Category: Sewing

Simple Backpack Sewing Pattern (with video)

Here’s how to make a super functional and stylish canvas backpack from scratch. Whether you need something for everyday carry or a weekend adventure, this bag is sturdy, customizable, and beginner-friendly.

The final bag dimensions are 34cm tall by 24 cm wide by 12cm deep (13.5 inches tall by 9.5 inches wide by 5 inches deep).

Supplies

For the Ikea-specific colorway, here are the

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Making a T-Shirt Quilt

Tired of looking at all those old T-shirts in your closet? Are some of them too stained or worn to donate, and too precious to throw away? With a few supplies and a bit of time, you can turn them into a beautiful quilt that commemorates all your proudest moments.

Our guide for this do-it-yourself adventure is none other than my mom, a seasoned quilter. If you’re interested in having a quilt made by Bette, reach out on Facebook or by email.

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Dopp Kit Bag Sewing Pattern

Learn how to sew a simple and satisfying Dopp Kit bag- perfect for traveling, tool storage, makeup, and more.

Introduction

Last year I made my first Dopp Kit bag as a companion piece to my Waxed Canvas Tool Roll…

But I didn’t just try to make the bag from canvas. I also made some with my stash of boldly printed grocery delivery bags. Everyone I’ve made one for has really enjoyed theirs, so I’m releasing the pattern and showing you how to stitch up your own. This is a pretty easy sewing project, albeit a little more 3D than the tool roll. They go great together.

You can use this bag for anything you want: Tools, art supplies, makeup, etc. I have a couple in my van, one with snacks and one with picnic supplies. The finished dimensions of the bag are 6″x4″x10″.

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Waxed Canvas Tool Roll

This tool roll is an easy and useful sewing project that can be whipped up in an afternoon. The finished dimensions are about 28cm tall by about 65cm long when unrolled.

Thanks to DigiKey for sponsoring this video! Check out this project on maker.io.

Materials & Supplies

For this project, you will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

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Skeleton Sweatsuit (Free Pattern)

This year I stitched up some skeleton costumes using black sweatsuits and white stretch fabric. I stuffed up the bones to get a 3D effect.

This project will give you lots of practice using your sewing machine’s free arm. If you’re new to machine sewing, try Mikaela’s excellent, free Instructables Machine Sewing Class to bring you up to speed.

For this project, you will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

Print and Assemble Pattern

Print the PDF pattern (formatted for US letter-sized paper). Align the tiled printout’s registration marks and use tape to secure. Cut out the pattern pieces with scissors.

Download Free Skeleton Pattern (Printable PDF)
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How To Hand Sew a Plush Toy

This guide will walk though making a plush toy that’s simple to sew by hand.

This tutorial is based on my friend Moxie’s Free Range Monsters project in CRAFT Magazine volume 6. I’ve used this project for years to teach introductory sewing to my students at SVA. It’s fun, creative, and doesn’t require much in the way of specialized tools.

To make this project, you will need:

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Glowing Eyes Costume

Twin Jawas! Double Orko! Two ghost wizards from Bubble-Bobble! This costume hood can be any LED-eyed creature you choose just by changing the colors. I first made this project in 2015 with a very simple circuit and code, but this year I wanted to create an upgraded version with simultaneous animation control across two costumes. This circuit uses one simple, close-range RF remote to control two receivers on the same frequency, and Arduino code employing interrupts to achieve responsive animation changes, based on Bill Earl’s tutorial code.

For this project, you will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

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Leather Wallet

Here’s how I created a leather wallet with solar-etched detailing. The simple four-piece design is one of my first leatherworking projects, and took a few afternoons to complete. I learned all the techniques for this project from the free Instructables Leatherworking classes (beginner & intermediate).

For this project, you will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

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Quilted Vinyl Pencil Case

To practice sewing upholstery vinyl on my home sewing machine, I whipped up a quick pencil case for holding my bullet journal supplies on vacation in California.

It all started with my new DIY motorcycle seat rebuild. I ordered some upholstery vinyl, fabric-backed foam, thick UV-resistant thread, and some bigger needles for my home sewing machine in the hopes of sewing my own seat cover. Although I have access to an industrial sewing machine, I like writing tutorials for you that are realistic to make at home. I’ll walk you through the process of creating this small pencil case, aka my practice project with these new-to-me materials. My primary resource in learning the techniques used here is a motorcycle seat cover tutorial by Sailrite, which is also the vendor of most of the materials used. If you are new to sewing, check out Mikaela’s Machine Sewing Class and Jessy’s Hand Sewing Class to get up to speed on the basics (especially the zipper installation).

For this project, you will need:

To keep up with what I’m working on, follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and subscribe to my newsletter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases you make using my affiliate links.

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DIY Hair Scrunchie

Behold, the humble hair scrunchie! This fabric hair accessory has a somewhat contested reputation in fashion history, but there’s no denying its practical use as a gentle hair tie and fun DIY sewing project. Whether you’re planning a 90s throwback party or just want to wear something soft while sleeping, scrunchies whip up quickly and require very little fabric. Practice your skills from the Instructables Machine Sewing Class with a small batch of scrunchies.

For this easy sewing project, you will need:

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