted Spanish doll
ilk... No, were talking tasteful, stylish holders that will
exude class and add a touch of elegance to the smallest
room in the house.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 21


01
04
Fabric Boxes
YOU WILL NEED
QOuter fabric:
Small: 60 x12cm (2358x44in)
Medium: 100 x 112cm (39x44in)
Large: 60 x 112cm (63x44in)
QCotton lining fabric, cream:
Small: 60 x 112cm (24x44in)
Medium: 100 x 112cm (39x44in)
Large: 160 x 112cm (63x44in)
QWhite mount board:
Small: 1 A2+ sheet
Medium: 3x A2+ sheet
Large: 6x A2+ sheet
Mount board is from www.
craftcreations.com ref: WMB04
QDouble-sided tape
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
Small box measures 20cm (778in)
Medium box measures 30cm (1178in)
Large box measures 40cm (15in)
FABRICS USED
Fabrics from More Hearty Good
Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda. For
stockists visit www.modafabric.co.uk
Small box: Sea Marram in Dark
Ocean Ref: 1371/11 Medium box:
Seagulls in Pearl Ref: 1350/23 Large
box: Ships in Dark Ocean Ref: 1354/11
22 WWW.SIMPLYSEWINGMAG.COM
blue & white style
02
05
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance throughout
and press all seams open as you go.
CUTTING OUT
From the outer and lining fabric cut:
Base and sides five pieces of each:
Small: 26 x 26cm (10x10in)
Medium: 36 x 36cm (1418x418in)
Large: 46 x 46cm (1818x1818in)
Lid top one piece of each
Small: 27 x 27cm (1058x1058in)
Medium: 37 x 37cm (1458x1458in)
Large: 47 x 47cm (18x18in)
Lid sides four pieces of each:
Small: 8 x 27cm (318x1058in)
Medium: 8 x 37cm (318x1458in)
Large: 8 x 47cm (318x18in)
From the mount board cut:
Base and sides five pieces:
Small: 20 x 20cm (778x778in) each
Medium: 30 x 30cm (1178x1178in) each
Large: 40 x 40cm (15x15in) each
Lid top one piece
Small: 21 x 21cm (8x8in)
Medium: 31 x 31cm (12inx12in)
Large: 41 x 41cm (1618inx1618in)
Lid sides four pieces:
Small: 4 x 21cm (158x8in) each
Medium: 4 x 31cm (158x12in) each
Large: 4 x 41cm (1x1618in) each
COVERING THE BOARD
Each of the storage boxes is assembled in the
same way.
Step one Start by covering all your mount
03
06
board pieces in fabric.
Place the outer fabric right sides (RS) down
then place the corresponding piece of mount
board centrally on top. Stick strips of double
sided tape round all four sides close to the edge
of the board then fold the fabric edges over the
board and press into place to hold them
securely whilst you stitch them together. 01
Step two Place the corresponding lining piece
RS up on top of the mount board you have just
folded the fabric over. Turn the edges under so
they meet up with the folded over edges of the
outer fabric. Slip stitch the two fabric edges
together all the way round keeping your
stitches neat and small. 02
Step three Cover and line each of the mount
board pieces in the same way so that you have
ten pieces in total.
JOINING THE PIECES
Step one Take two of the side pieces and place
them lining sides together. Work a few small
stitches through the outer fabric at one end to
anchor your thread then oversew the two
pieces together down the side. You should only
stitch through the outer fabric and youll find it
easier if you angle the pieces slightly so your
stitches are neat and barely visible. 03
Step two In the same way join the other side
pieces together. 04
Step three Stitch the base to the bottom edges
of the four sides to complete the bottom of the
box. You may find it easier pin the corners in
place before you start to keep them still. 05
Step four Stitch the four lid sides together then
join the lid top to them. 06
 blue & white style

Tissue Box Cover 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QOuter fabric: see instructions for
details
QInner fabric: see instructions for
details
QTissue box
QMatching sewing thread

MEASUREMENTS 03 04
The finished tissue box cover will fit
your tissue box.

FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More
Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare
for Moda. Find your nearest stockist
at www.modafabric.co.uk
Outer fabric: Ships in Dark Ocean
Ref: 1354/11
Inner fabric: Sea Marram in Pearl Ref: 05 06
1371/16

NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.

MEASURING UP
Step one To make a cover to fit any size tissue
box you first need to work out the
measurements of fabric to cut out.
Box top: Measure the top of the tissue box 07 08
and add 3cm (1in) to the width and 3cm
(1in) to the length. Cut one piece each from
the outer fabric and inner fabric.
Box sides: Measure each side of your tissue
box and add 3cm (1in) to the width and
height. Cut one piece for each side from both
the outer and inner fabrics.

MAKING THE TOP HOLE

Step one Place the box top outer fabric
wrong sides (WS) up. Take the perforated
card oval out of the top of the tissue box and
place it centrally over the fabric then draw
around it.
Step two Pin the box top outer and inner
fabric right sides (RS) together. Stitch
together all round the drawn line. 01
Step three Cut through both layers of fabric
0.5cm (in) inside the stitched line then clip
notches from the fabric. 02
Step four Turn the top RS out by pushing one
piece through the hole cut out and press. 03
JOINING THE SIDES
Step one Starting 1.5cm (58in) down from the
top edge but finishing right at the bottom
edge, stitch all the side pieces together down
the height RS together. Remember to join
them in the correct order if your box is
rectangular. By not stitching the top 1.5cm
(58in) of the side seams youll find the top fits
more neatly into place later. Repeat with the
inner fabric sides. 04
ATTACHING THE TOP
Step one Start by joining the outer top panel
to the outer sides. Pin the inner top panel out
of the way so it doesnt get caught in your
stitching. 05
Step two Join the inner top to the inner side
panels in exactly the same way. 06
HEMMING THE LOWER EDGE
Step one Push the assembled inner fabric cover
to the inside the outer fabric cover.
Step two Turn the outer lower edge of the four
sides under by 1.5cm (58in) and press. Repeat
with the inner lower edges so they meet up
with the turned under outer lower edges and
topstitch all the way round to hem. 07
Step three Slip the cover over your tissue box to
complete. It is reversible so you can choose
whichever side you prefer on the outside. 08

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 23


01
03
Patchwork
Towel
YOU WILL NEED
QCotton fabrics: see instructions for
details
QTowel, navy
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
You can add a patchwork border
to any size towel.
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More Hearty
Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda.
Find your nearest stockist at
www.modafabric.co.uk
Sea Marram in Dark Ocean Ref: 1371/11
Sea Marram in Pearl Ref: 1371/16
Ships in Dark Ocean Ref: 1354/11
Seagulls in Pearl Ref: 1350/23
Sea Ripples in Dark blue Ref: 1373/2
24 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
blue & white style
02
04
CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Each of the patchwork strips
later. Stitch the strip into place using a 3cm
(1in) seam allowance. 02
measure 4cm (158in) wide when sewn
together. Measure across the width of your
towel then divide this measurement by 4cm
Step two Turn the strip over to the other side
of the towel. Turn the long edge under by
3cm (1in) so that the fold meets up with
(158in) to calculate how many strips you need. your line of stitching. Turn the short edges to
Step two Using a variety of fabrics to create the inside and press. Topstitch the border in
a patchwork effect cut each strip to 7 x 12cm place, making sure you stitch through the
(2x4in). edge of the border strip at both the back and
the front. 03
MAKING THE BORDER Step three Finish by hand-stitching the short
Step one Join all your strips rights sides (RS) ends together using small, neat stitches. 04
together along the long edges to make one
continuous strip which will fit across the
width of your towel. Press all seams open. 01
wel before
Pre-wash your to if its
Step two Cut the hem off the short end of
your towel as this will reduce the bulk when
er
you bind it with your patchwork strip.
you add the bord e the
r
new just to be su to your
BINDING YOUR TOWEL
n in
Step one Place the patchwork strip RS
colour doesnt ru bric.
together along the width of your towel,
matching raw edges and making sure that
patchwork fa
the ends of the strip reach 1.5cm (58in)
beyond the edges of the towel for turning

01
04
Toilet roll
holder
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 85 x 30cm (33x12in)
QLining fabric: 85 x 30cm (33x12in)
QCotton tape, navy: 25cm (10in)
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished toilet roll holder
measures 82 x 12cm (3238x4in).
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More Hearty
Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda.
Find your nearest stockist at
www.modafabric.co.uk
Main fabric: Ships in Dark Ocean Ref:
1354/11
Lining fabric: Sea Marram in Pearl
Ref: 1371/16
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
throughout and press all seams open
as you go.
blue & white style
02
05
CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Cut the main fabric into two pieces
each measuring 85 x 15cm (33x6in).
Step two Cut the lining fabric into two pieces
each measuring 85 x 15cm (33x6in).
ASSEMBLING
Step one Place the two main pieces of fabric
right sides (RS) together, matching raw
edges. Stitch together along one short edge.
Step two Repeat with the two pieces of lining
fabric. Open out both main and lining pieces
flat to make two long strips. 01
Step three Place the joined main and lining
fabric RS together and stitch around all four
sides but leave a 8cm (318in) gap in the centre
of one short edge for turning. 02
Step four Turn the fabric RS out and fold the
edges of the gap to the inside. Press.
Step five Pin one end of the cotton tape to
the top of the lining, positioning the end of it
1cm (38in) down from the top and just in from
the side edge. Pin the other end of the tape
to the other end of the top edge. 03
Step six Fold the fabric in half with lining
sides together, matching top edges. Stitch
the two ends together, working one row
2mm (18in) from the top then the second row
2cm (in) from the top. This will hold the
03
06
hanging loop tape in place and join the
fabrics together. 04
Step seven Measure 22cm (8in) down from
the top short edges and mark this position
with masking tape across the fabric. Measure
20cm (778in) down from this, mark with tape
then measure a third line 20cm (778in) down
from this. Pin the folded fabric together just
above the tape to hold in place. Stitch
alongside the top edge of the three pieces of
the tape. 05
Step eight Remove the masking tape then
slide your toilet rolls in the spaces between
each line of stitching and hang on the wall
using the loop at the top. 06
s ea sy to a d a p t this to fit
It
ls. If the
smaller toilet rol en work
th
spaces are too big itching
another line of st e gaps
th
below the first in oll.
between each r
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 25
 blue & white style

Appliqu Towel APPLIQUING THE INITIAL

Step one Print out your initial using the font
and to the size you want to stitch on your
01

YOU WILL NEED
QCotton fabric: see instructions for
details
QFusible web: see instructions for
details
QTowel, navy
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
You can applique an initial or motif on
any size bath/hand towel.
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More Hearty
Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda.
Find your nearest stockist at
www.modafabric.co.uk
Appliqu fabric: Sea Marram in Pearl
Ref: 1371/16
towel. There are lots of websites where you
can download free fonts or just use one
already installed on your computer
Step two Trace over the initial onto tracing
paper. Turn it over to the wrong side (WS) and
place your fusible web on top, paper side up.
Now trace over the initial onto the paper side
so you are tracing it in reverse.
Step three Place your traced fusible web
onto the WS of your cotton fabric, paper side
up, and press it gently until it is firmly stuck 02
in place.
Step four Carefully cut out the initial along
your drawn pencil lines. 01
Step five Remove the paper backing from the
initial then position it right side up onto your
towel in the position you want it to be. Press
carefully into place.
Step six Stitch around the initial using a
machine zigzag stitch, working slowly and
carefully so the stitches just reach over the
edge of the initial and onto the towel. 02

Bolster cushion CUTTING OUT

YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 50 x 112cm (20x44in)
QPiping and button fabric: 8 x 65cm
(4x26in)
QPiping cord: 120cm (48in)
QZip: 40cm (16in)
QTwo 30mm (1in) diameter
self-cover buttons
QBolster cushion pad 45 x 17cm
(18x7in)
MEASUREMENTS
The finished bolster cushion cover
measures 45 x 17cm (18x7in).
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More Hearty
Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda.
Find your nearest stockist at
www.modafabric.co.uk
Main fabric: Seagulls in Pearl Ref:
1350/23
Piping and button fabric: Sea Marram
in Dark Ocean Ref: 1371/11
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
throughout and press all seams open.
Step one Cut the main fabric into the
following pieces:
Main cushion body 48 x 56cm (1878x2218in)
Cushion ends, two pieces 12 x 56cm
(4x2218in) each
Step two Cut the piping fabric into the
following pieces:
Piping strips, two pieces 4 x 60cm
(158x2358in) each
Button covers, two pieces 5 x 5cm (2x2in)
INSERTING THE ZIP
Step one Fold the main cushion body in half
lengthways with the right sides (RS) together,
then stitch a 5cm (2in) seam from either end.
Work a row of tacking stitches between the
side seams, again with a seam allowance of
1.5cm (58in). 01
Step two Open out the joined fabric pieces
and, RS down, press the stitched and tacked
seam open. Place your zip RS down over the
tacked gap between the seams and pin it into
place. Using a zipper foot, stitch the zip into
place close to the teeth, then remove the
tacking stitches. 02
ADDING THE COVERED PIPING
Step one Cut the piping cord in half and cover
each length with the two piping strips of
fabric in the same way as the bench cushion.
Step two Working at one end of the main
cushion body tack the covered piping cord all
the way round. Line up the raw edges and
clip the piping strip at intervals so it curves
around neatly. Trim and join the ends as for
the bench cushion then repeat at the other
end of the main cushion body.
ASSEMBLING THE COVER
Step one Take one cushion end strip and
stitch the short ends RS together. Repeat for
the other end strip. 04
Step two Pin one joined cushion end RS
together on top of one end of the main
cushion body, sandwiching the covered
piping between them. Stitch together close
to the piping. Repeat for the other end. 05
Step three Working on one end of the
cushion, turn the long raw edge under by
2.5cm (1in) to the wrong side. 06
Step four Using a strong cotton thread, work
a running stitch on the RS about 0.5cm (in)
up from the folded under edge. Secure the
thread tightly where you start then work a
couple of stitches past this to finish. Pull the
thread up to gather the end then secure.
Repeat at the other end of the cushion. 07
Step five Cover the two self-cover buttons
with your fabric squares then stitch over the
gathered ends of the bolster cushion to
neaten and decorate. 08

26 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 blue & white style
01 02

03 04

05 06

07 08

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 27


01
05
Bench Cushion
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 240 x 112cm (95x44in)
QPiping fabric: 24 x 112cm (9x44in)
QPiping cord: 4.5 metres (178in)
QZip: 1 metre (39in)
QFoam insert: 113 x 45 x 10cm
(44x18x4in)
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished bench cover measures
113 x 45 x 10cm (44x17x4in)
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More Hearty
Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda.
Find your nearest stockist at
www.modafabric.co.uk
Main fabric: Sea Marram in Dark
Ocean Ref: 1371/11
Piping fabric: Sea Ripples in Dark blue
Ref: 1373/22
28 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
blue & white style
02
06
FOAM
We used a premium reflex 40H foam which will
hold its shape, making it ideal for a bench or
window seat cushion. Its an all British foam
from The Foam Shop and they will cut foam to
your exact requirements to make any cushion
size or shape you want. To order, call 01823
334827 or visit www.thefoamshop.co.uk.
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance throughout
and press all seams open as you go.
CUTTING OUT
Step one Cut the main fabric into the
following pieces:
Top and Bottom, two pieces 48 x 116cm
(1878x45in) each
Front gusset 13 x 116cm (5x45in)
Side gussets, two pieces 13 x 48cm
(5x1878in) each
Back gussets, two pieces 8 x 116cm
(318x45in) each
Step two Cut the piping fabric into six strips
4 x 112cm (158x44in) each.
MAKING THE COVERED PIPING
Step one Take two of the piping strips and
place them right sides (RS) together at right
angles and stitch together diagonally. Trim
the seam, open out and press. 01
Step two Join all six strips together in the
same way to make one long strip.
Step three Fold the joined piping strip wrong
sides (WS) together around the piping cord
and stitch the raw edges just 1cm (38in) from
the edge to ensure that these stitches wont
show later. 02
Step four Trim each corner of the top and
bottom fabrics to make them slightly
rounded which will help the piping to ease
round more smoothly.
Step five Take the top fabric and, starting in
the centre of the long side which will be at
the back, tack the covered piping cord all the
way round the edge. Make sure you line up
the raw edges and clip the piping strip at the
corners so it curves round neatly. Trim the
end so it overlaps the start by 5cm (2in). 03
Step six Trim and join the two short ends of
the fabric to fit exactly together. Splice the

03
07
cord by removing half the strands from each
end then wind them together for a neat join.
Tack the joined piping strip round the cord
and to the cushion top fabric 04
Step seven Repeat this whole process to
attach covered piping all round the edge of
the cushion bottom fabric.
INSERTING THE ZIP
Step one Take the two back gusset pieces and
place them RS together, then along one long
edge stitch a 10cm (4in) seam from either
end. Work a row of tacking stitches between
these side seams, again using a 1.5cm (58in)
seam allowance, then press the stitched and
tacked seam open. 05
Step two Place your zip RS down over the WS
of the tacked gap between the seams and pin
into place. Using a zipper foot, stitch the zip
into place close to the teeth. 06
ASSEMBLING THE COVER
Step one Join the four gusset strips together
along the short edges to make one
continuous piece. Do this by joining a short
blue & white style
04
08
side piece to the back piece with the zip
bench
Make this into a rden
inserted, then another short side piece, and
then the long front piece. Start and finish
ga
each seam 1.5cm (58in) from each end as this
cushion for your istant
r res
by using a wate vas.
will help the gusset to lie flatter when you
join it to the top and bottom cushion pieces.
Step two You now need to join the fabric or can
assembled gusset to the top of the cushion
with covered piping attached. Starting at one
end of the long back gusset piece and back
long edge of the piped top pieces, stitch RS This bench cushion is
together close to the piping. 07 perfect for a cosy reading
Step three Pivot your sewing machine needle nook or landing seating.
at each corner and continue stitching the
gusset all the way round the top of the
cushion piece.
Step four Open up the zip in the gusset back
piece then join the gussets RS together to the
piped cushion bottom piece in exactly the
same way.
Step five Turn your cover RS out and press.
Put your foam inside your cushion cover and
close the zip to complete. 08
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 29

01
04
Banner
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 60 x 43cm (24x17in)
QBacking and appliqu fabric:
60 x 65cm (24x26in)
QInterlining: 60 x 43cm (24x17in)
QFusible Web: 32 x 22cm (13x9in)
QWooden dowel: 1.5 x 46cm (x18in)
QCotton tape
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
Banner measures 50 x 40cm (20x16in).
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from More Hearty
Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda.
Find your nearest stockist at
www.modafabric.co.uk
Main fabric: Woven Texture in Dark
blue Ref: 1357/11
Lining and Letters fabric: Sea Ripples
in Dark blue Ref: 1373/22
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.
30 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
blue & white style
02
05
CUTTING OUT
Step one Cut your main fabric into a point to
make the banner shape, following the
measurements on the diagram on page 126.
Step two Cut the backing fabric to the same
shape as the main fabric. The remainder will
be used for your appliqu.
APPLIQU
Step one Trace over the words LETS MAKE
STUFF which youll find as a printable sheet
at www.simplysewingmag.com/101ideas.
Turn it over to the wrong side (WS) and place
your fusible web on top, paper side up. Now
trace over the letters onto the paper side so
youre tracing them in reverse. We spaced the
apostrophe apart to make it easier to cut out.
Step two Place your traced fusible web paper
side up onto the WS of your letters fabric and
press gently into place until it is firmly stuck
using a dry, medium temperature iron (dont
use any steam). 01
Step three Carefully cut out all the letters
along your drawn pencil lines. Make sure you
cut them accurately so they are a neat shape.
Remove the paper backing from the letters
then you are ready to stick them in place.
Step four Place your main banner fabric right
03
06
sides (RS) up then place all the letters on top.
They should be positioned centrally across
the fabric and the top of LETS should be
15cm(6in) from the top of the fabric. Press
carefully into place. 02
Step five Stitch around each letter by
machine or hand to hold them firmly in place
and for a decorative effect. 03
MAKING THE BANNER
Step one Cut the interlining into the same
shape as the main banner. The interlining is
used to give the banner a little more body so
it hangs better. You can use a heavy cotton
fabric, wadding or fleece fabric.
Step two Place the main fabric RS together
with the backing fabric and the interlining
beneath the two. Stitch together, ensuring
you leave a 10cm (4in) gap in the centre of
the top for turning. 04
Step three Turn the fabric RS out and press
then topstitch all the way round to neaten
and close the gap at the top too. 05
Step four Fold the top over by 5cm (2in) to
the back. Slip stitch down to make a casing,
ensuring you only stitch through the lining.
Thread the dowel through then tie cotton
tape to either end for hanging the banner. 06
 hot water bottle cover

ith
Make this fab cosy w
of
just one fat quarter
!
your favourite fabric

cosy cover-up
Winters a long way of, but every home needs
a hot water bottle cover! By Jennie Jones.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 31

 hot water bottle cover
YOU WILL NEED 01 02
Q1 fat quarter (we used Skopelos, Nisi
Flora in Oceanon by Katarina
Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics)
QLining fabric, fat quarter
QPiping cord, 2m (80in)
QBias binding, 2m (80in)
QVintage button
QBasic sewing kit

Step one Make a template approx

2.5cm (1in) larger than your hot
water bottle. 01 03 04
Pin the template to your fabric
and cut out the front panel. To cut
out the bottom back panel, use the
same template, but cut straight
across two-thirds of the way up. To
create the top back panel, again use
the front panel template, and ensure
it will overlap the bottom back panel
by around 5cm (2in). 02
Use these pieces as templates to
cut the lining to the same sizes. 03
Step two You will need around 1.5m
05 06
(60in) of piping and binding for the
outside edges and the opening on
the back. Open your bias binding,
wrap it around the piping and sew,
not too close to the cord. 04
With the remaining binding, make
a loop for the button and a bow. 05
Step three Place the top back panel
right side (RS) up. Pin the covered
piping along the bottom edge. Place
the loop at centre of the bottom
edge, pin the lining on top and sew
07 08
into place close to the cord. 06
Sew the top back panel to the
lining with wrong sides (WS) facing
using a zigzag stitch around the
edges. Repeat with the bottom back
panel and lining, turning the top
edges under to hem. Place the two
back pieces RS up with the top back
panel overlapping the bottom back
panel, in preparation for sewing
them to the front panel. 07
Step four Zigzag stitch the front
09 10
panel and front lining WS together.
Pin the piping around the RS of the
front panel and sew close to the
cord. At one end, cut the cord inside
and fold the bias in, then sew the
other end of the piping inside. 08
Step five Clip the curves. 09
Stitch the front panel to the back
panels RS together, close to the
piping. Turn RS out. Sew on the bow
and button. 10

32 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 pastel bedroom

Cloud cushions and a

give
beautiful bed runner
lift
any room an instant

pretty in pink
Soft pastel pinks and greys create a cool,
calming bedroom the perfect place to relax!

