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Sewing Projects
For Beginners
6 fast and simple
sewing projects
Sally Southern
© F&W Media International
Introduction
Make the most of your favourite fabrics, trimmings and embellishments with
these simple sewing projects. All are easy to make and suitable for even the most
inexperienced of crafters, with the emphasis as much on the fabulous fabrics
used as the techniques.
Contents
Dotty about you bag
Shabby chic at heart
Pins and needles
Sweet Sachets
Dishy delight
Techniques
Templates
Text and designs copyright © SALLY Southern 2010, 2013
Photography and layout copyright © F&W Media
International Ltd 2010, 2013. All rights reserved.
Please respect the copyright by not forwarding
or distributing this document.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Dotty about you bag
Step out in style with this super cute polka dot bag
with bird appliqué. There’s a matching purse to
enhance the look – so sweet, you’ll want to make it
in different fabrics to match your best outfits. If you
search the Internet you’ll find a wide choice of purse
and bag frames in many different shapes, styles and
colours, so choose your favourite and adapt the fabric
measurements accordingly.
Small wonder
The bird and cage motif lifts the blue
fabric and compliments the vintage
style bag frame
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Materials
✥ Fabrics:
✥ navy and white polka
dot 30 x 40cm
(12 x 15¾in)
✥ navy lining material
30 x 40cm
(12 x 15¾in)
✥ scrap of cream satin
✥ Cream embroidery thread
✥ Stitch-on bag frame
with clasp and chain
15cm (5¾in) long approx.
✥ sizes and fabric measurements are
based on a bag frame 15 x 6cm
(5¾ x 2½in). Alter measurements
to suit your bag frame.
2
Fold by 1cm (3⁄8in) and tack the top and
✥ Navy blue flower trim
70cm (27½in) approx.
side edges that will be sewn on to the
frame. Do this on both the front and back
✥ Basic kit
panels and the lining pieces.
Finished size
23 x 15cm (9 x 5¾in) approx.
3
Use the Template to trace a bird shape on to
Bondaweb and roughly cut out. Iron on to
the back of the cream satin and cut out carefully.
Position on the front panel of the bag, bearing in
1
Depending on the size of your bag frame,
mind where the cage will go, and iron
make a paper template for the shape of the
to fix in place.
bag. Cut out two panels for the front and back of
LITTLE TIP
the bag, and another two for the lining, allowing a
1cm ( ⁄8in) seam allowance all the way around.
3
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Sewing projects for beginners
AFTER YOU HAVE TACKED THE EDGES
THAT WILL BE STITCHED ON TO THE BAG
FRAME, CHECK THAT THE FABRIC WILL FIT
PERFECTLY IN PLACE.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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4
With a fabric pencil, mark out the shape
6
of the cage and bars. Use the cream
Sew the lining on to the bag frame, front and
embroidery thread to sew over
back, then remove tacking stitches. Place the
these lines in backstitch.
front and back panels of the bag right sides together
and pin around the sides and bottom. Machine
stitch, turn through to the right side and press.
LITTLE TIP
IF YOUR BAG FABRIC IS A
BIT FLIMSY, USE IRON-ON
STABILISER BACKING TO
REINFORCE IT.
5
7
and bottom and machine stitch.
Remove the tacking stitches. To finish, use fabric
Position on the bag frame so that the lining is
Pin the two pieces of lining
tucked inside the bag and sew on to the frame.
fabric together along the sides
glue to stick the navy blue flower trim along the
frame edge, covering the stitches.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Polka dot purse
Every bag should have a matching purse
and this little one is just big enough for your
pennies. Simple to make, you can easily change
its shape to suit the style of your purse frame.
Materials
✥ Fabrics:
✥ navy and white polka
dot 12 x 25cm
(4¾ x 10in) approx.
✥ scrap of cream satin
✥ Stitch-on purse frame
LITTLE TIP
AFTER STITCHING, SNIP CORNERS
DIAGONALLY TO MAKE TURNING
THROUGH EASIER.
1
Draw around the purse frame and make a paper template
of the shape you want your purse to be.
Leave a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance all the way around.
Use the template to cut two pieces of polka dot fabric.
