Sun umbrella on a pillow case

The sun umbrella is a fresh stitching design, that will convert a boring pillowcase into an outstanding, embroidered textile. The project is easy, suitable for those starters that want to practice three of the most basic stitches: straight satin stitch, back stitch & blanket stitch. 

Patchwork tote bag with lining

The tote bag is probably the easiest bag to make. You can make a tote bag by sewing almost all kind of fabrics. You can also reuse leftover fabrics or recycle old fabrics.

Instructions: 

1. Cut two 14''x16'' rectangles of outer fabric. In this project, we used dyed and other leftover pieces, joined together, to make the front side of the bag. The measurements are only indicative.

Needle felting project: Make a wool dot cushion

The project uses the method of attaching wool fibers (roving) on fabrics using stencils, cookie cutters or similar objects. At first the foundation fabric is placed on the work surface and then the cookie cutter in placed on the fabric. The interior of the cookie cutter is filled with fiber and the fiber is poked with the felting needle. 

Gypsy style purse with fringes

Learn how to make fringes by fraying pieces of fabric. Then you can use the fringes to make a gypsy style shoulder bag.

To make the front size of the purse you will need.

• Heavy cotton black fabric
• Heavy cotton white fabric (canvas)
• Embroidery threads and needle

4 strand braid

Braids can be used to make purse handles, belts, frindges, to decorate a garment etc. The 3 strand braid is easy to do, but the 4 strand braid is wider and more impressive. Braids can be made from leather, ribbon, knitting yarn, rope, or even from strips of fabric or old clothing. 

Boho-chic tote bag with frayed edges

Make a large, boho-chic tote bag with frayed edges out of cheap burlap fabric. To make it more unique you can cross stitch the front panel with bird silhouettes on wires. 

How to make a twisted cord

Twisted cords are very easy to make by using strands of yarn, rope, leather, silk, etc and they can be used in bags, cushions, garments, curtains etc. You can use more colors to make multicolored cords or even hand painted cotton yarn. You can also use even or odd number of strands. For unusual cords, try to mix yarns of different types and thicknesses.

A quilted and reversible fabric bowl.

Make a flexible and washable fabric bowl for fruits and bread. You can also use it as a container for small items. In this project it was used a multicolor patchwork piece (top side) and a a black fabric (bottom side). 

How to make a stiff fabric bread basket.

A fabric bread basket is a container with its corners tied up in little bows. The basket offers an elegant and functional way to serve the bread, to organize small items, or even serve fruits and cookies. Another advantage is that it can lay flat for convenient storage. Remember, that you can select fabrics that coordinate with the tablecloth of your dining table.

The particular basket has a 7''X7'' (18X18cm) base and 3 1/2'' (9cm) sides but you can make baskets in any dimension. Moreover, I have placed between the fabrics pieces of cardboard to make the basket stiffer. So, the object is not washable.

Make a tote bag with lining and wooden toggle

Hand painted and embroidered bag 

Make your own toggle buttons from driftwood sea wood sticks

The project is really very easy. All you need is a power drill to open the holes and a beach driftwood piece.

How to make simple fabric bag handles