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LISA JONES Photography: JESSE WILD

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 33

 pastel bedroom

ChiLl-out Zone
Create the ultimate chill-out corner with this snug bean
bag chair, made from two gorgeous (and durable) canvas
fabrics. Make one for the living room too!

TriNket TraYs
Keep special bits and bobs safe and sound in these
candy-hued fabric trays. Theyre easy to put together and
would be a fab gift for a jewellery-loving friend.

Hang it up
Cover plain wire hangers with matching fabrics for
a co-ordinated, pulled-together look perfect for
hanging up this soft flannel kimono (you can find
the kimono pattern in issue 7 of Simply Sewing:
www.simplysewingmag.com).

got it CovEred
Doodles arent the only way to personalise your
notebooks! These fabric-covered jotters look really sweet
huddled together on the shelf, and the notebooks inside
can be easily replaced once full.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 35


01
05
bed runner
YOU WILL NEED
QTop fabric: 70x112cm (28x44in)
QBacking fabric: 80x112cm (32x44in)
QBinding fabric: 32x112cm (13x44in)
QCotton Wadding: 45x170cm
(18x67in)
QMatching sewing thread
QBasic sewing kit
MEASUREMENTS
The finished runner measures
35x160cm (13 x63in).
FABRICS USED
Top fabric: Spring Woodland in pink.
Quilters weight cotton ref: C9FL133605
from First Light by Eloise Renouf for
Cloud 9. For stockists visit
www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Backing fabric: Kona cotton solid in
graphite ref: K295 from Robert
Kaufman. Buy online from
www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk
Binding fabric: Kona cotton solid in
bubble gum ref: K2261 from Robert
36 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
pastel bedroom
02
06
Kaufman. Buy online from
www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk
Wadding: Sew Simple Super soft
100% cotton. For stockists visit
www.eqsuk.com or call 0116 271 0033
WADDING USED
We used a 100% natural cotton
wadding with scrim, which is available
in pre-cut pieces or by the metre.
Cotton wadding is very soft and
drapes well so is perfect for a bed
runner. It also has the benefit of being
machine washable once the quilting is
finished, but its best to hand wash it
before you start to allow for shrinkage.
NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
and press all seams open as you go.
CUTTING OUT
Step one Cut the top fabric into a centre section
measuring 35x93cm (13x3658in), and two side
sections, each measuring 35x36.5cm (13x1438
in). Make sure you cut the side sections so the
pattern matches up with the centre section
when you join them together. You may need to
buy extra fabric to do this.
Step two Cut the backing fabric into a centre
section measuring 45x93cm (17x3658in), and
two side sections, each 45x45cm (17x17in).
JOINING THE FABRIC PIECES
Step one Take one side section and place it right
sides (RS) together on top of the left side of the
centre section, matching raw edges. Stitch
together down the short side. 01
Step two Place the other side section RS
together on top of the other side of the central
section and stitch together as before.
Step three Join the three backing pieces
together in the same way.
QUILTING THE BED RUNNER
Step one The backing fabric and wadding are
slightly bigger than the top fabric to allow for
any shrinkage or movement whilst quilting; they
are trimmed before you bind your bed runner.

03
07
Place the backing fabric RS down, then place the
wadding on top of it, and finally the joined top
fabric RS up on top to make a sandwich.
Step two Tack all three layers together in a grid
formation starting from the centre and working
outwards so they are joined together securely.
Make sure you tack all the way around the edge
too to hold this in place when attaching your
binding later. 02
Step three You can quilt your bed runner in
whatever pattern you prefer. Simple squares
look good, or you could quilt around some of
the printed patterns on the fabric. We quilted
our bed runner in two parallel rows along the
length of the runner then worked diagonal lines
spaced 12cm (4in) apart across these. A really
simple way of doing this is to stick strips of
masking tape on top of the fabric in the position
you want your quilting to be. You can then quilt
your line right up to this tape. Once youve
finished stitching a line, simply remove the tape
and youll have a neat row of quilting.
Quilting can be done either by machine or by
hand. If you want to quilt by machine, simply
stitch through all three layers following the
edge of the tape. To quilt by hand, use quilting
thread and work a row of small running stitches
through all three layers beside the edge of the
pastel bedroom
04
08
masking tape. With a little practice you will be
able to work several stitches at a time. 03
Step four When you have worked all the quilting
lines in one direction, remove the tape then
stick more tape in the opposite direction and
quilt along these lines to create your pattern.
Step five When the quilting is finished, trim the
backing and wadding so it lines up with the
edge of the top and leaves a nice crisp edge.
Remove any frayed threads.
BINDING THE EDGES
Step one Take two of the binding strips, place
them RS together at right angles and stitch
together diagonally. Trim the seam, open out
and press. 04
Step two Join all four strips together in the same
way to make one long strip.
Step three Fold your long binding strip in half
lengthways wrong sides (WS) together.
Step four Place the short end of your folded
binding strip on top of the centre of one short
side of your throw, matching the raw edges.
Turn the short end over by 1cm (38 in) and pin
into place. Sew the binding to the runner using
a 1cm (38in) seam allowance.
Step five Stop stitching when you are 1cm (38in)
from the corner, reverse stitch to secure then
remove from your machine. 05
Step six Fold the binding up so that it is at a 90
angle to the quilt top, making sure that the edge
of the quilt and binding run in a straight line. 06
Step six Now fold the binding back down,
aligning the sides and the top edge and pin into
place down the next side.
Step seven Start stitching at the top edge then
stitch the binding in place all the way down.
Stop 1cm (38in) from the next corner and repeat
this folding and turning process. 07
When you reach the point where you started,
overlap over the turned over end by 2cm (in),
trim the excess and stitch in place.
Step eight Turn the binding over to the back of
your throw and fold the corners into a mitred
point. Slip stitch the binding into place by hand,
or topstitch by machine if you prefer. 08
Step nine Remove all the tacking stitches to
complete.
er to hand
Youll find it easi thimble.
quilt if you use a ngers!
Look after those fi
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 37

01
03
cloud Cushions
YOU WILL NEED
QLarge cloud fabric: 40x112cm
(16 x44in)
QSmall cloud fabric: 35x112cm
(14x44in)
QPolyester fibrefill
QBasic sewing kit
MEASUREMENTS
The large cushion measures 37x50cm
(1458x19in). The small cloud
measures 28x38cm (11x15in).
FABRICS USED
Large cloud: Passing Clouds in grey.
Flannel fabric ref: C9FLF138150 from
First Light by Eloise Renouf for Cloud 9.
For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9
Small cloud: Branch in pink. Flannel
fabric ref: C9FLF138205 For stockists
visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Polyester fibrefill: Carded polyester
fibrefill, from www.worldofwool.co.uk
38 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
pastel bedroom
02
04
NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
and press all seams open as you go.
Step three Clip notches in all the curves to
help the fabric lie lat. Press the seam open. 03
Step four Turn your cloud RS out and press,
QYoull find both cloud templates ensuring that you press the excess fabric at
(plus a bonus XL size) online at www. the edges of the turning gap through to the
simplysewingmag.com/101ideas. inside of the cushion.
Step ive Stuf your cloud cushion fairly irmly,
CUTTING OUT pushing stuing into all the curves to give a
Step one Trace around the printed-out nice rounded shape.
template for whichever cloud size you want to Step six Slip stitch the turning gap closed. 04
make, then cut it out.
Step two Fold your fabric piece in half
widthways with right sides (RS) together then
pin your template centrally on top. Draw
around it, then cut through both layers of
fabric 1.5cm (58in) outside the line all the way
around the drawn line. 01
STITCHING THE CUSHIONS
Step one Pin the two layers of fabric together
keeping them RS facing. Stitch the two pieces
together starting 5cm (2in) from the centre of
the bottom edge.
Step two Stitch together all the way around,
inishing 5cm (2in) from the centre point to
leave a 10cm (4in) gap for turning and
stuing the cushion. 02

01
03
bean bag
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 81x112cm (32x44in)
QContrast fabric: 81x112cm (32x44in)
QZip: 46cm (18in) to match fabric
QPolystyrene beans: 130 litres
(4.5 cubic feet)
QBasic sewing kit
MEASUREMENTS
The inished beanbag measures
109x78cm (43x30in).
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from First Light by
Eloise Renouf for Cloud 9. For stockists
visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Main fabric: Branch in grey.
Canvas fabric ref: C9FL134650
Contrast fabric: Branch in citron.
Canvas fabric ref: C9FL134604
NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
and press all seams open as you go.
pastel bedroom
02
04
ASSEMBLING THE PIECES
Step one Place your two fabric pieces right
sides (RS) facing then stitch together along the
two long edges. Work another line of stitching
5mm (in) inside this to strengthen your seam
and help prevent the beans coming out. Finish
the fabric edges by either cutting with pinking
shears or with a machine zigzag stitch to stop
them fraying.
Step two Fold the two joined pieces in half
lengthways, matching the raw stitched edges.
Step three You now need to cut one short end
into a curve to create the curved bottom edge
of the seat. To do this, mark in pencil 15cm (6in)
in from the right hand side at the top. Draw
a curved line from this mark to the bottom
right hand corner then cut along this line. 01
Step four Unfold the fabric but leave this edge
unstitched for the moment.
INSERTING THE ZIP
Step one Take the opposite unstitched short end
and open it up. Refold this end so that the side
seams match and the fabrics remain RS together,
then press.
Step two Measure 15cm (6in) in from each end
and mark with a pin. Stitch up to the pin marks
from each end, leaving a gap in the middle.
Step three Now stitch the central seam between
the two side seams using a long machine stitch
or tack by hand, as the zip will be stitched into
this gap and you will need to remove these
stitches once the zip is inserted. 02
Step four Press the seams open and place as lat
as you can wrong side (WS) up. Pin the zip RS
down centrally over the central seam then stitch
into place from the WS. You may ind it easier
if you tack the zip in place before you stitch it
as this stage can be a little iddly. Remove the
tacking stitches between the two seams and
undo the zip. 03
FINISHING OFF
Step one Pin the curved edges that you cut
earlier together. Stitch a double seam by stitching
another line of machine stitching 5mm (in)
in towards the fabric edges from the irst one
and inish the edges in the same way that you
joined the two pieces of fabric together at the
beginning. 04
Step two Turn your beanbag RS out and press all
the seams.
Step three Pour in your beans and close the zip
to complete.
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 39

01
03
covered notebooks
YOU WILL NEED
QBasic sewing kit
(Large notebook)
QOuter Fabric: 26x46cm (11x18in)
QLining Fabric: 26x46cm (11x18in)
QWadding: 26x46cm (11x18in)
QNarrow elastic: 30cm (12in)
QA5 notebook
QMatching sewing thread
(Small notebook)
QOuter Fabric: 20x37cm (8x15in)
QLining fabric: 20x37cm (8x15in)
QWadding: 20x37cm (8x15in)
QNarrow elastic: 25cm (10in)
QA6 notebook
QMatching sewing thread
FABRICS USED
The print fabrics used are from First
Light by Eloise Renouf for Cloud 9.
For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9
Leaf Line Up in pink. Quilters weight
40 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
pastel bedroom
02
04
cotton ref: C9FL134205
Branch in citron. Quilters weight
cotton ref: C9FL134504
Leaf Sampler in pink. Quilters weight
cotton ref: C9FL134105
The plain fabrics used are Kona
cotton solids. Buy online from
www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk
Graphite ref: K295 B
Bubble gum ref: K2261
Curry ref: K1677
NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
throughout and press all seams
open as you go.
Step one These notebook covers are made
using the same method whichever size you are
making. To begin, place the outer fabric right
side (RS) up then mark 10cm (4in) for the A5
notebook or 9cm (358in) for the A6 notebook
from the left short side at the top and bottom
with a pin. Tack the ends of the elastic at these
points so that it lies lat on the fabric, then knot
the ends to strengthen it . This will stop it from
pulling through the machine stitches when you
sew it in place later. 01
Step two Place the outer fabric RS up on top
of the wadding then place the lining fabric RS
down on top of the outer fabric. The wadding
will give your book a soft padded appearance
but you can leave this out if you prefer.
Step three Starting on the left short edge,
stitch the fabrics and wadding together all
the way around but leave an 8cm (318in) gap
in the centre of the left side for turning. When
you reach the elastic sandwiched between the
fabrics, reverse stitch over it to strengthen the
seam to make sure it doesnt come out later.
Step four Clip the corners then turn the book
cover RS out. 02
Tuck in the excess fabric at the turning gap,
press, then slip stitch the opening closed.
Step ive Fold the fabric cover centrally around
your book with the laps on the inside of the
book cover. Pin into place at the top and bottom
so that it its snugly then take out the book.
Step six Topstitch along the long top and
bottom edges to hold the laps in place and to
neaten the edges too. Hold the elastic out of the
way as you stitch to make sure you dont sew
through it. 03
Step seven Slip your notebook covers into the
laps and put the elastic over the front to hold
your notebook closed. 04
 pastel bedroom

storage trays 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QBasic sewing kit

(Large Tray)
QOuter Fabric: 33x33cm (13x13in)
QLining Fabric: 33x33cm (13x13in)
QMount board: 20x40cm (8x16in)
QMatching sewing thread

(Medium Tray)
QOuter Fabric: 26x26cm
(10x10in)
QLining Fabric: 26x26cm 03 04
(10x10in)
QMount board: 15x31cm (6x1215in)
QMatching sewing thread

(Small Tray)
QOuter Fabric: 19x19cm (7x7in)
QLining Fabric: 19x19cm (7 x7in)
QMount board: 10x22cm (4x9in)
QMatching sewing thread

MEASUREMENTS
The large tray measures 20x20cm
(778x778in). The medium tray
measures 15x15cm (6x6in). The small
tray measures 10x10cm (4x4in).
FABRICS USED
The print fabrics used are from First
Light by Eloise Renouf for Cloud 9.
For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9
Leaf Sampler in pink. Quilters
weight cotton ref: C9FL134105
Spring Woodland in pink. Quilters
weight cotton ref: C9FL133605
Leaf Line Up in pink. Quilters
weight cotton ref: C9FL134205
The plain fabrics used are Kona
cotton solids. Buy online from
www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk
Curry ref: K1677
Graphite ref: K295 B
Bubble gum ref: K2261
The mount board is from www.
craftcreations.com. ref: CMB11
NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
throughout and press all seams
open as you go.
Step one Cut the mount board into the follow-
ing sizes. These are used to give your storage
tray structure.
Large Tray
Base 20x20cm (778x778in)
Sides: 4 pieces 5x20cm (2x778in)
Medium Tray
Base 15x15cm (6x6in)
Sides: 4 pieces 4x15cm (158x6in)
Small Tray
Base 10x10cm (4x4in)
Sides: 4 pieces 3x10cm (1x4in)
Step two All three sizes of tray are made in the
same way. Start by turning one side of the outer
fabric under by 1.5cm (58in) and press. Repeat by
turning one edge under on the lining fabric.
Step three Place the outer and lining fabrics
right sides (RS) together, making sure the turned
over edges are touching, and stitch together
around the three sides that arent turned over.
Turn the fabric RS out and press. 01
Step four To make it easier to stitch the channels
for inserting the mount board in the correct
positions, draw these lines using air erasable
pen or tack them on the RS of your outer fabric
before you assemble the storage tray.
Step ive Mark a vertical line all the way down
the fabric. This should be placed as follows: large
tray 5cm (2in), medium tray 4cm (158in), small
tray 3cm (1in) in from the left hand side.
Step six Mark another vertical line the same
distance from the RS of the fabric.
Step seven Turn your fabric around by 90 and
repeat this exactly, marking another two lines to
make a grid. 02
Step eight With the open ends of the fabric
facing towards you, stitch the two vertical lines
by stitching through both layers of fabric. Use
the marked lines to keep your stitching straight.
Step nine Slip one side piece of mount board
between the stitched lines so it sits at the
opposite end of the fabric - this will it quite
snugly. Now stitch the horizontal line to hold
this in place. Slip the two side pieces then the
base piece in and stitch the two horizontal lines
to hold these in place. 03
Step ten Finally, slip the top side piece of card
in, then slip stitch the open sides closed to hold
this in place.
Step eleven To assemble one corner, fold the
sides up then fold the corner fabric into
a triangle point and stitch together down the
side. Use the same thread as you used to stitch
the channels and work small backstitches on top
of the already worked machine stitches. Repeat
with the other three corners to complete. 04

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 41


01
03
coat hangers
YOU WILL NEED
QCotton fabric: see instructions for
details
QWire coat hanger, white
QMatching sewing thread
QBasic sewing kit
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from First Light by
Eloise Renouf for Cloud 9. For stockists
visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Passing Clouds in grey. Quilters weight
cotton ref: C9FL133750
Branch in citron. Quilters weight cotton
ref: C9FL134504
Spring Woodland in pink. Quilters
weight cotton ref: C9FL133605
NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
throughout and press all seams
open as you go.
42 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
pastel bedroom
02
04
MEASURING UP
Step one Measure the length and height of
your coat hanger (not including the hook).
starting at the ends of the marked 5cm (2in)
gap for each side. 02
Step two Keeping the fabric WS out, turn the
Youll need to cut two pieces of fabric that are top opening between the seams under by
each 10cm (4in) longer than the coat hanger 1.5cm (58in) then turn the raw edge under
length and 10cm (4in) wider than the height. this to make a double hem. Topstitch this into
Step two Place one piece of fabric wrong side place to neaten the top gap. 03
(WS) up then place your coat hanger centrally Step three Turn the bottom edges of the front
on top and draw around it lightly in pencil. and back fabrics under by 2cm (in) and
Draw another line 2cm (in) outside this at press. Turn the fabrics RS out and press lat.
the top and sides and 5cm (2in) below the Step four Slip your coat hanger inside the
bottom edge. Then cut out your fabric along cover, thread the hook through the gap at the
this line. 01 top, then pin the turned under lower edges
Step three Place the cut fabric right sides together and topstitch to complete. 04
(RS) down on top of the other piece of fabric,
pin together within the drawn lines and cut
around it to make two shapes the same size.
Step four Measure and mark in pencil the
centre of the top of the cut fabric. Now
measure and mark 2.5cm (1in) either side of
this to make a 5cm (2in) gap at the top (this is
where you will thread the coat hanger hook
through later).
STITCHING THE COVER
Step one Stitch the two fabric pieces together
down the angled edges and short sides,
 THE
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 nursery makes

This stacking toy is

and
bursting with colour
interesting textures!

time to play!
Stitch tactile toys for a childs room to spark their
imagination and invigorate indoor play.

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LISA JONES Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

46 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

PadDed StoOl CovErs
Drawing, painting, hosting imaginary tea
parties... the playroom table is where all the
fun happens, so a comfy seat is a must! These
fabric stool covers are simple to sew and can
be personalised using embroidery or appliqu.

GeoMeTric BunTing
Brighten up the playroom or bedroom with
bunting made from geometric shapes. Your child
will have fun learning the names of the shapes,
and youll love how easy they are to make!

JigSaw CusHions
Stitch these jumbo jigsaw cushions in colourful
fabrics for fun soft play. Weve made four, but
you could easily stitch more to form a huge floor
cushion, or make it a complete jigsaw by sewing
straight outside edges.
 nursery makes

Draw-Cord PlaYmat
Tidying up after playtime will be a doddle with this clever
draw-cord playmat. When you pull its cord the playmat
transforms into a handy toy storage bag, which can be
hung up out of the way or taken with you.

Kite HeiGht ChaRt

Children love to see how much theyve grown. This
keepsake kite height chart with a tape measure tail will
save you marking your walls or doorframes. Simply glue
a colourful felt shape onto a peg for each child, and peg
it onto the kite tail.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 49

 nursery makes
01 02

03 04

Geometric Bunting MAKING THE SHAPES

YOU WILL NEED
QCotton fabrics: 6x12cm (238x4in)
for each shape
QMatching thread
QPinking shears
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from the Sweet
Autumn Day collection by Little Cube
for Cloud9. For stockists visit
www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9.
Forest Friends, pink. Ref:
C9SAD141405; Forest Friends, red. Ref:
C9SAD141406; Whimsical Wood, grey.
Ref: C9SAD141350; Apple and Pear,
blue. Ref: C9SAD141202; Cotton Solids,
turquoise. Ref: CCPF530.
Step one Trace around the templates and cut
them out.
Step two To make each shape, cut your fabric
in half to make two squares then place them
wrong sides (WS) together.
Step three Place one template in the centre of
one side of the fabric and draw around it. 01
Step four Stitch the two pieces of fabric
together along the drawn lines.
Step five Cut out the shapes just outside the
stitched line using pinking shears for
a decorative effect. You could use ordinary
scissors instead if you prefer or cut some
straight-edged shapes and some pinked. 02
Step six Lay all your shapes out on a flat
surface and move them around until you are
happy with the colour and shape order. You
can either alternate them regularly or go for
a more random selection. Pile up the shapes
in the order you want them to be joined.
need this to tie the bunting with. Sew through
the centre of the first shape whilst holding
tightly onto the thread behind it. 03
Step three When you have sewn through the
first shape, continue sewing, and again hold
the shape and thread behind it tightly or the
machine will get into a knot as there is
nothing for it to sew though.
Step four After a few stitches, feed the next
shape from your pile through the machine
then continue adding all the shapes in the
same way. 04
Step five Leave a long length of thread at the
end when you have attached the final shape
for tying.
ks really
This technique wor s too. Cut
ape
well with paper sh ine stitch
ch
them out and ma finish.

NOTES SEWING THE SHAPES TOGETHER through for a fast

QYou will find the templates needed Step one Set your machine to a long, straight
to make this project on page 126. stitch (4 is about right).
Step two Make sure there is a long length of
thread coming out of your machine, as youll

50 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 nursery makes

Kite Height Chart 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QMain fabric: 35x60cm (14x24in)
QContrast fabric: 25x20cm (10x8in)
QKite tail fabric: 20x112cm (8x44in)
QHeavy weight interfacing: 40x30cm
(16x12in)
QRibbon: 5mmx1metre, (x40in)
QFabric tape measure: 150cm (60in)
QFelt: for bows, see instructions
for details
QWooden pegs
QBasic sewing kit

03 04
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Sweet
Autumn Day by Little Cube for
Cloud9. For stockists visit www.
hantex.co.uk/cloud9. Main fabric:
Forest Friends, red. Ref: C9SAD141406;
Contrast fabric: Forest Friends, pink.
Ref: C9SAD141405;
Tail fabric: Cotton Solids, turquoise.
Ref: CCPF530.