2
Draw a flower shape on to iron-on stabiliser and
✥ Navy blue flower trim (scrap)
✥ Iron-on stabiliser backing
✥ Cream bead and blue
seed bead
✥ Basic kit
Finished size
8 x 10cm (3 x 4in) approx.
then iron on to the back of the cream satin scrap (see
Templates) Cut out and sew to the front panel of the purse,
with a flower cut from the navy flower trim, a cream bead
and a blue seed bead in the middle.
3
Mark the sides where the frame will be and then pin
the purse right sides together and machine stitch around
the sides and bottom from mark to mark. Turn through to the
right side and press flat. Sew the purse on
to the frame with tiny stitches in blue thread.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Shabby chic at heart
Frayed edges give this mini bed pillow a carefree,
romantic look, mixing stripes, checks, spots and florals
for a shabby chic, homespun feel. It would look so sweet
resting on a patchwork quilt, or nestled in a chair in the
corner of the bedroom. Any spare scraps can be used to
make a stack of mini scented sachets, which are ideal for
adding a touch of style and fragrance to any room
(see Sweet Sachets).
Small wonder
Embellishing with stray buttons and beads
ensures a pick‘n’mix flea-market feel
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Materials
✥ Selection of coordinating
vintage-style fabrics:
✥ back and front – 20cm
(8in) square each
✥ patches – at least five
different fabric scraps
2
✥ Selection of stray beads,
buttons and sequins
(iridescent sequins look
so pretty)
Pin patches of different fabrics on to the front
panel of the cushion and sew in place with
large stitches using a contrast thread. There is no
need to hem these first as the soft, frayed edges
are part of the cushion’s charm.
✥ Wadding (batting)
✥ Basic kit
✥ Embroidery threads
– a selection to match
and contrast with your
chosen fabrics
Finished size
17cm (6½in) square
Little tip
IF YOUR FABRICS LOOK TOO NEAT
AND NEW, TRY SOAKING THEM IN
A WEAK SOLUTION OF TEA TO GIVE
THEM A GENTLY AGED TINT.
3
Trace the smaller paper heart-shaped template
(see Templates) and use it to cut out the smaller
inner fabric heart. Pin three patches from different
1
Trace the template of the large heart shape (see
fabrics on to this heart and sew in place, again using
Templates) on to paper, pin it to your fabric
large stitches and contrast thread.
and cut around it to create one back and one
front panel.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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6
4
Once the small heart has been embellished,
Use a range of beads and sequins to embellish
pin and sew it on to the centre of the front
each patch on the smaller heart. On one patch,
panel of the cushion, using large stitches.
sew sequins with a seed bead in the centre, and on
a second patch, arrange five seed beads in clusters
to make tiny flower shapes.
LITTLE TIP
TO FRAY THE CUSHION EDGES,
GENTLY SCRATCH YOUR NAIL
ALONG THE EDGE OF THE
FABRIC UNTIL STRAY THREADS
PULL AWAY.
5
On the third patch of the smaller heart, sew a
selection of decorative buttons.
7
Pin the front and back panels together so
that the raw edges are showing. Sew running
stitch around the edge of the cushion, leaving a
10cm (4in) gap at the end. Stuff the cushion with
wadding (batting) through this gap, then continue
sewing to close.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Sweet sachets
Stacked and tied with a ribbon, these little sachets
are perfect for adorning your bedside table. Add a
few drops of essential oil to the wadding (batting)
before stuffing and let the scent fill the room.
Materials
✥ Fabrics:
✥ 2 x 10cm (4in) square
✥ 2 x 8cm (3in) square
✥ 2 x 6cm (2½in) square
✥ scraps for heart
✥ Wadding (batting)
Little tip
TRY USING JEWEL TONED SILKS, SATINS
AND VELVETS, WITH PEWTER AND
MOTHER-OF-PEARL BUTTONS FOR
A MORE SOPHISTICATED,
SUMPTUOUS LOOK.
✥ Ribbon – 2 x 25cm (10in)
and thin length for heart
✥ Selection of buttons
✥ Basic kit
Finished size
1
Sew each pair of squares right sides together
10 x 8cm (4 x 3in) approx.
almost all the way, leaving a 2cm (¾in) gap
in each, and turn right side out. Stuff each with
wadding (batting) and slipstitch closed.
