When it comes to sewing, most people only think about clothing. While that might be the most obvious and well-known form of sewing, there’s so much more you can do with a needle and thread. From hair accessories to pet costumes, you can sew anything your heart desires.
In this article, we’ll share some cool things to sew that will put your DIY prowess on display.
Ready to get your creative juice flowing? Let’s dive right in!
Cool Things to Sew: A Project To Try This Weekend
Here are some of our favorite DIY sewing projects if you’re looking for cool things to sew that are perfect for all skill levels:
Create a Fashion Statement with DIY Clothing
Men’s Pocket Square
Pocket squares are not only cool things to sew, but they also add a little zing to your outfit without rocking a loud pattern. Perfect for beginners and experienced sewers alike, pocket squares can be made in under half an hour.
All you need is a piece of fabric about the size of your hand and some thread. You can use any fabric, but if you’re planning on giving it as a gift, consider using something more durable and less prone to pilling — like silk. It’s easy to work with and has a flattering sheen that pops when paired with a dark suit or blazer.
Slouchy Pants
If you’ve ever wanted to make yourself a pair of comfy slouchy pants but weren’t sure how, now’s your chance. These shorts are perfect for lounging around the house on lazy Sundays and will also keep you warm on cold nights spent binge-watching Netflix. Plus, they’re easy and cool things to sew — all you need is some jersey knit fabric, elastic and hemming tape!
Boho-inspired Tank Top
Chic and whimsical, a boho-inspired tank top is an easy way to add some flair to your wardrobe. It can be worn with jeans or skirts or layered under cardigans or blazers during the colder months.
To sew a tank top, consider using cotton voile. It’s breathable and drapes beautifully. The best part? You can customize this tank top with your own fabric choices and embellishments!
Cozy Up with Bedroom Essentials
Bed Skirts
Another item on our list of cool things to sew – and a great way to create the perfect bedding ensemble – is the classic bed skirt. It will hide all those ugly box springs and give your room a more finished look. And if you have an adjustable bed, it will help keep the sheets from sliding around.
Follow these simple steps to sew a bed skirt:
- Measure the height from the top of your box spring to the floor.
- Cut down the fabric according to the length and height of your mattress.
- Hem the bottom edge with a ½ inch hem allowance.
- Fold over the hem and press it with an iron.
- Then fold the top edge down 1 inch and press again with an iron.
- Stitch along both sides of this folded edge using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch.
For added texture, try adding some ruffles and lace trims in contrasting colors.
Patchwork Quilt
A patchwork quilt is another one of our favorite cool things to sew and one of the most enduring symbols of home and comfort. To make a patchwork quilt, cut the fabric into squares (or rectangles) and lay them on your table to give you a rough idea about your finished item.
Once you have arranged your blocks in the desired pattern, sew them together using a long stitch. Make sure it goes through both layers of fabric and both layers of batting (the fluffy stuff). Finally, add some binding around the edges to give it a nice finish!
Add Flair to Your Space with Home Decor
Window Curtains
Window curtains are a great sewing project that can add color, pattern, and privacy to your home. You can make them in any size and choose from various fabric options according to your aesthetics.
To make window curtains, you’ll need fabric, a sewing machine, and a few basic tools. First, measure your window and calculate the fabric you need. Then, cut your fabric to size and sew it into panels. You can hem the top and bottom of each panel, add grommets or tabs for hanging, and finish the edges with a decorative trim if desired.
Fabric Scrap Garlands
Who said that garlands are just for Christmas? Garlands are cool things to sew and can create vignettes around the house, adding a touch of whimsy to an otherwise boring space.
To make a garland, simply grab all the scrap fabric, braid or knot the strips together, and hang the garland wherever you’d like to add a pop of color.
Lampshade Covers
While lamps themselves are a great way to add a pop of color to your room, the shades can be rather dull. Make a cover for your lampshade that matches the rest of your decor.
Use cotton or cotton drill as a fabric – it will diffuse the light beautifully and add a pleated effect to the shades. Customize it with buttons, ribbons, and lace trims.
Get Creative with Accessories
Fabric Face Mask
Try making fabric face masks. We’re not talking about Halloween or masquerade masks. We’re talking about a fabric mask you can wear daily to keep dust, pollen, and other allergens at bay. For this simple project, all you need is some breathable fabric, an elastic, and some colorful threads. And since it doesn’t require any prep time, you can make dozens of them in one hour.
Coin Purse
Want to practice sewing curves? Try sewing a coin purse. These little pouches are perfect for holding change or other small items like keys or lip balm. You can even sell them at craft fairs.
To make these coin purses, you’ll need fabric, thread, and a machine (with a zigzag stitch). We also recommend using fusible interfacing for added strength. It’s really easy to do: just cut out two pieces of interfacing that are ⅛ inch smaller than the fabric.
Then, lay the interfacing on top of one fabric piece, and iron it on. Fold over the edges of your fabric and sew them together using a zigzag stitch, leaving one side open to turn it inside out. Now all you have to do is topstitch around the edges and add a button, zipper, or clasp at the opening!
Tote Bags
From groceries to makeup essentials and dirty laundry, tote bags can handle everything. Just grab some sturdy canvas fabric and sew up the sides of your bag using the same method as a coin pouch. Add pockets for organizing all the items.
Transform Your Kitchen with Kitchen Essentials
Table runner
Want to jazz up your dining table? Craft a table runner – these are very cool things to sew. A table runner can be as short as about two feet long and as long as about six feet. You can make it out of any material you want, but make sure to choose one that doesn’t shift around or slide off, like burlap.
Once you’ve sewn it up, consider adding piping around the edges or contrasting appliqué (such as stars or hearts) for extra detail.
Fabric Utensils Holder
Tired of digging through the drawer to find your utensils at mealtime? Sew a fabric utensil holder and say goodbye to the mess. With a utensil holder, you can keep your cutlery handy and organized. You can also use it to organize magazines and store kitchen towels and oven mitts.
Brief Summary
And there you have it: a list of cool things to sew that will make your friends and family gasp with awe and admiration. The best part? You don’t have to be a master seamstress to try them out. All you need is some basic sewing skills and a little bit of imagination. So grab your sewing machine and let your creativity run wild!