NOTES
QUse a 1cm (38in) seam allowance
unless otherwise stated.
QYou will find the template at www.
simplysewingmag.com/101ideas
just download and print it.
CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Trace the kite shape from the
downloaded pattern. To make the individual
kite shapes, trace each of the four triangles
separately (A, B, C, D) then draw a line 1cm (38in)
outside these all the way around. Cut out to
make your pattern pieces.
Step two Place your drawn patterns onto the
wrong side (WS) of the fabric. You need to cut
A and D from the main fabric and B and C from
the contrast fabric.
Step three Cut a 40x30cm (16x12in) piece of the
main fabric for the kite back.
Step four Cut two strips measuring 7x112cm
(2x44in) from the tail fabric.
MAKING THE KITE
Step one Place A and B right sides (RS) together
along the vertical straight edge and stitch
together. Repeat with triangles C and D.
Step two Place the joined A and B pieces RS
together with the joined C and D pieces and
stitch together along the horizontal edge. 01
Step three Press your joined kite shape with
seams pressed open, then place the interfacing
glue-side down on top of the WS of the kite and
press into place to stiffen your kite.
Step four Place the ribbon centrally on top of
the vertical seam and topstitch into place.
Repeat to topstitch on top of the horizontal
seam. 02
Step five Place the kite back fabric RS together
with the kite front. Stitch together all the way
around the edge, leaving a 6cm (238in) turning
gap on one edge.
Step six Trim the points then turn RS out and
press the turning gap under. Topstitch all the
way around to neaten and close the gap.
Step seven Cut a 12cm (4in) length of ribbon
for the hanging loop. Fold it in half then slip
stitch the ends to the top of the back of the kite.
MAKING THE KITE TAIL
Step one Stitch the two fabric strips RS together
along one short end.
Step two Fold in half lengthways RS together
and stitch along one short edge and down the
length. Turn RS out then turn the other short
edge under by 1cm (38in) and slip stitch closed.
Step three Place the tape measure centrally
down the tail strip, making sure its exactly level
with one short end. Clip this into place as you
wont be able to pin it easily.
Step four Topstitch the tape measure into place
through the centre. Most tape measures are
printed with inches on one side and centimetres
on the other so you can choose which side you
want to show on the front.
Step five Pin the top end of the tail behind the kite
so the 150cm mark is just below the lower point of
the kite and slip stitch into place, making sure your
stitches dont come through to the front. 03
MAKING THE BOWS
Step one For each bow youll need a 5x8cm
(2x318in) piece of felt. You need to make one fabric
bow for each member of the family! Cut a 4x8cm
(158x318in) piece for the main bow then cut the
corners into neat curves.
Step two Cut a 1x3cm (38x1in) strip for the knot.
Step three Pleat the centre of the main bow piece
and stitch to hold. Wrap the felt knot strip around
the pleated centre and oversew neatly to hold the
bow in place. 04
Step four Glue the back of the knot of each bow
to the centre of your peg, then clip onto your kite
tail to mark the height of your child. For a mark
that lasts, draw a line on the tape measure with a
pen, too.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 51

 nursery makes

Playmat 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QMain fabric: 125x112cm (49x44in)
QLining fabric: 110x112cm (43x44in)
QTrim fabric: 55x112cm (22x44in)
QIron-on interfacing: 14x49cm
(5x1938in)
QCord lock
QCord: strong nylon 3mm (116in) cord
QPress fastener
QButton
QBasic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED 03 04
The fabrics used are from Sweet
Autumn Day by Little Cube for Cloud9.
For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9. Main fabric: Forest Friends, red.
Ref: C9SAD141406; Lining fabric: Apple
and Pear, blue. Ref: C9SAD141202; Trim
fabric: Cotton Solids, turquoise. Ref:
CCPF530.

NOTES
QUse a 1cm (38in) seam allowance
throughout.

CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Stick several sheets of newspaper
together to make your paper pattern. Place
them on a flat surface and pin a length of string
to the centre point, then tie the other end to a
pencil. The string needs to reach from the centre
to just inside the outer edge so the radius of
your circle will be 54cm (21in). Now, keeping
the string taut, draw a circle onto your paper.
Cut this out to make your pattern.
Step two Cut the main fabric into 110x110cm
(43x43in) for the playmat outer and two pieces
15x15cm (6x6in) each for the pocket.
Step three Cut the trim fabric into the following:
Casing strip: four strips 10x112cm (4x44in) each.
Carrying strap: 14x49cm (5x1938in).
Step four Place the main outer fabric and the
lining inner fabric squares wrong sides (WS)
together then pin the paper pattern on top. Cut
around it to make two circles. 01
ATTACHING THE CASING
Step one Pin the outer and lining circles WS
together and stitch around the edge 5mm (in)
in to hold them in place.
Step two Join the casing strips right sides (RS)
together at the short ends to make a long strip.
Step three Turn one of the short edges over 2cm
(in) to the WS and press.
Step four Starting at the turned-over short edge,
pin the strip to the lining side of the joined
circles RS together matching short edges and
stitch together all the way around.
Step five When you have stitched it all the way
around and reached the beginning again, trim
and turn over the end short edge by 2cm (in)
so the two edges butt up against each other.
Step six Turn the other long edge of the strip
over by 1cm (38in) to the WS and pin to the outer
circle side so that the folded edge meets up
with the line of machine stitching. Topstitch in
place all the way around through all layers to
hold the casing strip in place. 02
MAKING THE POCKET
The pocket is used to store the cord inside when
the playmat is closed, and you can also use it to
keep any other small items safe.
Step one Place the two pieces of pocket fabric
RS together and stitch all the way around,
leaving
a 3cm (1in) turning gap in the centre of one
side. Turn RS out and press.
Step two Pin the pocket to the outer circle
positioning it 10cm (4in) down from the top so
that the turned under edges of the casing strip
are centrally above it. Topstitch in place down the
sides and across the bottom. 03
Step three Stitch one half of a press fastener to the
inside of the top of the pocket and the other to the
outer circle so they meet to keep the pocket shut.
MAKING THE CARRYING STRAP
Step one Press interfacing to the WS of the fabric.
Step two Fold the strip in half lengthways RS
together and stitch together across one short end
and down the length. Turn RS out, press and turn
the other short end under by 1cm (38in).
Step three Place the fabric circle outer side up and
measure to find the centre. Pin one end of your
strap at the centre and the other directly opposite
where the two short ends of the casing strip meet.
Step four Stitch the strap securely into place by
stitching a square at each end with two diagonal
lines through the square to strengthen. 04
FINISHING OFF
Step one Thread the cord through the casing then
thread the ends of the cord through the cord lock.
Step two To close your playmat, pull up the
drawstring cord to collect and hold all your toys
safely inside. Now, for safety, tuck the cord into the
handy pocket to prevent it dangling down.
You can then carry it or hang it up by the strap.

52 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS


01
03
Jigsaw Cushions
YOU WILL NEED
For one jigsaw cushion:
QCotton fabric: 51x112cm (20x44in)
QLightweight iron-on interfacing:
35x70cm (14x28in)
QPolyester fibrefill
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Sweet
Autumn Day by Little Cube for Cloud9.
For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9. Forest Friends, pink. Ref:
C9SAD141405; Forest Friends, red. Ref:
C9SAD141406; Whimsical Wood, grey.
Ref: C9SAD141350; Apple and Pear,
blue. Ref: C9SAD141202.
Carded polyester fibrefill from
www.worldofwool.co.uk
(or call 01484 846878).
NOTES
QUse a 5mm (in) seam allowance.
QYou will find the template at www.
simplysewingmag.com/101ideas.
nursery makes
02
04
CUTTING THE FABRIC overlap the short ends by 2cm (in) and
Step one Trace and cut out the jigsaw template
from the download. The same template is used to
trim to fit. 02
Step seven Take the jigsaw back and place it RS
make all the cushions as they are double-sided so together with the other long edge of the side
you can simply flip them over to make them piece and stitch into place. Its important that the
tessellate in a different direction. back matches up exactly with the front, so pin it in
Step two Cut your fabric into the following pieces: a few places or the side will be twisted. 03
Back and front: two pieces 35x35cm (12x12in) each.
Sides: two strips 8x112cm (318x44in) each. FINISHING OFF
Step one Turn your jigsaw piece RS out though the
STITCHING THE JIGSAW CUSHIONS gap and press the seams to make neat edges.
Step one Iron interfacing onto the wrong side Step two Stuff the jigsaw shape firmly through the
(WS) of both the back and front pieces. gap then slip stitch the turning gap closed. 04
Step two Pin the jigsaw template centrally over the Step three Make as many jigsaw pieces as you like
WS of one piece and draw around it. Staystitch in the same way using different fabrics then slot
along the drawn lines. them all together to make one big floor cushion.
Step three Cut the shape out 1cm (38in) outside the
line all the way around. Clip curves and corners just
up to the stay-stitching. Repeat with the other
jigsaw piece. 01
Step four Place the two side strips right sides (RS)
together and stitch along one short edge to make
one long strip.
Step five Turn one short end of the joined side strip
under by 2cm (in) then place it RS together in the
centre of one of the longer edges of the jigsaw
front fabric. Stitch together all the way around.
Step six When you get back to where you started,

01
05
Stacking Rings
YOU WILL NEED
QCotton fabric A: 26x34cm
(10x14in)
QCotton fabric B: 28x40cm (11x16in)
QCotton fabric C: 31x49cm (13x20in)
QCotton fabric D: 33x55cm
(13x22in)
QCotton fabric E: 52x65cm (21x26in)
QLightweight iron-on interfacing:
45x90cm (28x35in)
QHeavyweight iron-on interfacing:
30x12cm (12x5in)
QFelt: 15x40cm (6x16in)
QPolyester fibrefill
QSelection of co-ordinating
ribbons: 1cm (38in) width
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Sweet
Autumn Day by Little Cube for
Cloud9. For stockists, visit
www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9.
Fabric A: Apple and Pear, blue. Ref:
C9SAD141202
Fabric B: Forest Friends, pink. Ref:
C9SAD141405
54 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
nursery makes
02
06
Fabric C: Whimsical Wood, grey. Ref:
C9SAD141350
Fabric D: Forest Friends, red. Ref:
C9SAD141406
Fabric E: Cotton Solids, turquoise.
Ref: CCPF530
Polyester fibrefill: Carded polyester
fibrefill from www.worldofwool.co.uk
(or call 01484 846878).
NOTES
QUse a 1cm (38in) seam allowance
unless otherwise stated and press
all seams open as you go.
QYou will find the templates
needed to make this project at
www.simplysewingmag.
com/101ideas and on page 126.
CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Trace and cut the pole template from
page 126. This is printed in two parts so simply
cut out and join them along the dotted line.
Step two The largest ring (Ring E) is printed on
the pattern download and you need to trace all
the four circles of this. The bold lines are cutting
lines and the dotted ones are stitching lines.
For the other four rings you need to draw the
four concentric circles yourself following the
diameters given on the table on page 126.
Weve included measurements for all five
rings if youd rather draw them all yourself.
Step three Cut the fabric into the following
sizes: Fabric A: top and bottom circles, two
pieces 14x14cm (5x5in) each; outer gusset
6x33.5cm (238x13in); inner gusset 6x11.5cm
(238x458in).
Fabric B: top and bottom circles, two pieces
16x16cm (6x6in) each; outer gusset
6x40cm (238x15in); inner gusset 6x13cm
(238x5in).
Fabric C: top and bottom circles, two pieces
19x19cm (7x7) each; outer gusset 6x49cm
(238x1938in); inner gusset 6x14.5cm
(238x5in).
Fabric D: top and bottom circles, two pieces
21x21cm (8x8in) each; outer gusset
6x55cm (238x2158in); inner gusset 6x14cm
(238x5in).
Fabric E: top and bottom circles, two pieces
24x24cm (9x9in) each; outer gusset
6x65cm (238x2558in); inner gusset 6x18cm
(238x718in), pole 35x15cm (13x6in).
Step four Cut the lightweight interfacing into
squares the same size as each of the top and
bottom circles for each ring. Iron these to the
wrong side (WS) of each square of fabric.
Step five Cut the top and bottom circles for
each size of stacking ring in the same way.

03
07
Place the top and bottom pieces of fabric for
the circles right sides (RS) together then pin the
corresponding template centrally on top.
Cut around the outer circle and the inner
circle shown by the bold lines. Then transfer the
inner and outer stitching lines to each circle.
Youll find placing the fabric and template
against a lightbox or window will help.
DECORATING THE RINGS
You can leave your stacking rings plain or
decorate some or all of them. Use the same
fabric for the rings and the gussets or alternate
them. You need to add the decorations before
you assemble the rings.
Ribbon trim Topstitch a length of ribbon down
the centre of the length of the outer gusset.
Ribbon loops Cut a few 5cm (2in) lengths of
ribbon to stitch around the ring, experiment to
decide how many. Fold one length in half
widthways then pin the two ends RS together
on top of one of the rings, matching raw edges.
Tack into place then repeat with the other
lengths so they are spaced evenly. These loops
will be stitched securely into place later. 01
Knotted tapes Cut a few 8cm (3in) lengths of
ribbon. Make a knot just above one cut edge
then tack the other end to the outer edge of
a ring in the same way as for the ribbon loops.
nursery makes
04
08
MAKING THE RINGS
All the rings are made in the same way:
Step one Take one cut circle of fabric for the ring
top and stay stitch along the inner and outer
stitching lines to help stabilise the fabric.
Repeat for the other circle for the ring bottom.
Step two Make small snips from the inner cut out
circle up to the line of stay stitching, taking care
not to cut through the stitches. The cuts need to
be about 1cm (38in) apart. Repeat for the ring
bottom but this time fold the edges to the WS
up to the line of stay stitches and tack. 02
Step three Place the two short ends of the inner
gusset RS facing and stitch together. Fold one
long edge over by 1cm (38in) to the WS and tack.
Step four Place the untacked edge of the inner
gusset tube inside the central hole of the ring
top with RS together. Making small snips in the
seam allowance of the tube will help to ease this
in. Tack together all the way around.
Step five This tube is fiddly to stitch by machine,
so stitch it using small back stitches. 03
Step six Place the two short ends of the outer
gusset with RS facing and stitch together.
Step seven Pin the outer gusset tube to the outer
edge of the ring top and pin together. Stitch
together all the way around. 04
Step eight Join the other side of the outer gusset
to the outer edge of the ring bottom.
Step nine Turn the ring RS out and press then
stuff through the centre hole, then slip stitch
the inner ring closed. 05
MAKING THE POLE
Step one Pin the pole template to the RS of the
pole fabric and cut out around the outer line.
Step two Now cut (or retrace) your template
along the inner line. Pin this to the heavyweight
interfacing and cut it out.
Step three Press the interfacing to the WS of your
pole fabric as shown on the template.
Step four Fold the top and long sides of the
fabric over the interfacing. Turn the bottom
edge 1cm (38in) to the WS.
Step five Fold a 12cm (4in) length of ribbon in
half then place on one side of the top, matching
raw edges. Topstitch all sides into place. 06
Step six Bend the strip together RS out and
oversew down the length and across the top. 07
Step seven Stuff your pole really firmly.
Step eight Work a running stitch around the
bottom then pull to gather and stitch closed.
Step nine Cut three circles of felt for the base,
each with a 12cm (4in) diameter. Pile them up
and topstitch around the edge to hold together.
Step ten Slip stitch the bottom of the pole to the
centre of the felt base. 08
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 55

01
03
Stool Covers
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: see instructions
for details
QCotton fabric: white, see
instructions for details
QPolyester fibrefill
QElastic: see instructions for details
QStool
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Sweet
Autumn Day by Little Cube for
Cloud9. For stockists, visit
www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9.
Main fabric: Forest Friends, pink. Ref:
C9SAD141405; Whimsical Wood, grey.
Ref: C9SAD141350.
Polyester fibrefill: Carded polyester
fibrefill from www.worldofwool.co.uk
(or call 01484 846878).
56 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
nursery makes
02
04
MEASURING AND CUTTING
You can make a cover to fit over your stool, or
make a cushion pad first to fit on top then cover
this if you prefer.
Step one Measure the diameter of your stool
and under to the legs (including the cushion
pad when made if preferred). The fabric cover
needs to fit over the stool and fold underneath.
Step two Cut your main fabric into a circle with
the diameter youve just measured plus 1cm
(38in) all the way around.
MAKING THE STOOL COVER
Step one Work a machine zigzag stitch all the
way around the edge of the fabric to stop it
from fraying then turn it over by 1cm (38in) to
the wrong side (WS) and press. 01
Step two Measure around the underside of the
stool where the hemmed fabric reaches and cut
a piece of elastic to this length plus 2cm (in).
Step three Fold the fabric in half then half again
and mark these points with a pin so they are
evenly spaced. Fold your elastic in half then half
again and mark these four points. 02
Step four Pin one end of your elastic at the first
pin on the fabric so that it is on top of the WS of
the folded-over edge. Reverse stitch to secure
then stretch it so the next pin on the elastic
meets with the next pin on the fabric. Machine
zigzag stitch the elastic on top of the folded-
over edge. 03
Step five When you reach the next pin, pull the
elastic again to meet the next pin on the fabric
then continue stitching the elastic into place in
the same way. When you reach the end, overlap
the elastic on top of the end by 2cm (in) and
finish off securely.
Step six Stretch the cover over your stool (and
cushion pad if preferred) so the elastic tucks
underneath to complete.
MAKING THE CUSHION PAD
Step one Draw a circle on paper to the same
diameter as the top of your stool plus 2cm (in).
Cut out the circle to make a pattern.
Step two Cut two squares of white fabric 5cm
(2in) bigger than the paper pattern. Place them
right sides (RS) together then draw around the
pattern onto the top of one piece.
Step three Stitch the two pieces of fabric
together along the drawn line, leaving a turning
gap. Trim the seam and turn RS out.
Step four Stuff the cushion then slip stitch the
turning gap closed. 04
 downstairs
Transform your ground loor spaces with a host of handcrafted
touches, from delicate table linen to cheery coasters!

Polka dots are

always in fashion

SEW
SIMPLE
no MacHine
ReqUired!
 kitchen makes

kitchen brights
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so treat
yours to a fresh look with colourful accessories.

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LISA JONES Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

58 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

pot HolDers
These hanging pot holders will brighten up
your cooking space, and will protect your
hands from piping-hot pans when its time to
plate up your culinary masterpiece, too.

tea TowEls
Tea towels may be readily available in shops,
but for a unique kitchen theres nothing for
it but to stitch your own! Weve trimmed ours
with contrast fabric and added hanging loops.

DouBle Oven GloVe

Take your latest show-stopping bake out of
the oven in style with this pretty and practical
double glove, which has a layer of insulated
wadding and a contrast trim.
 kitchen makes

tea Cosy
Keep your pot of tea warm with a bright quilted tea cosy
and serve with fresh scones the perfect way to show off
your sewing and baking skills at the same time!

PocKet-FroNt AprOn
Guard your clothes from spills and keep essential
utensils to hand while youre cooking up a storm with
this pocket-front apron. Its made from printed canvas
and has webbing straps for maximum durability.

CarRier bag Tidy

Weve all got a hidden-away drawer overflowing with
plastic bags. We say its time to reclaim some storage
space by stitching up this neat carrier bag tidy!

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 61


01
03
Pot holders
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 29x46cm (11x18in)
QContrast fabric: 18x46cm (7x18in)
QWadding: 41x23cm (16x9in)
QBasic sewing kit
QMatching sewing thread
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Yoyogi Park
by Skinny laMinx for Cloud9.
For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9
Shrubbery in gold, ref: C9YP132018
Shrubbery in grey, ref: C9YP132050
Shrubbery in turquoise, ref:
C9YP132003
Tokyo Trees in turquoise, ref:
C9YP131803
Tokyo Trees in green, ref: C9YP131814
Tokyo Trees in gold, ref: C9YP13181
Insulating wadding: Sew Simple
insulating wadding. For stockists, visit
www.eqsuk.com or call 0116 271 0033
62 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
Kitchen mAKES
02
04
MEASUREMENTS
The finished pot holder measures
20x20cm (8x8in).
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance,
unless otherwise stated.
CUTTING OUT
Step one From the main fabric cut:
Front and back: two pieces each 23x23cm
(9x9in) Hanging loop: 15x6cm (6x2in).
Step two From the contrast fabric cut:
Pocket front and lining: two pieces each
18x23cm (7x9in).
Step three From the wadding cut:
Pot holder: 23x23cm (9x9in)
Pocket: 18x23cm (7x9in).
MAKING THE POCKET
Step one Place the two pieces of pocket fabric
right sides (RS) together with the pocket
wadding on top.
Step two Stitch together along the top edge
then turn the pocket RS out, with the wadding
sandwiched in between. Carefully topstitch
along the top edge to neaten and hold the
fabric pieces in place. 01
ADDING A HANGING LOOP
Step one Fold the two long edges of your
hanging loop over to the wrong side (WS) so
they meet in the centre.
Step two Fold the strip in half lengthways again
and topstitch down to make the hanging loop.
Step three Fold the loop in half and pin the two
short ends together. Take the front fabric and
pin the short ends to one of the top corners,
matching raw edges so the loop sits diagonally
down from the corner. Tack into place. 02
ASSEMBLING THE POT HOLDER
Step one Place all the pieces on top of each
other with raw edges matching in this order:
wadding; front RS up (with the hanging loop
attached); pocket RS down (lined up at the
bottom edge); back.
Step two Stitch all these layers together all the
way around, leaving a 7cm (2in) gap in the
centre of the top edge for turning. 03
Step three Trim the seams and clip the corners,
then turn RS out through the gap. Press and
turn the excess fabric at the gap to the inside.
Step four Remove the tacking stitches from the
hanging loop so that it lies facing outwards.
Now topstitch all the way around the edge to
hold the fabric layers in place and neaten. 04
 kITCHEN MAKES

01 02

Oven gloves
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 100x80cm (40x32in)
QContrast fabric: 22x114cm (9x44in)
QInsulating wadding: 100x40cm
(40x16in)
QBasic sewing kit
QMatching sewing thread

MATERIALS USED
T he fabrics used are from Yoyogi Park
by Skinny laMinx for Cloud9.
For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/ 03 04
cloud9
Main fabric: Tokyo Trees in turquoise,
ref: C9YP131803
Contrast fabric: Shrubbery in grey, ref:
C9YP132050
Insulating wadding: Sew Simple.
For stockists, visit www.eqsuk.com or
call 0116 271 0033

MEASUREMENTS
The finished oven gloves measure
90x17cm (35x7in).

CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Cut the main fabric into the following
pieces: Main body: 100x20cm (40x8in)
Lining: 100x20cm (40x8in)
Mitt front: cut two, each 25x20cm (10x8in).
Step two Cut the contrast fabric into the
following pieces:
Mitt linings: cut two, each 25x20cm (10x8in)
Binding: cut five strips, each 4.5x70cm (2x28in).
CUTTING THE PATTERN PIECES
Step one Trace the oven mitt template from the
templates on page 126 and cut it out. All seam
allowances are included.
Step two Place the main body fabric wrong
sides (WS) up. Place the traced mitt pattern
centrally at the top of the fabric piece and draw
around it.
Step three Measure 46cm (18in) down from the
bottom straight edge of the mitt pattern and
place the bottom of the pattern (flipped over)
at this point and draw around it. Draw two
straight lines joining the bottom edges of the
two patterns together as in the diagram on
page 65.
Step four Cut along your drawn lines to make
the oven glove shape. 01
Place this cut fabric wrong side (WS)
together with the lining fabric piece and cut
around it. Repeat with the wadding.
Step five Place the two mitt front fabric pieces
WS together. Put the mitt pattern centrally on
top, pin then draw around it and cut out both
pieces together. One will be the mirror image of
the other.
Step six Repeat this process for the two mitt
lining pieces then cut two pieces of wadding to
the same size.
ASSEMBLING THE MITTS
Step one Place one mitt lining right sides (RS)
down with its wadding piece on top then one
mitt front RS up on top.
Step two Tack all the layers together around the
edges as well as working vertical and horizontal
lines across it spaced 5cm (2in) apart. Now work
lines of machine quilting through all three
layers. We have spaced ours 3cm (1in) apart.
Step three Take one binding strip and place it
RS together along the straight edge of the mitt.
Stitch the binding strip in place through all the
three layers using a 1cm (38in) seam allowance.
Trim the binding to meet the mitt edge.
Step four Turn the strip over to the back of the
mitt then turn the long edge under by 1cm
(38in) to match up with the line of stitching.
Topstitch into place. 02
Step five Repeat to make another mitt.
MAKING THE OVEN GLOVES
Step one Place the main body RS down with the
wadding on top, then the lining RS up on top of
that and tack all layers together.
Step two Quilt the three layers together as for the
mitts. To make sure the quilting lines on the main
body match up with the mitts, space them the
same distance apart.
Step three Place the quilted main body lining side
up, then place the two quilted mitts RS up either
end of it, matching the shaped thumbs and
curved ends. Tack together. 03
Step four Join the remaining binding strips RS
together at the short ends to make one long strip.
Step five Turn one short end of the binding strip
over to the WS by 1cm (38in) then pin to the edge
of the centre of the main body with RS together.
Step six Bind all the way around the main body of
the glove, encasing the glove as you go in the
same way as you did with binding the mitts. 04
adding to
Use insulating w s from
d
protect your han es.
high temperatur
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 63

01
05
APRON
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 130x100cm (51x40in)
QContrast fabric: 35x60cm (14x24in)
Q30mm (1in) webbing: taupe x 2
metres (2yds)
Q30mm (1in) D Rings: silver x 2
QMatching sewing thread
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Cloud9.
For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9
Main fabric: Yoyogi Park by Skinny
laMinx. Vines in green. Canvas fabric
ref: C9YP133514
Contrast fabric: Aubade by Michelle
Engel Bencsko. Morns Rays in warm
grey, ref: C9AU133350
The webbing used is Groves Essentials
cotton acrylic webbing, 30mm, taupe,
ref: ET617/TAN. For stockists, email
groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk
64 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
Kitchen mAKES
02
06
MEASUREMENTS
The finished apron measures
88x88cm (35x35in).
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance
throughout, unless otherwise stated.
CUTTING OUT
Step one You need to draw half the apron
pattern by following the diagram and using the
measurements on page 65. Seam allowances
are included on the pattern.
Step two Fold your main fabric in half
lengthways. Line up the fold line on your
pattern with the fold of the fabric, pin and cut
out. Also cut a pocket lining, measuring
28x59cm (11x23in).
Step three From the contrast fabric cut:
Top edge facing: 7x28cm (2x11in)
Pocket: 28x59cm (11x23in).
ADDING THE FACING AND STRAPS
Step one Cut a 9cm (358in) length of webbing
for the D-ring loop. Thread it through the
D-ring and stitch the short edges together 1cm
(38in) in from the ends. Matching raw edges, pin
it to the right sides (RS) of the top of the apron
2cm (in) from the right hand edge.
Step two Cut a 60cm (24in) length of webbing
for the neck strap and machine zigzag one end
to stop it from fraying. Pin one of the short ends
2cm (in) from the left side of the top of the
apron, with the RS together and with the raw
edges matching. 01
Step three Place the facing RS together with the
top of the apron and pin into place,
sandwiching the webbing in between. Stitch
together all the way along. 02
Step four Turn the facing over to the wrong side
(WS). Press then trim the edges of the facing to
match the apron sides. Topstitch along the top
to tidy and strengthen the webbing seam. 03
Step five Turn the bottom edge of the facing
under by 1.5cm (58in) and pin then stitch into
place to the main apron fabric. 04
HEMMING THE APRON
Step one Turn the curved sides under by 5mm
(in) then 5mm (in) again and press. Turn the
straight sides and the bottom edge under by
1cm (38in) then 1cm (38in) again. Press.
Step two Cut two 65cm (25in) lengths of
webbing and machine zigzag one end of each
length to stop them from fraying.
Step three Take the unhemmed end of one
 kITCHEN MAKES

03 04

07 08

webbing strap and tuck it inside the turned- 14cm

PATTERN DIAGRAM
under edge of the apron at the top of the APRON OVEN
straight side and pin into place. Repeat with the GLOVES

other strap on the other side of the apron. 05

Step four Stitch the turned-under edges to
33cm

hem, stitching over the straps to secure them.

FOLD

Step five To strengthen the side straps and

41cm

make them face outwards, fold them flat

against the WS of the apron and topstitch. 06

ADDING A POCKET
Step one Place the pocket and pocket lining RS POCKET POSITION GUIDE
together and stitch all the way around, leaving
a gap along one of the short edges for turning.
46 cm

Step two Turn the pocket RS out, and turn the

STITCH LINE
25cm

excess fabric at the turning gap to the inside

and press. Topstitch two rows along the top
GRAIN

edge of the pocket to neaten and decorate. 07

58cm

Step three Pin the pocket to the front of your

apron following the pocket positioning guide
28cm
on the diagram. Stitch in place down the sides
and across the bottom edge.
25cm

Step four To divide the pocket into sections,

stitch a vertical line down the centre of the
pocket then stitch another line parallel to this
5mm (in) away. Stitch another pair of vertical
lines through the centre of the left pocket as
46cm
shown on the diagram. 08

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 65


01
03
Carrier Bag Tidy
YOU WILL NEED
QTop fabric, 24x43cm (9 x17in)
QCentre and loop fabric, 16x43cm
(6x17in)
QBottom fabric, 24x43cm (9 x17in)
QElastic, 1cm (38in) wide x 45cm (18in)
QMatching sewing thread
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from Cloud9.
Visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Aubade by Michelle Engel Bencsko.
Morns Rays, warm grey, ref:
C9AU133350
Yoyogi Park by Skinny laMinx. Feather
Leaf in green, ref: C9YP131714
Yoyogi Park by Skinny laMinx. Feather
Leaf in teal, ref: C9YP131713
MEASUREMENTS
The finished carrier bag tidy measures
45x20cm (18x8in).
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.
66 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
Kitchen mAKES
02
04
JOINING THE FABRICS
Step one Cut the centre fabric into two pieces
each measuring 8x43cm (3x17in) for the centre
strip and hanging loop.
Step two Place the top fabric strip right sides
(RS) together with the centre fabric strip and
sew along the long edge. Press the seam open.
Step three Place the bottom fabric RS together
along the lower edge of the centre strip and
stitch together. Press the seam open.
Step four Fold the joined fabric pieces in half
lengthways RS together and pin, matching the
seams carefully. Stitch together all the way
down the length. 01
MAKING A HANGING LOOP
Step one Fold the two long edges of the
hanging loop over to the wrong side (WS) so
they meet in the centre.
Step two Fold the strip in half lengthways again
and topstitch down to make the hanging loop.
FINISHING THE ENDS
Step one Turn the top edge over by 1cm (38in)
then 1.5cm (58in) to the WS and press.
Step two Making sure the stitched bag seam is
in the centre of one side, slip one of the raw
ends of the hanging loop under the turned-
under edge and pin in place. 02
Step three Place the other raw end of the
hanging loop under the turned-under edges
directly opposite the first end and pin into
place.
Step four Stitch the turned-over top edge all
the way around, close to the edge, encasing the
hanging loop ends as you go. Leave a 2cm (in)
gap for threading the elastic through later.
Step five To make the hanging loop hang
upwards, fold it up above the bag and topstitch
just along the top edge of the casing and loop
at both ends of the loop. 03
Step six Make a casing at the bottom end of the
bag in the same way.
ADDING THE ELASTIC
Step one Cut the elastic into two pieces, 30cm
(12in) for the top and 15cm (6in) for the bottom.
The elastic at the top is longer so you can easily
fill the bag with carriers, and the bottom end is
shorter so that they dont fall out and you can
pull out one at a time.
Step two Thread the longer length of elastic
through the top of the bag then knot the ends
and push them into the casing. Slip stitch the
gap closed. Repeat at the bottom end of the
bag with the shorter length of elastic. 04

Tea Cosy
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 23x70cm (9x28in)
QContrast fabric: 40x70cm (16x28in)
QBinding fabric: 160x6cm (63x238in)
QInsulating wadding: 30x70cm
(12x28in)
QMatching sewing thread
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Cloud9.
Visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Yoyogi Park by Skinny laMinx.
Tokyo Trees in gold, ref: C9YP13181
Shrubbery in turquoise, ref:
C9YP132003
Aubade by Michelle Engel Bencsko,
Morns Rays in warm grey, ref:
C9AU133350
Insulating wadding: Sew Simple
For stockists, visit www.eqsuk.com
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.
The tea cosy pattern is on page 126.
CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one From the main fabric cut:
Front and back, two pieces each 23x35cm
(918x13in).
Step two From the contrast fabric cut:
Front and back two strips each 8x35cm
(318x13in)
Lining: two pieces each 30x35cm (12x13in).
Step three From the binding fabric cut:
Lower edge binding: two strips each 6x33cm
(238x13in)
Curved edge binding: 6x80cm (238x32in)
Hanging loop: 6x12cm (238x5in).
Step four From the wadding cut:
Two pieces each 30x35cm (12x13in).
MAKING THE PIECES
Step one Trace the tea cosy template from page
126 and cut it out.
Step two Place one main fabric piece and one
contrast strip right sides (RS) together and
stitch along the lower shorter edge of the main
fabric. Turn RS out and press. Repeat with the
other pieces of main and contrast fabric.
Step three Place the tea cosy pattern over one
joined fabric piece and cut it out, then repeat
for the other joined fabrics to make the tea cosy
front and back. 01
kITCHEN MAKES
01
03
Step four From the contrast fabric lining and
wadding, cut two pattern pieces of each.
ASSEMBLING THE FABRIC LAYERS
Step one Lay one lining piece RS down with
a piece of wadding on top, then the joined tea
cosy front RS up on top.
Step two Tack all of the layers together around
the edges as well as working vertical and
horizontal lines across it spaced 5cm (2in) apart.
Now work horizontal lines of machine quilting
through all layers. We have spaced ours 3cm
(1in) apart. 02
Step three Take one lower edge binding and
place it RS together, matching raw edges along
the lower edge of the quilted tea cosy front.
Stitch in place. Turn the strip over to the back of
the tea cosy front then turn the long edge
under by 1.5cm (58in) to match up with the line
of stitching. Topstitch in place.
Step four Repeat this to make the tea cosy back.
MAKING A HANGING LOOP
Step one Fold the two long edges of the
hanging loop strip over to the wrong side so
they meet in the centre.
Step two Fold the strip in half lengthways again
and topstitch down to make the hanging loop.
02
04
BINDING THE COSY
Step one Place the tea cosy front and back
together with linings facing then tack all six
layers together around the curved edge.
Step two Turn one short end under on the
curved edge binding strip then place it RS
together along the bottom of the curved edge.
Stitch the binding strip in place through all the
tea cosy layers. When you reach the end, turn
the short end under to match the bottom of
the cosy and trim. 03
Step three Turn the strip over to the back of the
tea cosy then turn the long edge under by
1.5cm (58in) to match up with the line of
stitching.
Step four Fold the loop in half and pin the raw
ends at the centre top of the tea cosy, tucking
them under the turned under binding. Fold the
loop upwards then slip stitch into place. 04
Step five Slip stitch or machine topstitch the
binding in place, encasing the loop as you go.
Remove all the tacking stitches to finish.
ke, use
For a quicker ma ding to
bin
ready made bias your cosy.
of
finish the edges
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 67

01
03
Tea towel
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 63x56cm (25x22in)
QContrast fabric: 23x56cm (9x22in)
QBasic sewing kit
QMatching sewing thread
FABRICS USED
The fabrics used are from Cloud9.
For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9
Yoyogi Park by Skinny laMinx.
Feather Leaf in green, ref: C9YP131714
Shrubbery in grey, ref: C9YP132050
Aubade by Michelle Engel Bencsko.
Morns Rays in warm grey, ref:
C9AU133350
MEASUREMENTS
The finished tea towel measures
70x50cm (28x20in).
68 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
Kitchen mAKES
02
04
CUTTING OUT
Step one From the contrast fabric cut out:
Border: 17x56cm (6x22in)
Hanging loop: 6x20cm (2x22in).
JOINING THE FABRICS
As the wrong side (WS) of your tea towel will be
seen, it will look better if you finish the border
and main fabric seam neatly. This is optional,
but will look professional! A flat felled seam
works well as it will look neat from both sides.
Step one Place the main fabric and contrast
border strip right sides (RS) together. Stitch
together using a 2cm (in) seam allowance
along the lower short edge of the main fabric
and top long edge of the border fabric.
Step two Trim 1cm (38in) off the main fabric
seam allowance so that its half the width of the
border fabric seam allowance. 01
Step three Fold the border fabric seam
allowance over so it lies on top of the main
fabric seam allowance and press. 02
Step four Fold the border fabric seam allowance
under and press so it wraps around the main
fabric seam allowance and the raw edges are
tucked inside. 03
Step five Stitch this folded over seam allowance
in place close to the edge. 04
MAKING A HANGING LOOP
Step one Fold the two long edges of the loop
fabric strip over to the WS to meet in the centre.
Step two Fold the strip in half lengthways again
and topstitch down to make the loop strip.
HEMMING THE TEA TOWEL
Step one Turn all four edges of the joined tea
towel over by 1.5cm (58in) to the WS then 1.5cm
(58in) again and press.
Step two Fold the hanging loop in half and slip
the raw ends under the turned over hem in the
top left corner and pin.
Step three Stitch the hem down all the way
around close to the edge, stitching through the
hanging loop as you go.
Step four Turn the loop over so it sticks out
beyond the edge of the tea towel and stitch
down so it lies flat.
wel before
Wash your tea to finishes
ric
use to remove fab absorbent.
e
and make it mor
 coffee table

super-
These coasters are a
sewing
quick project with no
machine required!

creative coasters
Combine weaving and hand sewing to make Diana
Staintons cute hot air balloon coasters.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 69

 coffee table

YOU WILL NEED 01 02 03

QSmall quantities of felt, in green, grey,
white and brown
QStranded cotton, brown and white
QEmbroidery needle
QFabric glue
QThin card
QAir-erasable pen (or a pencil)
QScissors

Step one Trace the template from

page 126 onto thin card, cut out
04 05
and draw around it onto the white
felt using the air-erasable pen or a
pencil. 01
Step two Cut out the hot air
balloon shape. This will be the base
of the design. 02
Step three Cut four strips of green
felt and four strips of grey felt. Each
strip should measure 2cm wide and
10cm long. 03
Step four Place the grey strips
vertically and weave the green 06 07
strips horizontally. 04
Step five Weave the strips together
so they look like this. 05
Step six Dab fabric glue sparingly
onto the white felt, in the top circle
area only. 06
Step seven Place the woven felt
piece on the white felt circle area
so the strips sit at an angle. Press
down firmly and leave to dry. 07
Step eight Trim the felt strips piece
08 09
into a circle shape, using the white
felt base as a guide. 08
Step nine Cut the brown felt into a
basket shape and sew it to the
white felt base using a running
stitch and brown thread. 09
Step ten With brown thread, sew
four long stitches for ropes. 10
Step eleven Using white thread,
sew around the edge of the balloon
circle using blanket stitch, to finish.
Time for tea! 11 10 11

Diana is the creator of Pygmy Cloud

(www.pygmycloud.com), a little
brand of playful and quirky plush
toys and homewares.

70 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 dining style

Serve bread in style

with this beautifully
lined basket!

the perfect setting

Smart table linen adds to any occasion, but if youre not
sure your budget will stretch to buying some then
dont worry its so easy to make your own!
Designer: REBECCA REID Styling:LOUISE DAY Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 71

Your ChoIce of NapKin
We mixed up the styles and finishes of
napkins on our table setting, and you can
do the same, as weve covered three key
techniques in our instructions: hemstitch,
curved corners and fraying. Youll also learn
how to make the perfect mitred corner.
 dining style

CovEr up and LeaRn new SkiLls

If your kitchen chairs are looking shabby, this project is
perfect. You can even add a small cushion under the chair
cover if your chair doesnt have any padding. Youll also
learn new skills, such as making a toile (see page 80), that
will come in handy for future sewing assignments!

PatCh PocKet TabLe mat

Keep your knife, fork and spoon neatly in place with this
inspired table setting design. Choose different finishing
techniques to make yours unique weve frayed the
edges of both the mat and the pocket.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 73

 dining style

01 02

03 04

MAKING EACH NAPKIN around each curved corner, to keep the

zigzag napkin Step one Take your square of check fabric
and draw a curve in each of the four corners
stitches right at the edge. Use a thread colour
that blends in with your fabric. 03
by drawing around the edge of a glass or Step four Repeat the above steps with your
YOU WILL NEED
similar round object. 01 square of linen fabric. This time, use a thread
QCheck fabric, 45x45cm Step two Cut out the curve carefully along colour that contrasts with your fabric. 04
QLight grey linen fabric, 45x45cm the drawn line this will give you a neater, Step five Trim off any loose thread ends and
QMatching sewing thread softer corner. 02 press with an iron for a crisp finish. Repeat to
Step three Using your sewing machine, work make more napkins.
MEASUREMENTS a narrow zigzag stitch all around the edge of
The finished napkin measures your fabric. Move the fabric slowly as you go
45x45cm

FABRICS USED
Penshurst Grey, Checks and Stripes
Collection, from Concept Textiles.
For stockists, visit
www.concepttextiles.com
32HPI Zweigart Belfast Linen, dark
grey (3609/7011). To order, visit
www.willowfabrics.com

74 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 dining style

01 02

03 04

MAKING EACH NAPKIN
Frayed napkin Step one Take your square of fabric and work
a line of straight machine stitches all the way
round, 1.5cm in from the raw edge. 01
YOU WILL NEED
Step two Carefully remove the linen threads
QDark grey linen fabric, 45x45cm outside your line of stitching on all sides. 02
QSewing thread Step three If youd like, you could add an
extra decorative touch to your napkin, as we
MEASUREMENTS have. To do this, remove some horizontal
The finished napkin measures threads across one edge of the napkin we
45 x 45cm positioned ours 4cm, 6cm and 8cm up from
the lower edge. Then work a very narrow
zigzag stitch along the position of the drawn
thread, using the space left by the thread as a
guide to keeping your stitches straight. 03
Step four Stitch over the remaining two
drawn thread lines in the same way. 04
Step five Trim off any loose thread ends and
press with an iron for a crisp finish. Repeat to
make more napkins.

FABRIC USED
32HPI Zweigart Belfast Linen, dark
grey (3609/705). To order, visit
www.willowfabrics.com

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 75

 dining style
01 02
03 04
HOW TO DRAW OUT THREADS AND
Hemstitch Napkin MITRE THE CORNERS
Step one Take your square of fabric and
following the instructions on page 77 draw
YOU WILL NEED
out threads and work a mitred corner.
QOff-white linen fabric, 51x51cm
QStranded cotton HOW TO WORK A HEMSTITCH EDGE
Step one To work the hemstitches, use two
MEASUREMENTS strands of stranded cotton in a colour that
The finished napkin measures matches your linen fabric. We have used a
45x45cm contrasting colour thread in these photos so
you can see it more clearly.
FABRIC USED Anchor your thread in one corner of the
32HPI Zweigart Belfast Linen, off-white linen, at the outer point of the mitred corner,
(3609/100). To order, visit www. and work some tiny slip stitches to hold the
willowfabrics.com mitred corner in place.
Working from right to left and holding the
linen with the hem facing away from you,
push the needle under a few of the drawn
threads four or five is about right. 01
Step two Pull the needle and thread through
the fabric and give it a little tug towards the
right to pull the drawn threads together. 02
Step three Push the needle back into the
fabric again, at exactly the same point as in
step one. Then bring the needle out of the
76 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
fabric at the same point as in step two. You
will have taken your thread back around the
same group of drawn threads. Now insert
your needle under a few threads at the edge
of the hem. 03
Pull the needle all the way through the
hem to secure the group of drawn threads
and to stitch down the hem.
Step four Repeat the process from step one
to work hemstitches all along the first edge
of your napkin. 04
When you reach the next corner, slip stitch
the mitred corner together, as before, and
then continue to work hemstitches along the
next edge. Continue all around the napkin
edge and when you reach the first corner
again, fasten off the thread.
Step five Trim off any loose thread ends and
press with an iron for a crisp finish. Repeat to
make more napkins.
 dining style

HOW TO DRAW THREADS AND MITRE THE CORNERS

01 02

Measure 3cm in from one edge of the fabric and pull out a thread of the Fold the edge over by 1.5cm again so that the first fold meets up with the
linen. Then pull out three more threads, working inwards. Fold over the first drawn thread line. Repeat on all four sides of the linen and press.
edge by 1.5cm. Repeat on all four sides of the linen square and press.

03 04

You now need to mitre the corners. Open out the folds and at one corner, Cut along this drawn line to trim off the excess corner fabric. Fold this new
draw a line across the first set of folds, using the image above as a guide. edge inwards diagonally at the inner corner fold, using the image above
as a guide.