2
Stack the sachets as shown, and lay the two
lengths of ribbon over the top, wrapping them
around the stack to meet at the bottom. Stitch to
the underside of the bottom sachet. Sew a selection
of buttons where the ribbons cross at the top.
3
Make a mini heart sachet, keeping the same
raw edges as the bed pillow (see Shabby chic
at heart). Attach a thin ribbon and loop over the
button on the top of the sachet stack.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Pins and needles
No sewing kit is complete without a pincushion
and this strawberry-shaped one looks good
enough to eat. The matching case means you’ll
never have to hunt around for a needle again.
Little tip
IF YOU CAN’T FIND MATCHING BRADS, JUST
USE RED AND GREEN BUTTONS. YOU COULD
EVEN COVER YOUR OWn.
Materials
✥ Felt – red 10 x 18cm
(4 x 7in), green (scrap)
✥ Green embroidery thread
✥ Red checked brad
✥ Basic kit
Finished size
7 x 8.5cm (2¾ x 6½in) approx.
Pincushion
1
Use the template to cut two strawberry shapes
out of red fabric, adding a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam
allowance. Pin the pieces right sides together and
sew around the edges, leaving the top edge open.
2
3
Turn through to the right side and press. Stuff
firmly with wadding (batting) and then sew up
Materials
✥R
ed cotton fabric
14 x 20cm (5½ x 8in)
reen felt scrap
✥G
adding (batting)
✥W
reen spotted brad
✥G
the opening.
Use the template to cut out a leaf shape in
reen embroidery thread
✥G
green felt, and sew lines radiating from the
asic kit
✥B
centre in green backstitch. Attach a spotted brad
in the centre of the leaf. Sew the leaf on to the
strawberry.
Finished size
7 x 8.5cm (2¾ x 6½in) approx.
Needle Case
1
Cut two strawberry shapes out of red felt using
the template, and a leaf shape out of green felt.
Use green embroidery thread to sew the two red
pieces together along the top edge using running
stitch. Continue sewing running stitch around the
front piece only, until you’re back to the start.
2
With green thread, sew lines on to the leaf
in backstitch in the same way as for the pin
cushion and attach a red checked brad to the
centre. Sew the leaf on to the top of the strawberry.
Open up the strawberry and push needles into the
back panel to store.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Dishy delight
Materials
This little trinket dish would look so cute on any
✥ Fabrics:
✥ 2 x 20cm (8in) square
✥ scraps of two other
patterns
dressing table and is a lovely way to use up your
favourite fabrics. Choose carefully, so that you
✥ Iron-on stabiliser backing
pick the four that go together best.
✥ Shell buttons x 5
✥ Embroidery thread
✥ Basic kit
1
Using the template, trace the larger flower shape
on to iron-on stabiliser backing. Cut out and iron on to
Finished size
the back of a patterned fabric. Cut the patterned fabric so it
11 x 11 x 3cm (4¼ x 4¼ x 1in)
is 1cm ( ⁄8in) larger than the original shape all the way around.
3
Fold in the fabric edges and press flat.
2
Trace the Small flower shape onto Bondaweb, iron to a
different fabric and cut out. Peel off the backing and place
on top of the larger shape so it covers the folded edges. Iron in
place. Fold up the sides of the dish and sew together
at the side seams with tiny stitches.
Little tip
MAKE A SIMPLE, SMALL CUSHION
OUT OF THE SAME FABRICS AND
DECORATE WITH A CLUSTER OF
THE SMALL FLOWERS USED ON
THE TRINKET DISH.
3
With the two patterned scraps, use Bondaweb to stick the
same fabrics together, so that you have two pieces, each
with the same print on either side. Use the template to cut four
small flowers from one piece, and one larger flower from the
other. Sew the small flowers to the corners of the dish, securing
in place with a button. Sew the larger flower in the centre of
the dish with a button in the middle.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Techniques
Basic kit
As well as the specific items described in the Materials section of each project, this
basic sewing kit includes everything else you will need to make your little luxuries.
1 Iron
You will need an iron and an ironing surface for
using Bondaweb (see Using Bondaweb) and pressing
fabrics and seams.
