As winter approaches and the nights become colder and darker, it’s nice to have a project on the go to keep you occupied.
Turn your hand to sewing. You will be surprised by how enjoyable it is and how easy it can be to produce functional and beautiful creations.
In fact, there are many projects an inexperienced sewer can make in a few hours, so read on for some ideas.
Placemats
You can whip up a set of placemats in no time, especially if you use a sewing machine. Simply cut pieces of fabric into the desired shape and size and create a small seam all around the perimeter.
If you want to be more creative, you could embroider designs onto the mats or learn the art of appliqué, where fabric shapes are sewn onto a larger piece of fabric.
Computerized sewing machines are a fantastic piece of kit to have if you are keen to advance your sewing skills as they can make light work of even the most complex projects.
Face Mask
These days, face masks have become a part of our daily attire, so why not make some to match your outfits or as stocking fillers for loved ones at Christmas.
You will find patterns for various styles of masks on websites such as Pinterest or Etsy.
Professionals have conducted research on the efficacy of fabric face masks, and test results concluded that a mask made from a sheet of 600 thread cotton plus two sheets of chiffon, made from polyester and spandex, seemed to make the most effective combination, filtering out 80–99% of the harmful COVID particles.
A Pillowcase Skirt
Make a fashion statement with a pillowcase skirt. You can make a load of skirts from old pillowcases you have in your home or browse thrift stores for some in various colors and patterns.
Start by cutting the sewn end of the pillowcase, so you have a fabric tube. Ensure the tube fits over your hips and use the seamed end of the case as the bottom of the skirt.
Sew some darts onto the top of the fabric, making sure it fits over your curves and then fold some fabric over to make a waistband. If you are unsure how to create darts and a waistband, consult a sewing website or buy a book.
A Tie
A great gift to make for a special man in your life is a tie. Look for some funky fabric to make your creation unique, and buy 1 meter of it so you can cut a piece measuring 75cm by 75cm.
You will also need a similar-sized fabric in a complementary material for the lining and some lightweight iron-on interfacing.
Download a tie pattern here and cut lining material using the A and C templates and interfacing using A, B, and C. Consult online instructions on how to fuse the interfacing to the principal and backing materials and how to sew a seam around the tie.
Once you successfully make a beautifully sewn item, you will more than likely get the sewing bug, and soon you will be making yourself a whole new wardrobe or a plethora of handmade gifts for loved ones.