05 06

Re-fold all four sides of the linen, following the fold lines you made Now you can work hemstitches through the drawn threads all round your
previously. Press your mitred corner and pin into place. The corner should napkin, following the instructions on page 76.
now come together neatly into a point.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 77


01
03
Basket liner
YOU WILL NEED
QCheck fabric, see instructions for
sizing
Q Cotton tape to fit around the basket
Q Matching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished liner will fit your basket.
FABRICS USED
Penshurst Grey, Checks and Stripes
Collection from Concept Textiles.
For stockists, visit
www.concepttextiles.com
78 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
dining style
02
04
NOTE
These basic instructions are for a basket with
straight sides. If your basket has slanted sides,
like ours, then all you need to do is cut the
top edge of each side to the top edge basket
measurement (including seam and ease
allowances). Your side pieces will have angled
side edges so that your liner fits snugly. Make
sure you leave the bottom and top seam and
casing allowances straight though, so the
pieces sew together neatly.
CUTTING OUT
Step one Measure inside the base of your
basket and add 2.5cm for ease and seam
allowance all around. These are the
measurements for your base piece.
Step two Measure the two short sides and
two long sides of your basket. For the height
of each side piece, the measurement should
start at the base and then fold over the
basket by 4cm you also need to add 2.5cm
for ease and seam allowances, plus an extra
4cm for the casing at the top edge. For the
width of each side piece, use the same
measurements as the corresponding side of
the base piece.
Step three Use the measurements youve
taken to cut out one base piece, two short
side pieces and two long side pieces from
your check fabric. 01
ASSEMBLING THE LINER
Step one Join the four side pieces together
to make one continuous side piece, making
sure you alternate long and short sides. 02
Step two Take the base piece and join this to
the base of the continuous side piece,
making sure you place right sides together
and you pivot at each corner.
Step three Fold the top edge of the liner to
the wrong side by 1.5cm, then 2.5cm to form
the casing. Stitch this in place, close to the
edge of the casing. 03
Step four Snip away the stitches in one of the
side seams of the casing and thread the
cotton tape through the casing. Place the
liner inside the basket, then pull the tape to
tighten and tie the ends in a bow to finish. 04
 dining style

01 02 03

04 05 06

MAKING YOUR MAT 0.5cm from the edge, starting and finishing

table mat
YOU WILL NEED
QCheck fabric, 2 pieces 30x40cm
Q Striped fabric, 15x10cm
Q Matching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished table mat measures
30x40cm
FABRICS USED
Small check: Penshurst Grey, Checks
and Stripes Collection, from Concept
Textiles.
Stripe: Hever Grey, Checks and Stripes
Collection, from Concept Textiles.
For stockists, visit
www.concepttextiles.com
Step one Cut your three fabric pieces to the
measurements given, left. 01
Step two Pin the two large check pieces
together, with wrong sides together, then use
your sewing machine to work a zigzag stitch
all the way around all four sides, 0.5cm in
from the raw edge. 02
Step three To fray the edges, carefully
remove the fabric threads outside the line of
zigzag stitches. 03
Step four Work a line of zigzag stitches across
one short edge of the striped pocket fabric,
0.5cm in from each end. Fray the fabric edge
in the same way as before. 04
Step five Pin the pocket to the table mat,
positioning it 2.5cm up from the bottom
edge and 2.5cm in from the right-hand side.
Zigzag stitch the pocket into place down one
side, along the bottom and up the other side,
0.5cm in from the raw edges. 05
Step six Fray the side and bottom edges of
the pocket to finish. Trim off any loose thread
ends and press with an iron for a crisp finish.
Repeat to make more table mats.

n
a c o n t r a s t ing fabric o
Use ils
p o c k e t t o s how off deta
the lement other
a n d t o c o m p
r table
linen on you
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 79

01
05
Chair cover
YOU WILL NEED
QLarge check fabric for seat cover,
see pattern and cutting notes for
sizing
QSmall check fabric for binding and
buttons, see instructions for sizing
QCotton lining fabric, see instructions
for sizing
QVelcro hook and loop sew on, 20cm
QSix self-cover buttons, 19mm
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished cover will fit your chair.
FABRICS USED
Small check fabric: Penshurst Grey,
Checks and Stripes Collection from
Concept Textiles.
Large check fabric: Bodiam Grey,
Checks and Stripes Collection from
Concept Textiles. For stockists, visit
www.concepttextiles.com
80 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
dining style
02
06
MAKING A PATTERN
Step one First you need to make a pattern for
your chair cover. Place a sheet of paper on
your chair seat and draw round the outer
edges of it. Add 12cm to all four sides for the
skirt of the cover. At the back of the chair add
2cm at the back and 4cm at the side to give
you extra fabric to wrap round the legs. You
will also need to round off the back corners
so they fit round the legs of your chair. See
diagram opposite, and theres a full-size one
at www.simplysewingmag.com/101ideas.
Step two Once you have drawn the pattern
you can add the 1cm seam allowances. These
only need to be added to the front square
corners and the back rounded corners as the
other edges of the cover will be bound later.
MAKING A TOILE
A toile is a test piece made in fabric to get the
pattern and fitting correct. You can use any
spare fabric for this. Cutting out the chair
cover is straightforward by following the
pattern but getting the curves just right so
they fit round your chair is easier if you make
a toile. Place the fabric over your chair and
cut round the legs to get the perfect curve. If
your chair is not exactly square but wider at
the front then you can adjust the pattern fit
using this method. It saves time in the long
run getting the pattern right at the start!
CUTTING OUT
Cut out your main fabric using the pattern
then cut out an identical piece from the
cotton lining fabric.
MAKING THE CORNERS
Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout.
Step one To make the front seat corners,
place the two corner edges right sides
together and stitch to make a neat right
angle. Repeat this with the two front corners
on the lining fabric. 01
Step two Place your main fabric and lining
wrong sides together and pin together round
the back curved edges. Stitch together round
the curved and short edges either side of it.
Repeat for the other back curved edge. 02
Step three Clip seams then turn your seat
cover right sides out and press. 03
MAKING A TOILE
Step one Now bind the back edge and the
 dining style

03 04

07 08

front and side edges. Cut the small check FOLLOW OUR EXAMPLE TO MAKE A PATTERN FOR YOUR CHAIR COVER
fabric into 4cm strips, one to fit across the
back and one to fit around the sides and back. BACK
1CM SEAM ALLOWANCE 2CM 2CM 1CM SEAM ALLOWANCE
Place the strip right sides together on top of
12CM

the right side of the seat cover and lining,

turning the short ends over, and then stitch
into place. 04 4CM 4CM

Step two Turn the other long edge over 1cm

to the wrong side. 05
Step three Fold the binding round the seat
cover and lining and stitch into place then top
stitch round the curved corner to neaten. 06
SEAT LENGTH

ADDING VELCRO AND BUTTONS

Step one Sew Velcro to the side edges of the 12CM 12CM
back corners. The hook part of the Velcro goes
on the right side of the side of the cover and
the loop section goes on the wrong side of
the back of the cover. You can machine stitch
SEAT WIDTH
the hook section in place but its best to hand
sew the loop section just to the lining so the
stitches cant be seen from the front. 07
Step two Just for decoration, cover six
12CM

1CM SEAM ALLOWANCE 1CM SEAM ALLOWANCE

buttons following the pack instructions. Stitch
them in place down the edges of the back of
FRONT
the cover, then slip your cover over your chair
and Velcro it in place. 08

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 81

 dining style

01 02 03

04 05 06

CUTTING OUT Step four Fold the corner so the runner is

table runner Step one Cut your fabric 50cm wide and the
length to fit your table plus 5cm either end
for seam allowances.
YOU WILL NEED
QStriped fabric, see instructions for HOW TO MITRE A CORNER
sizing Step one Fold the fabric over by 2.5cm all the
Q Matching sewing thread way round and press then fold it over 2.5cm
again and press. 01
MEASUREMENTS Step two Keeping your runner wrong side up
The finished table runner measures unfold the second fold you pressed then fold
40cm wide the corner inwards so that the pressed
creases line up with the creases from the
FABRICS USED second fold. These are marked in purple in
Hever Grey, Checks and Stripes the photo so you can see them. 02
Collection, from Concept Textiles. Step three Press this fold so you get a crease
For stockists, visit then unfold it. 03
www.concepttextiles.com
right sides together making sure you line up
the outer folded edges. The last crease you
made should line up through the layers. Pin
then stitch along this line, marked in purple
on the photo. Trim the seam. 04
Step four Turn the mitred corner right sides
out and press. 05
FINISHING YOUR RUNNER
Step one Mitre the other three corners in the
same way.
Step two To finish your runner, top stitch the
folded over edges down, keeping the needle
in the fabric as you turn each corner for a
neat finish. 06

y
o r k s lo w ly and carefull g
W in
o u g h e a c h step for mak it
thr s - its wort
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r e d c o r n e r
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for the resu

82 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 decor for doors
Give your doors some fabric love with this muler, door
stop and draught excluder set by Dawn Worthington.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 83

 door accessories

01 02 03

07 08 09

YOU WILL NEED We love the stylish look of traditional it if you need to. Her top tip is to attach the
For the whole set: homes their period features add character draught excluder to the bottom of your door
QBasic sewing kit and detail but they can have ill-fitting and with a strip of Velcro, so it stays firmly in place
QMatching thread draughty doors. Weve looked at the when you open and close the door, without
QSewing machine traditional ways of solving this problem here you having to reposition it every time. We
with a set of simple door accessories a door think thats genius!
For door muffler: muffler, doorstop and draught excluder so
QCotton fabric, 20x20cm you dont have to ramp up the heating to stay INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOOR MUFFLER
QWadding, 10x20cm warm (they make such a difference, even on Step one Cut your cotton fabric in half to
QHairbands or looped lengths spring and summer evenings). give you two pieces measuring 10x20cm.
of elastic This project is perfect for using up leftover (First check this length will reach around your
fabric (use different fabric either side of your door to each handle and adapt if needed.) 01
For doorstop: draught excluder if you only have small Step two Place the two fabric pieces
QCotton fabric, 45x45cm amounts), and weve discovered some clever together with right sides facing, then add the
QWeighted filling ways of using materials most people have
QFunnel (optional) around the house so you wont need to pay
out for specialist finishings if you prefer to
For draught excluder: upcycle! For example, weve used hairbands
QCotton fabric, 40x100cm to keep the door muffler in place and bags of
QTwo buttons rice or worn out socks and tights for stuffing
QExcluder insert (see Notes) the doorstop and excluder. But if you prefer
to eat your rice (and make sure you dont get
MEASUREMENTS any unwanted visitors) wed recommend
Door muffler: 17 x 7cm using pebbles and wadding or polypropylene
Doorstop: 12cm square granules instead (try www.fredaldous.co.uk).
Draught excluder: 81.5 x 17cm You can also personalise your draught
excluder stuffing by adding lavender or your
NOTES favourite essential oil to give it a sweet scent.
Seam allowances for all three projects Dawns design means you can easily remove This muffler stops a door
banging in the breeze.
are 1.5cm, unless otherwise stated. the insert to wash the cover, and even replace

84 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS


04
10
wadding piece underneath. Place the
hairbands or looped lengths of elastic in
between the two fabric pieces, as shown. 02
Pin together securely. If youre using elastic
loops, place the join on the outside of the
fabric layers, close to the raw edge of the
fabric. Make sure the bulk of the hairband or
elastic is inside the fabric layers (this is the
part that will be on the outside of the
finished muffler). 03
Step three Using your sewing machine,
stitch the three pieces together around the
outside, ensuring that the hairbands or
elastic loops are sewn firmly in place. Make
sure you leave a small opening (approx 5cm)
along one of the longer edges this is to turn
your fabric through. 04
Step four Trim the wadding close to the
stitching and then clip the corners of all
layers to reduce bulk. 05
Step five Turn the muffler right side out
through the gap, then use a round-ended
object to push the corners out (we used the
end of a make-up brush).
Step six Topstitch around the muffler, as
close to the edge as you can. When you reach
the gap, tuck the fabric inside and continue
topstitching this will close the opening. 06
Hang each end over each side of your door
handle and enjoy the quiet closing.
door accessories
05 06
11 12
INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOORSTOP recommend stitching slowly when you reach
Step one Measure and cut six squares of the corners. Stitch around the bottom square,
cotton fabric, each measuring 15x15cm but make sure you leave a small opening
these will be the sides of your cube. Cut one (approx 5cm) for the filling.
piece of fabric to 20x15cm, this will be the Step seven Turn the cube right side out
handle of your doorstop. through the opening. Use a round-ended
Step two With right sides together, fold your object to push the corners out neatly (we used
20x15cm handle piece in half along the the end of a make-up brush). 11
longest length. Pin and sew together, leaving Step eight To make it easier to clear up any
the short ends open. Turn this piece right side spillages, place the cube in a container. Using
out and position the seam at the centre back. a funnel for ease, fill your cube with the
Press flat, making sure the seam allowance is weighted filler. 12
also flat. Topstitch several times along the Once full, hand sew the opening closed
length to give the handle extra strength. using slip stitches.
Step three With right sides together, pin and
sew four of your squares together to form an
open-ended cube shape. 07
Step four Clip the seam corners to reduce
bulk, and press the seam allowances open.
Step five Place your handle piece on top of
one of the remaining squares, with the centre
back face down. Line up the handle piece so
it runs along the centre of the square. 08
Pin, then sew both ends of the handle in
place, 1cm from the raw edge of the fabric. 09
Step six Pin the two remaining squares to
the previously stitched pieces, to form the
top and bottom of your cube. 10
Stitch all around the top square (including Weight your doorstop with
any bag of value rice.
handle), 1.5cm from the raw fabric edge. We
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 85

13
16
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
DRAUGHT EXCLUDER
Notes Fabric amounts are to make a draught
excluder for a door width of approx 80cm.
Check your door width and adjust as needed.
To make the excluder insert, use a piece of
spare fabric (approx 84x35cm), fold in half
lengthways, seam the length and one side,
turn right side out and stuff with toy stuffing
or old socks, then stitch the end closed.
Step one Measure and cut three pieces of
fabric as follows: Back piece 100x20cm, Front
piece 85x20cm, Handle 10x20cm (this is to
make an optional handle for hanging the
excluder when its not being used).
Step two Take the Back piece and hem one
of the short edges to do this, fold 1cm of
fabric to the wrong side, press, fold another
1cm to the wrong side, press again and stitch
in place near the first fold. 13
From the hemmed edge, fold the fabric
back over onto itself, with right sides
together, by 12cm. Press the fold but do not
sew yet it will eventually be the buttonhole
flap for the closing.
Step three Take the Front piece and hem
one of the short edges, as you did with the
Back piece. 14
Step four Take the Handle piece and fold in
half lengthways, right sides together. Pin and
86 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
door accessories
14 15
17 18
sew the long raw edges together, leaving the the buttonholes. (Make a buttonhole on a spare
short ends unstitched. Turn to the right side piece of fabric first to practise the technique
and press. Place this Handle piece on the and make sure your chosen button will fit
right side of the Back piece, approx 10cm through the hole.)
from the unhemmed end. Line up the raw Step seven Use a seam ripper to cut your
fabric edges. 15 buttonholes open. Start at one end and cut to
Step five Pin the Back and Front pieces the middle turn and repeat at the other end.
together, with right sides facing align the This gives a flawless cut to the buttonhole. 17
unhemmed ends and leave the short Step eight With the cover right side out, fold
hemmed ends unpinned. 16 the flap so it sits over the Front piece. Insert a
Join the Front and Back pieces by sewing pencil into each buttonhole to mark the
along one long side (starting from the Front position on the Front piece. Hand stitch the
piece hemmed end), down the short buttons in place at the marks. 18
unhemmed end, and along the other long Place the excluder insert inside to finish.
side (stopping at the other side of the Front
piece hemmed end).
Leave the hemmed ends open for the
excluder insert. Turn the whole piece right
side out. Use a round-ended object to push
the corners out neatly.
On the buttonhole flap of the Back piece,
youll need to finish the unstitched sides to
do this, fold the fabric to the wrong side so
the folds line up with the seam allowances on
the sides, then topstitch in place approx
0.5cm from the fold.
Step six Mark two buttonholes on the
buttonhole flap, approx 3cm in from the
edges. Once youre happy with the A draught excluder is easy to
placement, use your sewing machine to make make with a few basic items.
 creative spaces
Be inspired to brighten up the areas of your home where you're
most creative: the sewing room, home oice and garden!

You'll love these

fabric files!

QUICK
MAKE!
use 1 fat
QuaRter
 sewing room

fabric cover-ups
Brilliant ways to spruce up your sewing room,
using beautiful fabrics and practical ideas.

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LOUISE DAY Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

88 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

FabRic LetTers
We were quite chuffed with how our chunky
letters turned out and you will be too if you
give them a go. Try drawing different sorts
of letters if you want to spell out something
different, such as your name.

SewIng MacHine CovEr

Dont settle for the basic plastic cover
your machine came with show off your
true colours and skills with a beautiful and
practical fabric cover. It even has handy
pockets for all your accessories.
SewIng PinAfore
We like to wear a cover-up when were sewing (even if its
an old sweatshirt), so tiny fibres and threads dont stick
to our clothes. We also have a habit of pinning needles
and pins to ourselves and forgetting to take them out
before theyre washed, so a pinny really helps!
 sewing room

IroNing BoaRd Tidy and CovEr

Ironing board covers have a limited life if you use them
as much as we do. And making a cover is the simplest
thing: you cut fabric to size, sew a casing at the edge and
thread through the elastic. Thats it! Its a great project for
that fabric stashed away in your cupboard.

CabLe Tidy
Wrap your trailing sewing machine cables in this neat
little tidy, and pop it into the machine covers pocket
when youre done for the day. It has to be the ultimate
in sewing room tidiness!

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 91


Sewing
Machine Cover
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric, see instructions for size
QPocket fabric, see instructions for
size
QBinding fabric, see instructions for
size
QInterlining fabric, see instructions
for size
QLining fabric, see instructions for
size
QPrinted tape or ribbon, see
instructions for size
QPiping cord, see instructions for size
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished sewing machine cover
will fit your machine.
FABRICS USED
Main fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Tide Ocean Ultramarine by Moda
Ref: 27197/24.
Pocket fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Intersection Ultramarine by Moda
Ref: 27195/13.
Binding Fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Constellation Ultramarine by Moda
Ref: 27199/13.
For stockists visit: www.modafabric.
co.uk
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless
otherwise instructed.
92 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
sewing room
MEASURING AND CUTTING
Step one To make your cover fit your sewing
machine exactly, measure it and note down
the following:
Height (from the base of the machine to
the top)
Length (from the open side to the handle
side, across the front of the machine)
Around your machine (from the base of the
machine at the front, up over the top of the
machine, and down to the base of the
machine at the back, making sure you
include any knobs or wheels that extend
out from the main body)
Step two Cut the fabric to the following sizes:
Main body: the measurement around your
machine plus 3cm, by the length plus 6cm.
Cut one piece each from the main fabric,
the interlining and the lining fabric.
Sides: the height of your machine plus
4.5cm, by the depth plus 6cm. You can
curve the top edges if you like, but you
need to make sure the total measurement
of the sides and top edge of this piece
match the around your machine edge of
the main body fabric piece. You may need
to slope the sides to make it fit. Cut two
pieces each from the main fabric, the
interlining and the lining fabric.
Pockets: the depth measurement, by half
the height of your side fabric plus 1.5cm.
Cut two pieces each from the pocket fabric
and the lining fabric.
Piping strip: to match the total
measurement of the sides and top of the
side piece, by 4cm wide. Cut two strips
from the main fabric.
Piping: cut two pieces of piping cord to the
same length as the piping cord strip.
Binding: 4cm wide, by twice the depth plus
twice the length plus 10cm for ease and
turnings (it needs to be long enough to go
all around the bottom edge of your cover).
Cut one strip from binding fabric.
MAKING POCKETS
Step one Take the main body piece in main
fabric and place the main body interlining
piece on the wrong side. Stitch together
around all four sides, 1cm in from the edges.
Repeat this process to join interlining to the
two side pieces of main fabric. 01
Step two Take one pocket piece and place
right sides together with one pocket lining
piece. Stitch together along the top edge.
Turn right sides out so the wrong sides are
together and press. Topstitch the tape or
ribbon along the top edge. Repeat with the
other pocket and lining pieces. 02
Step three Take one pocket and place it on
top of one interlined side piece in main
fabric. Line up the lower raw edges, then line
up the sides. Stitch in place down one side,
across the bottom and up the other side. If
you want to, stitch a vertical line down the
centre to divide the pocket into two. Repeat
with the other pocket on the other side piece
in main fabric. 03
ADDING PIPING
Step one Fold one of the piping strips around
one length of piping cord. Match up the long
raw edges and then stitch together 1cm from
the edge. Repeat with the other piping strip
and length of cord. 04
Step two Take one side piece in main fabric
and pin the piping strip around the sides and
top edge. Make sure you line up the raw
edges and clip the piping strip at the corners
so it curves round neatly. Tack the piping strip
into place. Repeat with the other side piece
and piping strip. 05
Step three Place one of these side pieces
right sides together with one side of the
interlined main body piece. Stitch together,
using a zipper foot and stitching as close to
the covered piping cord as you can for a neat
finish. Repeat with the other side piece on
the other side of the main body piece. 06
FINISHING AND BINDING
Step one Construct the lining cover in the
same way, using the lining pieces. Place the
lining cover inside your main cover with
wrong sides together. Line up the bottom
edges carefully and pin.
Step two Take your binding strip and fold
over one short end by 1.5cm to the wrong
side. Press. Starting from this neatened end,
pin the strip right sides together with the
main cover, pinning through the lining cover,
too. Stitch together through all the layers
around the bottom edge, using a 1cm seam
allowance. When you reach the end, overlap
the end by 1cm, as shown, trimming off
excess fabric if you need to. 07
Step three Fold the binding strip over to the
lining side, then fold the raw long edge by
1cm to the wrong side for a neat edge. Pin in
place, then topstitch to finish. 08
 sewing room

01 02

03 04

05 06

07 08

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 93


01
04
Fabric Letters
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric, see instructions for size
QContrast fabric, see instructions
QSoft toy stuffing
QMatching sewing thread
FABRICS USED
S Main fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Intersection - Ultramarine by Moda
Ref: 27195/13.
E Main fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Tide - Ocean Ultramarine by Moda Ref:
27197/24.
W Main fabric: Horizon by Kate
Spain, Atmosphere - Ivory by Moda
Ref: 27194/ 14.
S and W Contrast fabric: Horizon by overlap. Fold one short end to the wrong side
Kate Spain, Constellation - Ocean by
Moda Ref: 27199/14.
E Contrast fabric: Horizon by Kate
Spain, Constellation - Ultramarine by
Moda Ref: 27199/13. For stockists visit:
www.modafabric.co.uk
NOTES
To create the letter templates, you
could choose a font and print it out, or
draw letters by hand to the size you
want. Try to avoid fussy shapes or it
will be too difficult to make rounded
edges work well. Cut out the letters
from paper to form templates.
Seam allowances are 1.5cm.
94 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
sewing room
02 03
05 06
CUT OUT THE SHAPES
Step one Place your paper letter template
onto the wrong side of your piece of main
FINISHING OFF
Step one Turn your fabric letter right sides
out through the gap in the gusset and press
fabric (this will need to be approx 4cm bigger the seams. Now stuff, pushing the stuffing
than your letter shape). Trace all the way through the gusset gap and easing it up into
around the letter shape. Now flip the letter the letter as you go so it is firmly stuffed. Slip
template over and repeat the process, stitch the gap closed to finish. 06
drawing around it onto the wrong side of
another piece of main fabric. 01 Repeat these steps to make
Step two Cut out your letter shapes, 0.5cm
outside the drawn line all the way around. more letters and spell out
You will need this narrow seam allowance so a special word or even
that the gusset will fit more easily around the
curves of the letter. 02 your name.
ADDING THE GUSSET
Step one Cut a gusset strip of contrast fabric
to 5cm wide and long enough to go all the
way around your letter, plus 5cm for the
by 1.5cm. Place the gusset strip right sides
together with one fabric letter shape and
stitch together all the way around. Stitch very
slowly and carefully around each of the
curves and corners. 03
Step two When you get back to where you
started, fold the other short end to the wrong
side by 1.5cm as before, making sure the two
ends overlap by 2cm this is the gap where
you will stuff your letter. 04
Step three Take the other fabric letter and
place it right sides together with the other
side of the gusset and stitch into place. Its
important that this letter matches up exactly
with the other letter so pin it in a few places
to make sure your gusset isnt twisted. 05