2 Fabric markers and pencils
Vanishing markers are ideal, as they disappear after
several hours on their own, or with a little water.
Use fabric pencils or tailors’ chalk to draw a line
or pattern. The marks rub off once the stitching
is complete.
3 Pins
Use pins when joining fabrics to keep the pieces
together before sewing.
4 Craft knife, cutting mat and ruler
Use for cutting out paper to give a much cleaner,
more accurate cut than scissors. You will also need
a ruler for measuring or marking out the lines on
the fabric.
5 Tape measure
Handy for measuring long lengths.
6 Bondaweb
This comes in a roll or in pre-cut pieces, also known
as Wonderweb, and looks like paper. It is used for
attaching two pieces of fabric together for easy
appliqué: one side can be drawn on and the other
has a thin membrane of glue, which melts when
heated by an iron (Using Bondaweb).
7 Glue
Textile or fabric glue is essential for attaching
ribbons, braids and lengths of sequins where you
don’t want to see stitching. Strong glue (such as
PVA) is used for sticking fabrics to other surfaces,
such as wood or plastic.
8 Double-sided tape
This is a neat alternative to glue.
9 Scissors
Embroidery scissors have small, sharp blades, ideal
for cutting thread. Use dressmaking scissors for
cutting fabric.
10 Needles
Hand, beading and machine needles are available
in many sizes. Choose a needle that matches the
thickness of the thread you are using, so the thread
passes easily through the fabric. Use an appropriate
machine needle for your work and change it
frequently – immediately if damaged or bent.
11 Sewing and embroidery thread
Good quality cotton thread is easy to cut and sew
and doesn’t fray too readily. Use a strong thread
when attaching beads and sequins. Embroidery
thread, for decorative stitching, is made up of thin
strands (usually six). If this is too thick to work with,
you can split the thread into two or three strands.
12 Sewing machine
A sewing machine will produce much stronger seams
than hand sewing and is a lot quicker and easier.
If you haven’t access to a sewing machine, hand
sewing will suffice for all these projects as they are
small enough and will not be subject to heavy loads.
Working with fabric
Tacking
Before you begin to sew, it pays to spend a little time preparing your material. Here are
some techniques that will stand you in good stead when making the these projects – and
many more besides.
Tacking fabrics together is an easy way of making sure that they stay in place as you sew them.
As the stitches are removed at the end, they needn’t be neat.
Pinning
This may seem rather obvious, but if you pin fabric correctly before
sewing then it can make it a lot easier to stitch.
1
2
Using a thin thread in a contrasting colour, sew the fabrics together
using large running stitches, without a knot at the end.
Once the fabrics have been sewn together with a sewing machine,
use a ‘quick-unpick’ tool or a pin to pull out the tacking stitches.
Pinning edges and hems
Marking fabrics
1
It can help to mark out designs on to your fabrics before stitching
so that you can be sure to get it the way you want it.
Fold the edge of the fabric over and press with an iron. Fold
a second time to hide any raw edges and then press again.
2
1
Pinning fabrics together
2
One method is to use a vanishing pen, which will disappear either
on its own or with a little water. Use the pen to draw the line you
want to follow with stitching. Once stitched, dab with a little water
on your finger to remove any traces of the pen.
Place the pins along the edge so that the end of the pin is at the
right-hand side. This means that you can pull the pins out easily as
you stitch.
A second method is to use a fabric pencil or tailors’ chalk, which
will just rub off. Draw the line or pattern with the pencil, taking
care not to rub it out as you stitch. Once the stitching is complete,
rub the pencil marks to remove.
When pinning two fabrics together you can use the basic technique above, or this one, which delivers
better results especially if the fabrics are slippery or stretchy.
1
Place the fabrics together edge to edge. Pin at right angles to the
edge to the fabrics, leaving a small gap between the pins. If using
a sewing machine, you can sew straight over the pins (go fairly
slowly) and remove them at the end.
Iron-on stabiliser
If your fabric is a little flimsy, use iron-on stabiliser
backing. This is a thin membrane that sticks to the back of
fabric when ironed on, to add extra strength. It prevents
frayed edges if attached before cutting out your shape.