01
03
Cable Tidy
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric, see instructions for size
QContrast fabric, see instructions
QInterlining or wadding, see
instructions for size
QHook & loop tape (sew on) 4cm long
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
Sized to fit your cables in place.
NOTES
Seam allowances are 1.5cm.
FABRICS USED
Main fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Constellation - Ultramarine by Moda
Ref: 27199/13.
Contrast fabric: Horizon by Kate
Spain, Tide - Ocean Ultramarine by
Moda Ref: 27197/24. For stockists visit:
www.modafabric.co.uk
sewing room
02
04
MAKE THE CABLE TIDY
Step one You can use your cable tidy to hold
your sewing machine cables together. To
measure up for cutting, loop the cables and
tie them together. Measure around the
circumference of them and add 4cm for
overlapping this will be the length of your
front/back piece. For the width, measure the
thickness of the cables, so the cables reach
out either side a little way. Cut two pieces of
the main fabric to these measurements. Trim
the corners into a curve and then cut your
interlining to the same size.
Step two Place one of your front/back pieces
wrong side up, place the interlining on top
and then place the other front/back piece of
fabric right sides up over that. Stitch the three
layers together around the outside using a
machine zigzag stitch. 01
Step three For a decorative effect, switch to a
straight stitch and work lines of machine
quilting though all the layers. We stitched a
diamond pattern by working diagonal lines
in one direction, then the other direction. 02
Step four Cut a strip of your contrast fabric to
with a
Fabric collections look
ld
sewing theme wou sewing
these
gorgeous for all e are loads
er
room projects. Th articularly
ep
to choose from; w etro-style
like those with r ings.
accessory draw
4cm wide and long enough to go all the way
around your piece, plus 5cm for the overlap.
This will form your binding. Use the strip to
bind the raw edges of your tidy, using the
same method as given for the sewing
machine cover. 03
Step five To hold the tidy together, stitch the
hook half of the hook and loop tape to one
end of your tidy and the loop half on the
other side of the opposite end of your tidy.
You can now wrap it around your cables and
fasten it into place. 04
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 95

01
04
Board Tidy
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric, 71x46cm (28x18in)
QContrast fabric, 20x55cm (8x21in)
QBump interlining, 68x20cm (27x8in)
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished tidy measures 68x20cm
(27x8in).
FABRICS/LAMPSHADE USED
Main fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Constellation - Ultramarine by Moda
Ref: 27199/13.
Contrast fabric: Horizon by Kate
Spain, Tide - Ocean Ultramarine by
Moda Ref: 27197/24. For stockists visit:
www.modafabric.co.uk
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance
throughout.
96 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
sewing room
02 03
05 06
CUTTING OUT
Step one From the main fabric, cut two pieces
measuring 71x23cm (28x9in). From the
end of the piece. 04
Step two Take one pocket piece and fold over
one long side by 1.5cm to the wrong side,
contrast fabric, cut two pocket pieces then fold again by 2cm. Stitch this hem into
measuring 20x23cm (8x9in) and one handle place with two rows of topstitching, approx
piece measuring 9x17cm (3.5x7in). 0.5cm apart. Repeat this with the other
pocket piece. 05
MAKE THE MAIN BODY Step three Take one pocket piece and fold
Step one Take one piece of main fabric and over the raw sides and lower edge by 1.5cm
fold all four edges over by 1.5cm to the to the wrong side. Press. Place this pocket
wrong side. Place the interlining on the over the end of your main tidy piece, lining
wrong side of this piece, underneath the up the bottom of the pocket with the end of
folded edges. 01 the tidy. Make sure the sides line up as well.
Step two Take your other piece of main fabric Stitch in place down one side, across the
and fold all four edges over by 1.5cm to the bottom and up the other side. Then stitch
wrong side, as before. Place this piece right three vertical lines to form the pockets.
side up on top of the interlining. Line up the Repeat with the other pocket piece at the
edges carefully and pin. Topstitch the layers other end of the tidy to finish. 06
together around all four edges. 02
Step three Sew quilting lines through the
layers to decorate and help hold them in The handle makes
place. To do this, machine stitch straight lines the tidy easy to
move back and forth
along the length at regular intervals we
from sewing desk
spaced our lines approx 3-4cm apart. 03 to ironing board.
ADD HANDLE & POCKETS
Step one Take the handle piece of fabric and
fold in half lengthways, with right sides
together. Stitch across one short edge and
then down the long raw edge. Turn right
sides out. Fold the remaining short raw end
inside the fabric tube by 1.5cm and topstitch
in place. Press. Pin to the centre of your
quilted tidy, across the width. Sew the ends
of the handle into place by stitching a
rectangle with a cross in the centre at each

01
04
Board Cover
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric, see instructions for size
QElastic, 0.5cm wide and long
enough to fit around your cover
QIroning board padding (optional),
see instructions for sizing
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished cover will fit over your
ironing board.
FABRICS USED
Horizon by Kate Spain, Intersection
Ultramarine by Moda Ref: 27195/13.
For stockists, visit
www.modafabric.co.uk
sewing room
02
05
CUTTING OUT
Step one First make a template of your
ironing board. You can do this by placing
your ironing board upside down over a large
sheet of paper (try using a roll of spare
wrapping paper, or sheets of paper taped
together). Draw around the ironing board
and then cut out the shape. This will be your
paper template.
Your piece of main fabric needs to be 15cm
larger than your paper template all the way
around (this is for the casing, board lip and to
wrap underneath).
Step two Pin your paper template to the
wrong side of your piece of main fabric and
draw a line roughly 15cm outside the
template all the way around. Youll need to
measure more closely at the curved end so
that your curve is accurate. 01
Step three Cut out your fabric along the line
youve drawn. 02
MAKING A CASING
Step one Fold the raw edge of your fabric to
the wrong side by 1.5cm, then 1.5cm again,
all the way around to form a casing for your
elastic. At the curved edges, you will need to
make small, neat folds to ease the folds into
place. Stitch down the casing all the way
around, but leave a 4cm gap in the centre of
the straight top edge. 03
Step two Attach a safety pin to one end of
your elastic. Insert the safety pin into the 4cm
gap in your elastic and thread all the way
around the casing. Tie the two ends of the
elastic into a knot to secure. 04
03
06
FITTING YOUR COVER
Step one If your ironing board isnt already
padded then youll need to cut a piece of
wadding this needs to be 5cm larger all
around than the top of your board. Place the
wadding on top of your board.
Alternatively, you can just keep your old
cover on your ironing board as the padding.
If you need new padding or just want some
extra thickness beneath your new cover then
you can buy specialist ironing board padding
online (try Amazon or John Lewis), which you
can cut to fit your board. Or if you have an old
wool blanket then a couple of layers of this
will work too. 05
Step two Place your cover on top of your
padded ironing board and pull the elastic
tightly so that the cover fits snugly around it.
Ease the gathers for an even look and then tie
a new knot in the elastic to secure. 06
ny
Make sure that a eat
is h
wadding you use want
t
resistant. You don start
ou
it to melt when y ing!
doing your iron
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 97
 sewing room

Sewing Pinafore 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QMain fabric: 90x156cm (35x62in)
QContrast fabric: 32x126cm
(12.5x50in)
QMatching sewing thread

MEASUREMENTS
The finished pinafore measures
85x120cm (33x47in). 03 04

FABRICS USED
Main fabric: Horizon by Kate Spain,
Atmosphere Ivory by Moda Ref:
27194/ 14.
Contrast fabric: Horizon by Kate
Spain, Constellation Ocean by
Moda Ref: 27199/14. For stockists
visit: www.modafabric.co.uk

NOTES 05 06
Seam allowances are 1.5cm.

CUTTING OUT
Step one From main fabric, cut one pinny
piece measuring 90x126cm (35x50in), plus
two strap pieces measuring 15x53cm (6x21in)
each. From contrast fabric, cut one facing
piece measuring 9x126cm (3.5x50in), plus
one pocket piece to 26x23cm (10x9in). 01
07 08
MAKING STRAPS
Step one Take one strap piece and fold in half
lengthways with right sides together. Stitch
down the long raw edge. Turn right side out
and press. Topstitch down both long sides.
Repeat with the other strap. 01
Step two Place the pinny piece right side up,
with the longer sides running horizontally.
Place a pin at the centre point of the top long
side. Measure 9cm to the left of the pin and
place one strap here, with the right-hand side
of the strap at the 9cm mark. Repeat with the lining up the top edges and enclosing the ADD A POCKET
other strap, 9cm to the right of the pin. Line straps. Stitch the two pieces together along Step one Take the pocket fabric and fold over
up the raw edges at the top. 02 the top of the pinny. 04 the lower edge and sides by 1.5cm to the wrong
Step three Now take the free end of the left Step two Fold the facing piece over to the side. Press. Fold over the top edge by 1.5cm to
strap and place it at the top-right corner of back of the pinny. Fold over the remaining the wrong side, then fold over again by 3cm.
the pinny piece, 3cm in from the right-hand long raw edge of the facing by 1.5cm to the Stitch the top edge down with two lines of
edge, lining up the raw end of the strap with wrong side and press. Stitch in place close to topstitching, approx 0.5cm apart, to add some
the top edge of the pinny. Pin in place, being the fold to secure the facing. Then topstitch extra decoration. 07
careful not to twist the strap. Repeat with the along the top edge of the pinny to neaten Step two Put your pinny on carefully and then
right strap, pinning it to the top-left edge. 03 and stabilise the straps. 05 pin the pocket into the position where youd
Step three Fold over the sides and lower edge like it to sit when its finished. Take off the pinny
FACING AND HEMMING of the pinny by 1.5cm to the wrong side, then and topstitch the pocket into place, down one
Step one Take your facing piece and place it fold over by 1.5cm again. Stitch in place to side, along the bottom and then up the other
right side down on top of the pinny piece, form a double hem. 06 side, to finish. 08

98 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 wall organiser

to good
Put your old trousers
idea
use with this storage
ish!
thats useful and styl

Perfect Pockets
Have a wardrobe clear-out and make Jessica Entwistles upcycled denim
organiser itll be great for storing all your sewing bits and bobs.
 wall organiser
01 02
07 08
YOU WILL NEED Denim is such a versatile and hardwearing
QVarious pairs of old jeans, in fabric it almost seems a shame to just wear it!
contrasting blue shades (we used For this project weve mixed denim shades
UK size 14 and up) and jean pockets and used several unwanted
Q1m of dark blue cotton fabric (for the pairs of trousers to make a handy hanging
backing) wall organiser in a classic nine-patch design.
QThread (we used Coats Duet Its great for keeping sewing kit or accessories
standard thread, colour 9068) neat and tidy.
Q2 wooden dowels (ours were 68cm To make our organiser weve used a Jeans
(26in) long and 1.5cm (58in) thick sewing machine needle which is perfect for
Q1.5m cord stitching on denim as its stronger than an
QSewing machine (fitted with a size ordinary needle and also has a very sharp
100/16 jeans needle) point. Youll find it much easier to sew
QBasic sewing kit through all those pocket layers with one.
QCutting mat Your sewing machines manual will tell you
QRuler how to change the needle if you havent
QRotary cutter done it before.
QAir erasable pen
Notes Step one Our hanging is made from four pairs
Use a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance of old jeans and an old denim shirt, which
throughout gave us four pairs of jean pockets and one
denim shirt pocket. 01
First, cut out the pockets from your jeans,
then trim close to the edge of the cut pockets
but not the pockets themselves. Turn over
each pocket and cut away the excess fabric
from the back, but make sure you leave the
edges intact. You want to have just the front
decorative part of the pocket left. Hand-sew
the buttonhole on the shirt pocket closed
and sew a button on top. 02
100 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
03
09
Step two The size of your patches may be
dictated by how much fabric you have from
your jeans. Our nine-patch has three central
pieces that are 20cm (778in) wide and 24cm
(9in) long, and then six pieces for the top
and bottom that are 20cm (778in) wide and
31cm (12in) long (these are longer than the
middle row to take into account the dowel
rods thickness, and will look the same length
when the dowels are in and the wall hanging
is hung up).
From the denim fabric from your jeans and
shirt cut six pieces each measuring 23cm
(918in) wide and 34cm (1338in) long for the
top and bottom rows. Cut three pieces each
measuring 23cm (918in) wide and 27cm
(1058in) long for the central row. Number the
nine pieces and pockets so you will
remember which order they should be in
when you start sewing (you can take photos
of your preferred pocket placement to
remind you too). 03
Step three Place pieces one and two from the
top row right sides (RS) together then stitch
down one long edge. 04
Stitch pieces two and three together in the
same way to create the top row. Repeat these
steps with the central row (pieces four, five
and six) and bottom row (pieces seven, eight
and nine). These are the three rows of your
hanging organiser. 05
Step four Turn your rows over and press the

04
10
seams open. With RS facing, pin the top strip
to the middle strip and sew them together
making sure you match the seams. Then pin
the bottom strip to the middle strip RS facing,
and stitch together. Turn over your now-sewn
nine-patch, and press the seams open. 06
Step five Iron your backing fabric and place it
flat on the table (or floor). Then, with RS
facing, lay your nine-patch on top. Pin
together along the two long edges. 07
Sew along these two outer seams but
dont sew the two short seams at this stage.
Turn your wall hanging right sides out and
press flat. 08
Step six With the erasable pen, draw a line
25cm (978in) up from the seam where rows
one and two join, and 25cm (978in) down
from the seam joining rows two and three. 09
Step seven Turn the raw top edge of both the
joined front and backing fabric over by 1.5cm
(58in) 10 Now turn the top edge over again
so it meets the erasable pen line. Check your
dowel fits easily though this fold, as its
simple to adjust at this stage to make the
turned over casing wider or narrower if needs
be. Check youre happy with how this looks,
then sew along this seam and press. Repeat
for the other unsewn edge.
Step eight Pin your pockets in place ours
are lined up at the pocket tops and placed
centrally within the denim squares. They are
positioned 5cm (2in) down from the seam
wall organiser
05 06
11 12
above, for rows two and three. The top row is
6cm (238in) down from the top to take into
account the dowels thickness. Stitch the
pockets in place by sewing about 0.5cm (in)
in from the edge of the pocket (between the
two rows of topstitching for most of the
pockets). Make sure you backstitch at the top
corner of each of the pockets a couple of
times this will give them strength. 11
Step nine When all the pockets are sewn on
and pressed, iron your wall hanging and then
insert the top and bottom wooden dowels.
Tie the cord around both ends of the top
dowel and tape the loose ends of the cord to
the dowel on both sides so that it sits flat
inside the wall hanging. 12
MORE POCKET IDEAS...
This design can easily be adapted into a
1quilt or floor mat for a baby or toddler by
removing the pockets just add wadding for
warmth and padding if needed, and change
the backing to a fleece material.
You could even change the layout and
2 make a long row of pocket patches to use t
The great thing abou g
ythin
upcycling is that ever !
as a bed tidy or to hang up in a hallway, with
everyone in the family having their own
pocket for keys, wallets and other essentials.
you make is unique
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 101
 home office

work it!
Stitch co-ordinated desk accessories and storage ideas
to create a workspace that inspires you.

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LISA JONES Photography: JESSE WILD

102 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

CanVas RucKsack
Take your home office out and about with you in
this roomy rucksack. It has ample space for files,
notebooks and your tech, a zip pocket to stash
the essentials, and padded straps for comfort
and strength.

Desk Tidy
Our stationery stash is almost as extensive
as our fabric hoard, so this tidy is essential
for keeping our desks organised. Fill up the
sections with clips, pens, washi tape...anything
that helps you to get creative.
MagAzine FilEs
Keep inspiration to hand with magazine files
covered in your favourite fabrics. Add metal
label-holders for a smart, professional finish.

FabRic BinDer CovEr

Ring binders arent the most exciting office
accessories until we work our stitching magic on
them! This fabric cover features two handy pockets
for notebooks, pens and other bits and bobs, and a
clasp closure to keep it all safely tucked away.
 home office

OffIce OrgAnIser
We love storage thats practical and pleasing to the eye,
and this three-pocket organiser, finished with matching
fabric trim, ticks both of these boxes. Weve got no
excuse for leaving our paperwork lying around now!

SloGan BanNer
Were flying the flag for keeping tidy with this easy-sew
slogan banner. Use simple appliqu to stitch a quote that
resonates with you, and hang your banner up where you
can see it to inspire you while you work.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 105


01
05
Backpack
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 100x147cm (40x58in)
QPocket fabric: 40x112cm (16x44in)
QLining fabric: 120x112cm (47x44in)
QFusible flex foam: 12x42cm
(4x16in)
Q30mm (1in) webbing: taupe,
120cm (48in)
Q30mm (1in) sliders:
antique brass x2
QZip: metal 56cm (22in)
QZip: metal 30cm (12in)
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Bound by
April Rhodes for Art Gallery. For
stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf
Main fabric: Humanity, Canvas. Ref:
AGFC7051.
Pocket fabric: Wallpaper, Flesh. Ref:
AGFBOU8049.
Lining fabric: Survey, Ochre. Ref:
AGFBOU8050.
Pellon fusible flex foam: www.
bobbingirl.co.uk
Sliders: www.bobbingirl.co.uk
106 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
home office
02
06
NOTES
QU
 se a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.
QY
 ou will find the templates
needed to make this project at
www.simplysewingmag.
com/101ideas just download and
print them out.
CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Cut the main fabric into the following:
Zip pieces: two strips 7.5x60cm (3x23in) each.
Side panel: 13x86cm (5x34in).
Straps: two strips 18x44cm (718x1738in) each.
Front backpack: 63x35cm (2478x13in).
Back backpack: 48x35cm (1878x13in).
Step two Cut out the pocket fabric into the
following pieces:
Loop: 7.5x19cm (3x7in).
Zip strips: two strips 4.5x34cm (178x13in) each.
Side panel: 8x51cm (318x2018in).
Front and back: two pieces 26x26cm
(10x10in) each.
Step three Cut out the lining fabric into the
following pieces:
Zip strips: two strips 7.5x60cm (3x23in) each.
Backpack side panel: 13x86cm (5x34in).
Front backpack: 63x35cm (2478x13in).
Back backpack: 48x35cm (1878x13in).
Pocket zip pieces: two strips 4.5x34cm
(178x13in) each.
Pocket side panel: 8x51cm (318x2018in).
Pocket front and back: two pieces 26x26cm
(10x10in) each.
MAKING THE PATTERN
Step one Trace around the backpack
templates on your printed pattern sheet. The
templates need to be cut on the fold, so fold
the relevant fabric in half wrong sides (WS)
together then line up the fold line on the
template with the fold of the fabric and pin.
Cut around it, leaving the folded edge uncut.
Step two You need to join the lining and outer
pieces together for every backpack piece and
the pocket pieces and side panels (but not
the zip strips or backpack straps). To do this
take an outer and its corresponding lining
piece and place them WS together, then
machine zigzag stitch together all the way
around the edge to hold them together and
stop them from fraying. Now you can work
and stitch with this joined as if it were one
piece of fabric.
SEWING THE POCKET ZIP AND SIDES
Step one Take one main pocket zip piece and
place it right sides (RS) together with one
lining pocket zip piece. Sandwich the zip
between them with the long edge of the zip

03
07
tape lined up along the top long edges of both
pieces. The zip needs to be RS together with the
main fabric. Stitch in place using a zip foot.
Step two Turn and press the two fabrics with WS
together then repeat on the other side with the
other two main and lining zip strips and press
WS together. Topstitch along both fabric edges
either side of the zip then machine zigzag
around the edges to neaten and hold the lining
and main fabric together. 01
Step three Place one end of the pocket side
panel RS together with the fabric and zip pieces
and stitch together. Repeat at the other end of
the side panel and zip strip to make a loop.
ASSEMBLING THE POCKET
Step one Take one lined pocket outer and pin it
RS together with the joined zip and side panel
loop, making sure the centre of the zip is at the
centre of the top of the pocket outer. Stitch
together all the way around. 02
Step two Take the other lined pocket outer and
stitch to the other side of the zip and side panel.
Place the lining side of the pocket side panel
together with the outer side of the back panel
so you only have lining fabric on the inside of
the backpack when its finished.
ASSEMBLING THE BACKPACK FRONT
Step one Take the lined front backpack and sew
home office
04
08
the two short bottom ends RS together.
Step two Place the pocket inside the inner
opening youve created with RS together. Make
sure the centre of the zip lines up with the
centre of the front backpack and stitch all the
way around. 03
Step three Join the backpack zip strips to the
longer backpack zip then attach the side panel
in the same way as for the pocket.
Step four Join this zip and side panel loop to the
front backpack piece with RS together. 04
ATTACHING THE STRAPS
Step one Cut the flex foam into two pieces each
measuring 6x42cm (238x16in).
Step two Take one piece of flex foam and place
it adhesive side down centrally along the length
of the WS of one strap fabric piece. Press into
place following the pack instructions. Fold one
short end over the foam by 2cm (in) and pin in
place; the other will line up with the top end.
Step three Cut a piece of webbing 10cm (4in)
long, and loop it through the top bar of one
slider. Place the two raw ends together and pin
them so they meet up with the raw edges of the
turned-under fabric. 05
Step four Fold one long strap edge over the top
of the foam then fold the other long edge under
by 2cm (in) and pin in place down the centre.
Step five Topstitch into place down the centre
through all layers of fabric and foam. Topstitch
across the short pinned end then strengthen by
stitching a square with diagonal lines running
through it. 06
Repeat with the other strap.
Step six Measure and mark with a pin the mid
point of the top of the backback back piece.
Now pin the straps so the inner edge of each is
1.5cm (58in) away from this centre pin and tack.
Step seven Cut an 18cm (7in) length of webbing
for the handle. Pin each end of this on top of the
straps matching raw edges. Tack into place. 07
Step eight Cut two 35cm (14in) lengths of
webbing. Take one and thread it up through the
middle of the two slider bars, over the bottom
bar then back down. Turn over this short end by
2cm (in) and zigzag down to secure. Pin the
other end of the webbing to the bottom of the
backpack so the strap runs in a straight line
down the backpack back. Repeat the process
with the other strap. 08
Step nine Undo the main backpack zip then
place the backpack back RS together with the
other side of the zip and side panel and stitch.
Step ten Turn your backpack RS out through the
open zip to complete.
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 107

01
03
Magazine Files
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: see instructions for
details
QLining fabric: see instructions for
details
QMagazine file: A4 size
QMetal label holders: gold
QPaper fasteners: gold x 2
QPVA glue
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Bound by
April Rhodes for Art Gallery. For
stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf
Path Marker, Slate. Ref: AGFBOU7042.
Wallpaper, Flesh. Ref: AGFBOU8049.
Survey, Ochre. Ref: AGFBOU8050.
108 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
home office
02
04
CUTTING OUT
Step one Start by drawing a template for your
file outer to use to cut out the main fabric.
Take a large sheet of paper or newspaper
and, starting in the centre, trace around the
back section of your file, then the sides and
front by turning the file over and drawing
around it. Draw vertical lines to divide each of
the sections.
Step two Draw a 2cm (in) turning allowance
outside of this traced line all the way around.
Cut your template out along the outer drawn
lines, but do not cut along the section lines.
Step three Pin your template onto the wrong
side (WS) of your main fabric and cut out.
Mark the centre point of the spine at the top
and bottom to help with positioning later. 01
Step four Trace over your drawn pattern
using the outlines and dividing lines to make
separate templates for the lining. From the
lining fabric you need to cut one back, one
front and two sides but you dont need
a turning allowance and each piece needs to
be 5mm (in) shorter on the top edges.
COVERING THE FILE
Step one Mark the centre of the back section
on the inside of the file. Spread glue onto the
back section of the box.
Step two Place the back of the file on the
centre of the WS of your fabric, matching
centre lines, and push firmly into place.
Step three Spread glue onto the sides and
front of the file then press onto the fabric.
When you stick the front into place, fold the
short edge under and glue down. 02
Step four Fold the bottom edges under the
base of the file and stick down.
Step five Make small snips along the curved
side edges then glue them down to the
inside of the file. Glue the front and back top
edges to the inside at the same time. 03
Step six Place the lining pieces inside the file
so they meet at the bottom edges but come
just below the top edge and glue in place. 04
FINISHING OFF
Step one Attach the metal label holder to the
front of your file using paper fasteners
through the fabric and magazine file. Punch
small holes using sharp scissors
Step two For a neater finish on the bottom of
your file, you could cut a piece of felt to fit
and stick over the fabric edges.
 home office

RING BINDER COVER 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QMain fabric: 74x115cm (29x45in)
QLarge pocket fabric: 30x52cm
(12x21in)
QSmall pocket fabric: 20x52cm
(8x21in)
QBinding fabric: 18x26cm (7x11in)
QMagnetic clasp
QA4 Lever arch file
QBasic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Bound by
03 04
April Rhodes for Art Gallery. For
stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf
Main fabric: Humanity, Canvas. Ref:
AGFC7051.
Large pocket: Survey, Ochre. Ref:
AGFBOU8050.
Small pocket: Path Marker, Slate. Ref:
AGFBOU7042.
Binding fabric: Wallpaper, Flesh. Ref:
AGFBOU8049.

NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.

CUTTING FABRIC
Step one Cut the fabric as follows:
Main fabric: Cover outer and lining, two
pieces 37x115cm (1458x45in) each.
Large pocket fabric: two pieces 30x25cm
(1178x978in) each.
Small pocket fabric: two pieces 20x25cm
(778x978in) each.
Binding fabric: pocket binding strips, two
strips 4x25cm (158x978in) each; clasp strip
10x10cm (4x4in).
MAKING THE POCKETS
Step one Place the two pieces of fabric for the
large pocket wrong sides (WS) together so
that the top raw edges are matching.
Step two Take one of the binding strips and
place it right sides (RS) together along the
25cm (978in) edge matching raw edges. Stitch
together all the way along using a 1cm (38in)
seam allowance.
Step three Turn the other long edge of the
strip under by 1cm (38in) then turn over to the
other side of the pocket fabrics and topstitch
in place to bind the edge.
Step four Repeat this process to make the
small pocket. 01
ATTACHING THE POCKETS AND CLASP
Step one Fold the clasp strip in half RS
together and stitch across the top short end
and down the length. Turn RS out and press.
Attach the male half of the magnetic clasp to
centre of the turned-under short end
following the pack instructions.
Step two Turn the right-hand side of the large
pocket under by 1.5cm (58in) and press.
Step three Take the cover outer and place it
RS up so the longer edges are horizontal.
Place the large pocket on the left-hand side
so that the raw edges match up on the left
side and bottom. Slip the raw short ends of
the clasp strip between the right turned-
under edge of the pocket and the cover outer
by 1.5cm (58in) and centrally down the length.
Have the clasp side facing upwards.
Step four Topstitch the pocket to the outer
only down the turned-under right-hand side,
stitching through the clasp strip too to
secure. Stitch the bottom and left side down
to secure 1cm (38in) in from the edge. 02
Step five Repeat this with the small pocket
but turn under the left-hand side and place it
on the opposite side of cover outer, matching
up the right-hand sides.
ASSEMBLING THE COVER
Step one Place the cover lining and the cover
outer (with pockets and clasp strip attached) RS
together and stitch all the way around, leaving
a turning gap along the centre of one long side.
Step two Turn RS out through the gap and press
the turning gap fabric edges under.
Step three Place the cover RS down and fold the
right-hand edge with the long pocket over to
the lining side so that the topstitched right
edge of the pocket is on the edge to create
a flap. Pin or clip into place.
Step four Repeat this on the left-hand side with
the short pocket. 03
Step five Topstitch along both long edges to
hold the flaps in place and neaten.
Step six Put your binder in the flaps and fold the
clasp strip over to the front. Mark with a pin
where the clasp touches the front cover.
Remove the cover and insert the female part of
the clasp at the point you marked. 04
Step seven Slip the ring binder into its new
cover. You can slip the back card section of an
A4 notepad into the big pocket and keep other
sheets of paper in the small pocket.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 109

 home office

DESK TIDY 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QMain fabric: 40x45cm (16x18in)
QContrast fabric: 40x112cm (16x44in)
QA3 mount board: white, 2 sheets
QDouble-sided tape
QBasic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Bound by
April Rhodes for Art Gallery Fabrics.
For stockists please visit www.hantex.
co.uk/agf
Main fabric: Path Marker, Slate. Ref: 03 04
AGFBOU7042.
Contrast fabric: Wallpaper, Flesh. Ref:
AGFBOU8049.

NOTES
QUse a 1.5cm (58in) seam allowance.

CUTTING OUT
Step one Cut the mount board to the
following sizes:
Tray
Base: 10x42cm(4x16in).
Short sides: two pieces 10x3cm (4x1in).
Long sides: two pieces 42x3cm (16x1in).
Long divider (left): 22x3cm (8x1in).
Long divider (right): 20x3cm (778x1in).
Short dividers: three pieces 5x3cm (2x1in).
Central divider: 10x3cm (4x1in).
Mobile phone box
Base: 4.5x8.5cm (178x338in).
Short sides: two pieces 4.5x6cm (178 x238in).
Long sides: two pieces 8.5x6cm (338 x238in).
Step two Cut the fabric as follows:
Main fabric
Tray
Base: 13x45cm (5x17in).
Short sides: two pieces 13x6cm (5x238in).
Long sides: two pieces 45x6cm (17x23/8in).
Contrast fabric
Tray
Base: 13x45cm (5x17in).
Short sides: two pieces 13x6cm (5x23/8in).
Long sides: two pieces 45x6cm (17x23/8in).
Long divider (left): two pieces 25x6cm
(978x238in).
Long divider (right): two pieces 23x6cm
(918x238in).
Short dividers: six pieces 8x6cm (318x238in).
Central divider: two pieces 13x6cm
(5x238in).
Mobile phone box
Base: two pieces 7.5x11.5cm (3x458in).
Short sides: four pieces 7.5x9cm (3x358in).
Long sides: four pieces 11.5x9cm (458x358in).
MAKING THE PIECES
Step one All the desk tidy pieces are made in
the same way. Starting with the tray base,
take the mount board piece, main fabric
piece and contrast fabric piece you cut out
for this. The main fabric goes on the outside
and the contrast is used to line the inside.
Step two Stick double-sided tape around the
edge of one side of the mount board.
Step three Place the mount board centrally
on top of the wrong side (WS) of the main
fabric piece with the tape side up. Remove
the strips from the tape then fold the fabric
edges over the board and press down onto
the tape to hold into place. 01
Step four Place the contrast lining piece right
side (RS) up on top of the mount board you
have just folded the fabric over. Turn the
edges under so they meet up with the
folded-over edges of the outer fabric. Now
slip stitch the two fabric edges together all
the way around. 02
Step five Cover and line each of the mount
board pieces in the same way. The tray outer
has the main fabric on one side with the
contrast fabric to line. The dividers and the
mobile phone box are all covered and lined
with the contrast fabric. However, you can
change this to use all the same colour or
a mixture of colours if you prefer.
JOINING THE PIECES
Step one Take a long side piece and a short side
piece and place them lining sides together.
Work a few small stitches through the outer
fabric at one end to anchor your thread then
oversew the two pieces together down the side.
You should only stitch through the outer fabric
youll find it easier if you angle the pieces
slightly to keep your stitches barely visible. 03
Step two Join the other side pieces together in
the same way.
Step three Stitch the base to the bottom edges
of the four sides to complete your tray.
Step four Place the dividers inside the tray in
position and slip stitch to the tray lining to hold
them in place. Refer to the photograph for
placement or choose your own arrangement to
fit your stationery. 04
Step five Make the mobile phone box in the
same way as for the tray. You can then put this
into the space at the top right of the tray to
store your phone while youre working.

110 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS


01
03
slogan BANNER
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 50x60cm (20x24in)
QLettering fabric: 28x22cm (11x9in)
QBondaweb: 28x22cm (11x9in)
QHeavy weight iron on interfacing:
50x30cm (20x12in)
QWooden dowel: 30cm (12in)
QCord for hanging
QBasic sewing kit
MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Bound by
April Rhodes for Art Gallery. For
stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf
Main fabric: Survey, Ochre. Ref:
AGFBOU8050.
Lettering fabric: Pure Elements,
Nocturnal. Ref: AGFPE428.
NOTES
QY
 ou will find the template needed
at www.simplysewingmag.
com/101ideas. Just download it and
print it out.
home office
02
04
CUTTING OUT THE BANNER
Step one Cut your main fabric into two pieces
each measuring 47x30cm (18x12in) for the
front and back of the banner.
APPLIQUING THE LETTERS
Step one Trace over the banner outline and
words from the printed pattern onto tracing
paper then cut around the outline. Place this
onto the wrong side (WS) of your banner front
fabric, positioning the bottom of the points
1.5cm (58in) up from the lower short edge of
the fabric, and draw around it. Put pins along
these drawn lines so you can see the outline
from the right side without marking the fabric.
Step two Turn your traced pattern over to the
WS and place your Bondaweb paper-side up on
top. Now trace over just the letters (not the
outline) onto the paper side so you are tracing
them in reverse.
Step three Place your traced Bondaweb
paper-side up onto the WS of your lettering
fabric and press gently into place until it is
firmly stuck using a dry, medium temperature
iron (dont use any steam). 01
Step four Carefully cut out all the letters along
your drawn pencil lines. Make sure you cut
them accurately so they are a neat shape, then
remove the paper backing from each of them.
Step five Place your front banner fabric right
sides (RS) up then place the letters on top,
referring to the traced template and pinned
outline for positioning. Press into place. 02
Step six Stitch through the centre of each letter
by machine to hold them firmly in place and
for a decorative effect.
MAKING THE BANNER
Step one Remove the pins then press the
interfacing onto the WS of the appliqud fabric
to give the banner a little more body which will
help it to hang well.
Step two Place the banner front RS together
with the banner back then stitch together
along all the drawn lines leaving a 10cm (4in)
gap in the centre of the top for turning. Trim
1cm (38in) outside the stitching all the way
around and clip the points. 03
Step three Turn the banner RS out, folding the
turning gap fabric edges to the inside. Press.
Step four Fold the top over by 5cm (2in) to the
back and slip stitch down to make a casing,
making sure you only stitch through the lining
so your stitches cant be seen from the front. 04
Step five Thread the dowel through then tie
cord to each end to hang the banner.
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 111
 home office

OFFICE ORGANISER 01 02

YOU WILL NEED

QMain fabric: 65x54cm (26x22in)
QPocket fabrics: three different
fabrics 17x78cm (7x31in) each
QBinding fabric: 8x90cm (3x36in)
QHeavyweight interfacing:
44x75cm (18x30in)
Q30mm (1in) webbing: taupe
120cm (48in)
QVelcro: sew-on loop and stick-on
hook: 30cm (12in)
QMetal label holders: gold x 3
QPaper fasteners: gold x 6 03 04
QBasic sewing kit

MATERIALS USED
The fabrics used are from Bound by
April Rhodes for Art Gallery. For
stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf
Main fabric: Wallpaper, flesh. Ref:
AGFBOU8049.
Top pocket: Humanity Ref:
AGFBOU7051.
Middle pocket and binding: Path
Marker, slate. Ref: AGFBOU7042.
Bottom pocket: Survey, Ochre. Ref:
AGFBOU8050.

CUTTING THE FABRIC
Step one Cut the fabric as follows:
Main fabric: Organiser front and back: two
pieces 53x27cm (2078x1058in) each.
Pocket binding: three strips 4x39cm
(158x1058in).
Each pocket fabric: two pieces 17x39cm
(6x1538in) each.
Binding fabric: two strips 4x90cm
(158x35in) each.
Step two From the interfacing cut:
Pockets: three pieces 17x25cm (6x978in).
Main body: 53x27cm (2078x1058in).
MAKING THE POCKETS
Step one Start by making the top pocket.
Place one piece of fabric right sides (RS) down
then place the interfacing on top so that it is
centrally across (the fabric will be longer
either side, but the same width). Pin the other
piece of pocket fabric RS up on top.
Step two Bind the top edge of the pocket
pieces by placing the binding strip and
pocket RS together and stitch using a 1cm
(38in) seam allowance. Topstitch to finish.
Step three Stitch webbing across the pocket
2.5cm (1in) down from the top. 01
Repeat to make the other two pockets.
ATTACHING THE POCKETS
Step one Place the organiser front piece RS
down, put the interfacing on top then place
the organiser back piece RS up on top. Trim
the corners to round them slightly. Stitch
together 5mm (in) from the edge to hold
them securely together.
Step two You now need to fold the sides of
the bound pockets to give them depth. Mark
a line with pins 4cm (158in) from the right
short edge all the way down. Mark another
line 3cm (1in) in from this. Fold the pocket
along the first line so the pocket front is RS
together. Fold the pocket back along the
second line to make a concertina fold. Press
then tack this fold together along the
bottom. Repeat this process on the other side
of the pocket. 02
Step three Fold the sides of the other two
pockets in the same way and tack in place.
Step four Lay the interfaced organiser body
RS up with the bottom pocket RS down on
top so that the bound top points downwards
and the bottom raw edge is positioned 4cm
(158in) up from the lower edge of the
organiser body. Stitch the pocket in place all
the way along the bottom and through the
folds using a 2cm (in) seam allowance. 03
Step five Fold the pocket upwards, press into
place then tack to the organiser back.
Step six Stitch the other two pockets in place
in the same way. Place the raw edge of the
middle pocket 21cm (8in) up from the
bottom. Place the raw edge of the top pocket
38cm (15in) from the bottom.
BINDING AND FINISHING
Step one Join the two binding strips RS
together along the short ends to make one
long strip. Starting at the centre of the
bottom of the organiser front, bind the edges
in the same way as for the top of the pockets,
folding and overlapping the short ends then
trimming to fit. Remove all the tacking
stitches when youve finished. 04
Step two Hand-stitch the loop side of the
Velcro to the top of the back of the organiser.
Step three Place a metal label holder in the
centre of the tape on each of the pockets by
securing with a paper fastener. Make your
own labels to slide inside the holders.
Step four Remove the tape from the back of
the sticky hook Velcro and stick to the edge
of your desk or table. You can now hang your
organiser by pushing the Velcro together.

112 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 scissor tidy

ction
The fold-over constru
g fabric
means it can hold bi
es too!
scissors and small on

look sharp!
Keep your sewing scissors safely tucked away in Jennie
Jones padded loral case. Its a snip to make!

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 113


01
03
YOU WILL NEED
Q1 fat quarter (we used Floral from
the Retro Orchard collection by
Wendy Kendall, available from www.
purple-stitches.com)
QBias or ribbon: 12cm (4in)
Q2oz wadding
QBasic sewing kit
TEMPLATES
You will find the template needed to
make this project on page 126.
NOTES
Cut out your fabric and stitch using
a 1cm (38in) seam allowance.
114 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
scissor tidy
02
04
Designer Jennie says: If, like me, you have
your scissors and cutters scattered around
the house, this scissor tidy, with three
compartments, is just the thing. Keep it next
to your sewing machine for easy snipping!
Step one Trace around the template then use
it to cut one piece of wadding and two pieces
of fabric, allowing a 1cm (38in) seam
allowance all the way around.
Step two Pin the fabric pieces right sides (RS)
together with the wadding underneath. 01
Step three Fold the bias or ribbon in half and
pin into place in the position on the template.
Step four Sew through all layers (and through
the ribbon loop) all the way around, leaving
a 5cm (2in) turning gap on the longest side.
Step five Turn RS out then fold the edges of
the turning gap to the inside and press. 02
Step six Take the longest edge and fold in so
the top corner meets the edge of the curve
and press (this is the first fold). 03
Step seven Taking the other side, fold it over
the first fold and press (the second fold).
Step eight Fold the remaining part back over
ored
the first fold so it meets with the second fold
If your scissors are st
and pin into place. 04
ull
Step nine Topstitch along all the outside safely in here then yo
hand!
always have them to
edges, to hold the folds in place. Slip your
scissors in the pockets to complete.
 great outdoors

Try some quilting on

at you
this comfy cushion th
can take anywhere!

deckchair stripes
In the garden or on the beach, deckchair stripes are the
way to go for your al fresco accessories!

Designer: REBECCA REID Styling: LOUISE DAY Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 115

 great outdoors

DufFle bag
Gather up everything you need for a day outdoors in this
jaunty duffle bag. If the sun doesnt shine, the bag will
brighten up the day instead! To line the bag we used the
same waterproof fabric as for the picnic throw backing.

DecKcHair SliNg & HeaDrest

Make over a tired deckchair and give it an extra comfy
head cushion perfect for lounging in with a book and
a G&T! This project is so simple youll wonder why youve
never sewn your own before.

116 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

WinDbReak With a PocKeT!
Windbreaks are a must for a British summer, so make
yours stand out by choosing bold stripes. And to make
it doubly useful, sew in a pocket to keep handy bits like
sun cream or your holiday reading close by.

PicNic BlaNket
Backed with waterproof fabric a breathable
polyurethane in dark navy this throw is super-practical
as well as stylish.The contrasting striped edging is in the
same fabric as the deckchair, to make it feel part of a set.

01
04
Garden Cushion
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 79x106cm (31x42in)
QPolyester fibrefill: 1-2 kg
QMatching sewing thread
QStrong cotton/upholstery thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished garden cushion measures
50x50x10cm (20x20x4in)
FABRICS USED
Main fabric: Snowboarding Interior
Stripes, 150cm wide, from
www.thestripescompany.com
Polyester fibrefill: Carded polyester
fibrefill, from www.worldofwool.co.uk
or call 01484846878
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance
throughout and press all seams open
as you go.
118 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS
great outdoors
02
05
MAKING THE CUSHION
Step one Cut out the following pieces:
Cut 2 back/front pieces, 53x53cm
Cut 4 side gussets strips, 13x53cm
Step two Take two of the side strips and place
right sides together. Stitch along the short
edges, starting and finishing 1.5cm from each
end this will make joining them to the top
and bottom neater. Repeat this with the
other two side strips, then join the two long
strips to form a continuous loop. 01
Step three Place the cushion front right sides
together with one long edge of the side strip,
lining up the side seams with the corners. Pin
into place. Starting 1.5cm in from the corner,
stitch together, stopping 1.5cm from the
other corner but leaving the machine needle
inserted into the fabric layers. Raise your
machine foot and pivot the fabrics so you can
continue stitching down the next side.
Continue joining the side strips to the front
all the way around, always starting and
finishing 1.5cm from each end. 02
Step four Stitch the cushion back to the other
long edge of the side strip, with right sides
together, in the same way this time, leave a
15cm turning gap in the centre of one side. 03
Step five Turn your cushion cover right sides
out. Stuff quite firmly, pushing the stuffing
into the corners. Slip stitch the gap closed. 04
Step six Mark the points on the front of the
cushion for the quilting indent stitches. There
are nine of these in a grid of 3 x 3 and they
should be spaced evenly across the cushion
front, 12.5cm apart. Push pins through the
cushion front at these points. Repeat on the
03
06
cushion back to mark the same points.
Step seven Thread your needle with a strong
cotton or upholstery thread. Push the needle
through the cushion front about 5cm from
the centre pin, then pull it up again at the pin,
leaving a short end of thread still coming out
of the fabric. Work a couple of small stitches
in the fabric here to secure it, then snip off
the tail end flush with the fabric. Now push
the needle down through the cushion and
out at the centre pin on the back, pulling the
thread all the way through. Work another few
stitches through this centre point to pull the
cushion together and form an indent. Work a
few small stitches to secure the thread, then
snip it off. Repeat this process with the
remaining eight points. 05
Step eight You can now quilt the edges of the
cushion using strong cotton thread again.
Anchor your thread at one corner, 2cm down
from the top, in the same way as before. Push
the needle diagonally up to the cushion
front, 2cm from the corner. Work a 0.5cm
stitch, then push the needle diagonally back
through to come out at the cushion side, 2cm
across and down from the cushion top. Work
another 0.5cm stitch, then bring the needle
out again at the cushion front, 2cm up and
across from the side. You may find it helps to
measure a whole side and mark these stitch
positions with pins before you stitch it.
Step nine Repeat this process along all four
sides of the cushion front, pulling the stitches
reasonably tightly to make the cushion look
quilted. Repeat the whole process with the
cushion back and the other side edge. 06

01
04
Windbreak
YOU WILL NEED
QMain fabric: 150cm x 300cm
(59x118in)
QPocket fabric: 33x43cm (13x17in)
QWooden Poles x 4
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished windbreak measures
140cm x 260cm (55x102in)
FABRICS USED
Main fabric: Snowboarding Interior
Stripes, 150cm wide.
Pocket fabric: Climbing Interior
Stripes, 150cm wide. Both available
from www.thestripescompany.com
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance
throughout and press all seams open
as you go.
You can use poles from a windbreak
you already have or, if youre making a
new one, try using 180cm-long broom
handles, which are available from
hardware stores or online. Make sure
they are longer than the windbreaks
side so there is enough length to
hammer into the sand or grass. You
could sand the ends of each pole into
a point so they are easier to drive into
the ground.
great outdoors
02
05
MAKING THE MAIN BODY
Step one Fold the top long edge of your
fabric to the wrong side by 2cm, then 3cm
and press. Stitch this hem down, then repeat
with the bottom long edge. 01
Step two The poles need to slide into casings
made at the sides of the windbreak and two
casings evenly spaced across it. To make one
end casing, fold the short end of the fabric to
the wrong side by 2cm, then 6cm and pin.
Check that your pole will fit into the casing
and make it smaller or larger if you need to.
Stitch the casing in place, then repeat this at
the other short end of your fabric. 02
Step three Measure 95cm from the hemmed
side along the top of your fabric and mark
with a pin. Place a pin at the bottom edge in
the same position. Fold your fabric from one
pin to the other pin, with wrong sides
together, and press. Now measure 5.5cm
from the folded edge and stick a line of
masking tape along this point. You will use
this to sew against because its a really easy
way to make sure you sew in a straight line.
Place pins on either side of the tape to make
sure that the stripes of the two layers line up.
Stitch just next to the masking tape (not
through it) all the way down the folded
fabric, through both layers, to form a pole
casing. Remove the tape. 03
Step four Measure 95cm from the other
hemmed side of the fabric and make another
pole casing in the same way.
ADDING A POCKET
Step one To make a pocket for your
03
06
windbreak to keep things in while youre on
the beach, take your pocket fabric and fold
the short sides and long lower edge to the
wrong side by 2cm. Press. Fold the top long
edge to the wrong side by 2cm, then 3cm
and stitch down to hem. 05
Step two Pin the pocket to the centre section
of the windbreak, positioning it about 20cm
up from the lower edge and centrally
between the casings. Stitch into place down
one side, along the bottom and up the other
side. If you want to divide the pocket into two
sections, stitch a line down the centre of the
pocket. 05
FINISHING
Step one To finish your windbreak, simply
slide the poles into the casings. Now you can
roll it up to carry it. 06
The Stripes Company
Our thanks to The Stripes Company
for supplying all the fabrics for these
projects. They sell deckchair canvas
woven to the right width, interior
fabrics, oilcloth and water-repellent
fabrics, all by the metre. They also
stock a wide range of coordinating
haberdashery and many ready-made
items using their fabrics. Visit www.
thestripescompany.com to see their
whole range or call 01244 336387.
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 119
 great outdoors

01 02 03

04 05 06

Picnic Throw MAKE THE PICNIC THROW

YOU WILL NEED
QBlue cotton curtain-weight fabric:
145cm x 145cm (57x57in)
QBinding fabric: 80x150cm (31x59in)
QWaterproof backing fabric: 145cm x
145cm (57x57in)
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished picnic throw measures
145cm x 145cm (57x57in)
FABRICS USED
Binding fabric: Climbing Interior
Stripes, 150cm wide, from www.
thestripescompany.com
Waterproof backing fabric:
Breathable waterproof PU fabric, dark
navy, 148cm width, Ref: KBTRPM250P-
F15-B16, from www.fabricuk.com
Step one Place the waterproof fabric right
side down, then place the blue cotton fabric
exactly in line with the bound side. Pin in
place, then stitch along the length. Repeat
with the final binding strip on the opposite
right side up on top. Stitch the two fabrics side of the throw. 05
together around all four sides, using a 1cm Step six The side edges of the last two
seam allowance. This holds them together binding strips need to be stitched together.
and makes binding them much easier. 01 Do this by hand using a small slip stitch and
Step two Cut the binding fabric into four thread that matches your binding. 06
strips, each measuring 20x150cm. Take one
strip and fold it in half along the length, with
wrong sides together. Press well and repeat
with the other three binding strips. 02
Step three Unfold one binding strip and place
it right side down. Fold the two long edges
over to the wrong side by 2cm and press.
Fold the strip in half again along the central
crease to enclose the raw edges and press.
Repeat with the other three binding strips. 03
Step four Take one folded strip and use it to
enclose one edge of your joined blue fabric
and waterproof fabric. Make sure that the
edge of the throw fabrics is inserted right up

NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance, unless
otherwise stated, and press all seams
open as you go.
into the fold in the strip. Pin in place. Feel
with your fingers to make sure that the strips
top folded edge and the bottom folded edge
are exactly in line and adjust if necessary.
Topstitch into place along the edge of the
binding strip. Trim the binding strip at both
ends so it matches up exactly with the edge
of the throw. Repeat with another binding
strip along the opposite side of the throw. 04
Step five Take another binding strip and place
it over one of the remaining raw edges in the
same way as before. This time, fold the short
ends to the wrong side by 2cm and trim off
any excess binding fabric so the ends are
Waterproof fabric
Its a good idea to back your picnic
throw with waterproof fabric to keep
it dry on top. Weve used a breathable
polyester fabric coated with PU
(polyurethane). Its ideal for clothing
and ground sheets, and weve also
used it to line the duffle bag to keep
the contents dry. It comes in 14
different colours and you can buy it
online from www.fabricuk.com or call
0121 359 2349.

120 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS


01
04
Duffle Bag
YOU WILL NEED
QBlue cotton curtain weight fabric:
35x145cm (14x57in)
QStriped fabric: 50x110cm (17x43in)
QWaterproof lining fabric: 65x145cm
(26x57in)
Q8 silver eyelets, 11mm diameter
QCotton cord 250cm (98in)
QMatching sewing thread
MEASUREMENTS
The finished duffle bag measures
60cm (24in) high and 30cm (12in)
diameter
FABRICS USED
Striped fabric: Climbing Interior
Stripes. 150cm wide. Buy online from
www.thestripescompany.com
Waterproof lining fabric: Breathable
waterproof PU fabric dark navy.
148cm width Ref: KBTRPM250P-
F15-B16. Buy online from www.
fabricuk.com or call 0121 3592349
NOTES
Use a 1.5cm seam allowance
throughout and press all seams open
as you go.
great outdoors
02
05
CUTTING OUT
Step one Cut out a 33cm-diameter circle from
paper to make a template for your bag base.
Step two From plain blue fabric, cut:
Bag sides: two strips measuring 13x110cm
Base outer: one circle from the template
Step three From striped fabric, cut:
Bag outer: 43x110cm
Strap loop: 9x9cm
Step four From waterproof fabric, cut:
Bag lining: 63x110cm.
Base lining: one circle from the template
MAKING THE BAG
Step one Place the long edge of one blue bag
side piece right side together along the long
edge of the striped bag outer piece. Stitch
together. Repeat with the other blue strip on
the opposite side of the striped fabric. Press
the seams open. 01
Step two Fold this piece in half, right sides
together, so the striped fabric meets. Align
the raw edges and pin. Take the blue base
circle and pin it right sides together with one
of the blue ends (this will become the bottom
of the bag outer). Pin this in place before you
stitch the bags side seam because you may
need to adjust it to fit your circle. Remove a
few pins and stitch down the side seam. Keep
the pins holding the base in place. 02
Step three Now make the loop that the cord
will go through later. Fold the striped strap
loop piece in half with right sides together
and stitch down the length. Turn right sides
out, press and fold in half widthways
matching up the raw edges. Pin this loop
03
06
between the bag outer and the bag base, at
the side seam, matching up the raw edges. 03
Step four Repin the base into place all the
way around, then stitch the bag outer and
base together, enclosing the loop.
Step five Repeat the above process to attach
the bag lining piece to the base lining piece,
but this time leave a 10cm gap in the centre
of the lining side seam for turning later.
Step six Make sure the bag outer is wrong
sides out and the bag lining is right sides out.
Place the bag lining inside the bag outer so
right sides are together and match up the
side seams. Stitch together all the way
around the top edge. Turn the bag right sides
out through the gap in the lining, then slip
stitch the gap closed. 04
Step seven Push the lining inside the bag and
topstitch around the top edge.
ADD EYELETS AND CORD
Step one Now add the eight eyelets around
the top. These are inserted into the centre of
the top blue strip and spaced evenly apart so
measure carefully and insert pins at the
positions where you want them. Make sure
the bags side seams are placed centrally
between two eyelets. Follow the instructions
on your packet of eyelets to cut the fabric and
hammer them into place. 05
Step two Thread the length of cord in and out
of the eyelets, starting and finishing on either
side of one of the side seams. Then take one
end down through the loop at the base of the
bag and knot together the two cord ends, to
create your strap and drawstring closure. 06
101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 121
 great outdoors

DECKCHAIR SLING 01 02

AND CUSHION
YOU WILL NEED
QDeckchair canvas: 45x150cm
(18x60in)
QStriped cushion fabric: 33x86cm
(13x34in)
Q12in zip to match fabric
QCushion pad, 30x40cm (12x16in) 03 04
QCotton tape, 150cm (cut into four)

MEASUREMENTS
The finished deckchair sling will fit your
deckchair; the finished cushion
measures 30x40cm (12x16in)

FABRICS USED
Deckchair sling: Climbing Deckchair
canvas, 45cm width;
Cushion: Climbing Interior Stripes, 05 06
150cm wide; from www.
thestripescompany.com

NOTES
Use 1.5cm seam allowance throughout

MAKE A DECKCHAIR SLING

If you have the old sling for your deckchair,
just copy this to make a new one to fit. Some
slings have a casing stitched in the top, into
which a pole is threaded, while others are 07 08
stapled on. These instructions are for a pole-
threaded sling. For a stapled one, just remove
the staples, cut and hem your canvas to the
same size, then restaple in the same position.
Step one Measure the width of your old sling,
then fold the long edges of your canvas fabric
to the wrong side so it measures the same
width. Press and stitch into place 01
Step two Measure the length of your old
sling, add 16cm, then cut your canvas to this
length. Fold one short end to the wrong side
by 2cm, then 6cm and press. Stitch in place pieces, each measuring 33x43cm and place place right side up. Place two pieces of cotton
close to the edge to form the casing, then right sides together with one short side at the tape on top of each other at the edge with the
stitch along one short end of the casing. At top. Stitch together from the left-hand side zip, 0.5cm from the seam. Tack into place. Place
the other short end, stitch down just 2cm so for 4cm only then stitch together from the the other two tape pieces on top of each other
you have a gap for your pole. Repeat all this right-hand side for 4cm only. The gap is at the short end, 2cm in from the raw edge. 06
at the other end of your canvas. 02 where youll insert the zip next for now, Step four Fold your cushion in half at the zip,
Step three Push one casing end through the work long tacking stitches in the gap. 04 right sides together. Open the zip to halfway.
top of your deckchair and insert the pole. Slip Step two Open out the joined fabric pieces Stitch the fabrics together around the three
stitch the 2cm gap closed to hold the pole in and place right sides down. Press the stitched open sides, enclosing the tape ties as you go. 07
place. Repeat this at the bottom of your and tacked seam open. Place your zip right Step five Trim the corners of the seam allowance
deckchair with the other end of the sling. 03 side down over the tacked gap between the and turn right sides out. Remove the tacking
seams and pin into place. Using a zipper foot, stitches on the ties. Insert the cushion pad and
MAKE A CUSHION HEADREST stitch the zip into place close to the teeth. 05 close the zip. Knot the ties together at the top of
Step one Cut your cushion fabric into two Step three Remove the tacking stitches and your deckchair, around the top of the frame. 08

122 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 The guide
KNOW HOW
Let us walk you through your sewing kit essentials
and explain some terms and techniques
SCISSORS
Get a large pair of scissors just
for cutting fabric. Some are
SEAM RIPPER angled so the bottom blade
Youll find this odd-looking tool sits flat to a surface, useful for
invaluable for cutting through seams and cutting large pieces of fabric.
removing stitches. The hook slips under Buy a small pair of scissors or
the stitches while the sharp blade at the snips for detail work.
back cuts the thread. Replace it if its
getting blunt they dont cost much.

MARKING TOOLS
Tailors chalk and water- or
air-erasable pens and pencils
make pinning and tacking much
easier as you can see where youre
meant to be sewing. They come
in different colours to contrast
with your fabric.

ROTARY CUTTER
If you want to get into
patchwork or dressmaking,
these make short work of
cutting out a lot of fabric
and pattern pieces. Always
cut away from yourself as
they are very sharp. Youll
need a cutting mat and
special ruler to use these.

THREAD
You can hand stitch with
almost any thread, but for
machines your thread needs
to be strong enough not to
break. Sew-all/all-purpose
thread is 100% polyester and
a good place to start.

TAPE MEASURE
PINS AND NEEDLES Spend a bit extra and get one with
Indispensable stainless steel pins have a plastic coating that wont stretch,
a sharp point. Invest in glass-headed pins too to keep your measuring accurate.
if you do a lot of sewing. Needles come in many Ones with metal ends are useful for
forms sharps are the most useful for hand dressmaking and you can get
sewing, though machines need their own types. extra-long ones for patchwork.

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 123

 essential know-how
Width of fabric (44in)

HOW TO BUY FABRIC LONG QUARTER

9in
The measurements by which the information on the end of the CHARM

5in
22in
fabric is sold can seem baffling cardboard tube inside the fabric or PACK LAYER

10in
1 yard (36in)
when you first hit the shops. If ask the shop to measure it for you
5in
CAKE

youre buying fabric off a roll (or
bolt) then youll usually buy it
by the yard (36in/91cm) or the
metre (100cm/39in). This is only
the length of the fabric youre
buying the width depends on
18in
so you can be sure how much
youre buying. In the UK youll buy
FAT QUARTER
fabric in centimetres or metres, 10in
rather than inches and yards, but
this diagram still applies to the
proportions. You can also buy

the width of the roll, which can
be a yard wide but is also often
44in (112.5cm) wide, or even
sometimes a little longer. Check
9in
pre-cut pieces, such as fat quarters,
charm packs and jelly rolls, which
save time measuring and cutting
regular shapes and sizes.

RIGHT & WRONG SIDES SEAM ALLOWANCES
RIGHT
SIDE
Sewing is all about knowing
which is the right side (RS) and
which is the wrong side (WS) of
your fabric. The RS of a piece of
fabric is the side you want to be
Most patterns tell you what allowances to use..
To sew two fabrics together, you
WRONG
SIDE layer them up with right sides
facing, then sew along one side
open them up and they will be
neatly joined down one side. The
on display when your project is excess fabric on the wrong side is
finished. The WS is the side that called the seam allowance. The
you dont want to see. Following width of this depends on where
a pattern? It should tell you how you place your stitch line the
the fabric needs to be placed. closer to the raw edge you stitch,
Tacking makes seaming easier. the narrower the seam allowance.

MACHINE NEEDLE SIZES

Choosing the right needle to suit your fabric.
FABRIC TERMINOLOGY
Helping you understand sewing fabric jargon.
SIZE WHATS IT USED FOR? UK, AUS, NZ US
Calico Equal weft and warp Cotton fabric with a small floral
70 Delicate fabrics: silk and chiffon. plain weave fabric, print
usually unbleached
80 Cotton, linen, wool, polyester. cotton in different
weights. Often used
90 Cotton, linen, wool, polyester. for toiles.
Muslin Very fine, light plain Equal weft and warp plain
Sturdy fabric such as cotton canvas, drills and twills, weave cotton fabric. weave fabric, usually
100
heavyweight wool, heavy linens and denim. unbleached cotton in different
Sturdy fabric such as cotton canvas, drills and twills, weights. Often used for toiles.
110
heavyweight wool, heavy linens and denim. OR as UK usage.
Ballpoint For jersey and other knitted fabrics, tends to have a Muslin See Muslin Very light, open weave muslin.
or jersey blunt tip so it doesnt catch the fine threads. gauze
Has a built-in knife to cut through the leather. (If you use Gauze Extremely soft, fine Any very light fabric, usually
Leather one, you will also need a walking foot to slide over the cotton fabric. Very plain weave.
leather or a special presser foot which has a Teflon sole.) open plain weave.
Has a rounded shank at the top (domestic machine Cheesecloth See Gauze Extremely soft, fine cotton
Industrial
needles are flat on one side). fabric. Very open plain weave.

124 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 essential know-how

AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO COMMON FABRIC TYPES

Useful information on fabrics youll use when sewing homewares and clothes
FIBRE NAME FABRIC TYPES
NATURAL FIBRES
Cotton Batiste, broadcloth, calico,
corduroy, denim, flannel,
seersucker, terry, cotton velvet
Linen Damask, handkerchief, lawn
Silk Chiffon, crepe-de-chine,
organza, raw silk, satin, velvet.
Often found in combination
with other fabrics such as
cotton and wool
Wool Crepe, flannel, gabardine,
jersey, tweed
SYNTHETIC & SEMI-SYNTHETIC FIBRES
Acetate Satin, silk-like fabrics, taffeta,
twill
Acrylic Double knits, fleece, pile
fabrics, wool-like-fabrics
Nylon Net, tricot, two-way stretch
knits, swimwear
Polyester Cotton, silk and wool- like
fabrics, crepe, double and
single knits, fleece, georgette,
jersey, velvet, satin taffeta
Rayon/ Challis, crepe, cotton and
Viscose linen-like fabrics, jersey, velvet
Spandex Stretch wovens, two-way
stretch knits, Lycra (swimwear
and active wear fabrics)
STRENGTHS
Absorbent, cool, strong
Absorbent, cool, strong, very
durable
Absorbent, adapts to body
temperature, drapes well
Absorbent, warm, flame, water
and wrinkle resistant, provides
good insulation
Silk-like lustre, drapes well,
dries quickly, low cost
Warm, resists wrinkles, mildew,
moths and oily stains
Strong, warm, light weight,
resists moths, wrinkles and
mildew
Strong, warm, very wrinkle
resistant, holds shape and a
pressed crease
Absorbent
Excellent stretch properties
good durability, no static cling
PROBLEMS
Shrinks unless pre-treated,
some wrinkle badly
Can shrink, wrinkles
Prone to moth damage, wears
along seams, weakened by
sunlight and perspiration
Can shrink, prone to moth
damage, knits stretch during
wear
Fades, relatively weak, exhibits
static cling, wrinkles
Sensitive to heat, static cling
Has static cling, holds body
heat
Has static cling, holds body
heat
Relatively fragile, holds body
heat, wrinkles, shrinks
White fabrics might become
yellow from prolonged
exposure to air
CARE INFORMATION
Machine wash, tumble-dry,
can be bleached, use steam
iron or iron while damp
Dry clean to retain
crispness, or wash to soften
Dry clean although some
can be hand washed. Iron
on the wrong side at a low
temperature
Dry clean although some
can be machine washed,
press with a steam iron and
a cloth
Dry clean or gently
machine wash, tumble dry
(low), iron low temperature
Machine wash, tumble dry,
doesnt need ironing
Hand or machine wash,
tumble dry, iron at a low
temperature
Machine wash, tumble dry,
doesnt need ironing
Dry clean or gently
machine wash, iron at a
moderate temperature, can
be bleached
Wash or dry clean

CUSHION PAD VARIETIES

Buying the right illing for your cushion can make
STANDARD
CUSHION
PAD SIZES
30x30cm (12x12in)
a big diference to the inished look and feel.
35x35cm (14x14in)
Cushion pads are widely available filled pads have a more luxurious
either online or in your local craft feel and are squashier to touch, 40x40cm (16x16in)
shop. There are various shapes while synthetic cushions tend to 45x45cm (18x18in)
available, but one of the most remain plump as they will spring
popular is the standard square back into shape. Theyre also 50x50cm (20x20in)
cushion pad. Cushion pads are better for those with allergies.
55x55cm (22x22in)
filled with either a synthetic or Heres a list of standard cushion
feather filling, and tend to have a pad sizes. Keep a note of them to 60x60cm (24x24in)
different feel to them. Feather help with future projects

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 125

 Templates
Here are all the smaller templates youll need to make our projects.
The larger ones are online at www.simplysewingmag.com/101ideas

BALLOON
COASTER
PAGE 69
BALLOON
ACTUAL SIZE

KITCHEN
MAKES
PAGE 63
OVEN GLOVES

BALLOON COASTER
PAGE 69
BALLOON TEMPLATE DESIGN: DIANA STAINTON

BASKET
ACTUAL SIZE
 templates

NURSERY TOYS
PAGE 54
STACKING RING POLE

TEA
COSY
PAGE 67
COPY AT 200%

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 127

 templates

SCISSOR TIDYPAGE 113

D
FO L

LD
FO
RD

ND
CO
THI

SE

D
FO L
ST
FI R

128 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

 templates
43CM

NURSERY TOYS
PAGE 50
GEOMETRIC BUNTING

39CM

60CM

BLUE & WHITE

RIBBON
LOOP
STYLE
PAGE 30
BANNER MEASUREMENT GUIDE

NURSERY TOYS PAGE 54

STACKING RINGS CIRCLE DIAMETERS

INNER INNER OUTER OUTER

CUTTING STITCHING STITCHING CUTTING
RING A 1cm 3cm 10cm 12cm
RING B 1.5cm 3.5cm 12cm 14cm
RING C 2cm 4cm 15cm 17cm
RING D 2.5 4.5cm 17cm 19cm
RING E 3cm 5cm 20cm 22cm

101 HOME SEWING IDEAS 129

 fabric inspiration

one of a kind
A quilt is the ultimate hand-made home furnishing, and
author Kirsty Hartley used photos, drawings and favourite
fabrics to make a unique keepsake for her daughter.
FOR THE ULTIMATE STASH-BUSTING
project, nothing beats a quilt. But for a truly
unique way to use up your treasured scraps,
look no further than the beautiful photo quilt
that Kirsty Hartley made for her daughter Lila.
Were sure youll be inspired to try something
similar once youve read how Kirsty completed
this bright and beautiful project
and white first (you could also print them in
greyscale) and printing them onto washable
photo fabric, each piece measuring the width of
the paper. Ive also added some quotes and little
drawings in there.
A cot-sized version of this quilt would make
a perfect baby gift. Lilas is quite washed out
now, but I hope she will keep it forever.

I love working with colour and with Kirsty Hartley is the author of Wild Things:
photographic images, and this memory quilt Funky Little Clothes To Sew. Her second book,
combines the two perfectly. It is particularly Wild Things To Make: More Heirloom Clothes
special to me, as I made it as a gift for my And Accessories To Sew For Your Children, will
youngest daughter Lila for her fourth birthday. be released in August 2016. You can see more of
I worked on it with her sister and brother, Kirstys work at www.wildthingsdresses.com
who chose all the photographs and fabrics and
helped me to lay it all out and arrange it. We
decided to use vibrant, sunny bubblegum
shades to match her character.
It is a rare occasion for me to make something
outside of my childrens clothing brand, Wild
Things, and when I do it really is a labour of love.
Lila carries the quilt everywhere; it has been used
to wrap dolls, make dens and snuggle on the
sofa. I used favourite scraps, Kona solids and
a lovely bamboo mix wadding for softness.
I printed the photographs by making them black

130 101 HOME SEWING IDEAS

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 HOMEideas
SEWING
Transform your home with this compilation of fabulous fabric projects
from Simply Sewing magazine. Whether its the kitchen, bedroom,
bathroom or garden, give your house a home-made makeover!