Using Bondaweb
Appliqué is the name for fabric shapes being stitched on to other
fabrics. The easiest way to do this is using a product called
Bondaweb (sometimes known as Wonderweb), see Basic Kit.
1
Trace the shape that you want on to the paper side of the Bondaweb
(remember the shape will come out in reverse). Cut roughly around
and iron on to the back of the fabric that you wish to appliqué.
2
Carefully cut out the shape. Peel off the paper backing, place the
shape on to the backing fabric and iron to fix in position.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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Hand stitching
Blanket stitch
All of the hand stitching in this book is very easy to do; simply follow the instructions
below for all the stitches that you will need.
Running stitch
This can be used to sew two pieces of fabric together and for
decoration. Start by tying a small knot at the end of your thread.
Push the needle from the back of the fabric through to the front.
Make a small stitch and push the needle up again, leaving a gap
about the same length as the actual stitches. Begin your second
stitch in the same way. Pull the thread right through
and repeat.
Chain stitch
Bring the needle up through the fabric (1). Insert it in the
same hole (2), forming a loop of thread as you do so, and
bring the needle up in the loop (3). Pull the thread gently
to make the first loop of the chain (4). Repeat, keeping the
loops rounded (5). Finish the last loop of the chain with
a small stitch.
Catch stitch
I use this stitch to sew one piece of fabric to another when
using appliqué. Tie a knot at the end of the thread and push up
from the back of the fabric to the front, near the join of the two
fabrics. Make a small stitch that overlaps the two fabrics in a
straight line. Push the needle back through to the back of the
fabric, then through to the front of the fabric a little way along
from the first stitch and repeat.
Backstitch
Backstitch is used to create a continuous line of stitching, e.g.
to make the bird cage in the Dotty about you bag. To work
backstitch, bring the needle out at the beginning of the stitching
line, take a medium-length straight stitch and bring the needle
out slightly further along the stitching line (1). Insert the needle
at the end of the first stitch and bring it out slightly further
still along the stitching line (2). Continue to create a line of
joined stitches.
Use a blanket stitch to create a decorative edging. Working
from left to right, insert the needle into the fabric a little way
from the edge, leaving the loose thread running down over the
edge at right angles to it. Take the threaded end over the loose
end and insert the needle a little way along at the same distance
from the edge as before; pass the needle through the loop of
thread and gently pull up the thread.
1
3
Star stitch
2
1
You can make the star as small as you like and it is ideal to use
as a flower motif. Push the needle up through the front of the
fabric and down through it, then bring the needle out to one
side to make a stitch over the first one, forming a cross. Work
the other diagonals in the same way until you have a star with
eight points.
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Sewing projects for beginners
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2
4
5
Templates
The following are templates for some of the projects. Simply trace around the shape,
pin it on to the fabric and then cut out. Alternatively, draw around the template on to
the fabric before cutting out. All the templates are shown here at actual size (100%)
for the projects in the book, but you can easily enlarge or reduce them on a photocopier –
or simply use them as a guideline and draw your own.
cushion shape – flip over for other half
Shabby chic at heart
Pins and needles
inner heart on cushion
heart for tag on sweet sachets
strawberry and leaf for
pincushion and needle holder
(add 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance
Dotty about you bag
for pincushion)
LITTLE TIP
WHEN TRACING THE SHAPES
ON TO BONDAWEB REMEMBER
THAT THE FINISHED IMAGE
WILL BE REVERSED.
bird
flower for purse
Sewing Projects for Beginners is excerpted from
Fast Fabric Gifts by Sally Southern.
Dishy delight
Text and designs copyright © Sally Southern 2010, 2013
Photography and layout copyright © F&W Media
International Ltd 2010, 2013
All rights reserved.
flowers for corners of
dish – cut four
large flower for
Get the book here
centre of dish
About the Author
dish outline
Sally Southern is a textile artist and designer living and working
in the north east of England. She contributes regularly to craft
magazines, such as Crafts Beautiful, is a community art worker,
designs children’s fashion and furnishing fabrics, and produces
her own work. She lives with her husband Stephen and young
daughter Kitty, who, like her mum, has an unhealthy interest in
all things sparkly, button-like and beaded!
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