Sewing: Most Popular Articles

Sewing Projects Index - Simple, Quick Beginner Sewing Projects
If your not sure what level project your skills measure up to, check here first

Sewing Projects Index - Sorted by Degree Of Difficulty
If your not sure what level project your skills measure up to , but you want to try sewing a free internet project, check here first

Sew an Everyday Handbag
You can sew this pocketbook with everyday sewing supplies.You'll find a free pattern and step by step directions to sew your own pocketbook here.

Sewing 101
Learning to sew can seem like an overwhelming task but it doesn't have to be. Learn where to start and what's important here.

Insulating Can Wrap
An insulating soda can or juice box wrap keeps the beverage cold and identifies who's is who's at a party. You'll find free directions to sew your own can insulating wrap here.

SBS Hanging Towels
Hanging dish towels are a great way to have towels where you need them, when you need them. Sew them yourself to have the color and type you want! You'll find free patterns and step by step directions here.

Sew a Simple Tote Bag
Sewing a tote bag is a simple project. No one ever has enough totebags. Make a tote bag as a gift or to keep in your luggage. Find free directions here.

Sew Your Own Cloth Napkins
Complete free directions for sewing your own cloth napkins with mitered corners can be found here.

Sewing Projects Index for an Intermediate Skill Level
If your not sure what level project your skills measure up to , but you want to try sewing a free internet project, check here first

Free Pattern Organization
Free sewing patterns are easy to organize and keep all the pattern pieces where you can find them. Learn how here.

One Yard Apron
This simple to sew apron uses one yard of fabric. You'll find free directions here.

Sew a Grocery Bag
Sure you can buy reusable grocery bags but will they hold up to repeated use? The whole idea of a re-usable grocery bag is to prevent filling our landfills. Make your own bags and know they will last for years.

Make Your Own Nurse Cap
Free pattern and directions for making a Halloween costume nurse's cap

Fabric Checkbook Cover
You'll find a free pattern and full directions to sew a fabric checkbook cover here. A fabric checkbook cover stops those cracked plastic from snagging your skin and allows you the creative outlet to show your personality.

Sew a Clutch Purse
Here you'll find a free pattern and directions to sew a clutch purse that isn't overly large but is large enough to actually carry the things you need.

My Sewing Teachers
I hadn't seen one of my 4H leaders in over 30 years. I had thought of her many times but seeing her again stirred up all kinds of memories. Read about them here.

Sun Hats
The sun is dangerous to our skin. A hat is a simple way to protect your face, ears and neck from excessive sun and damage. Find hat sewing pattern suggestions here.

Sewing Projects Index - Sorted by Degree Of Difficulty -- Advanced Sewing Projects
If your not sure what level project your skills measure up to , but you want to try sewing a free internet project, check here first

Sewing Machine Manuals
A sewing machine manual is THE most important sewing machine tool you can own! Find sources for all sewing machines here.

Pocketbook
Find a great free pattern to sew a pocketbook that is big enough to actually hold the things you need here.

Hemming Pants
Information on how to adjust, take up, or let down the hem in a pair of pants can be found here. With information to obtain professional results.

Tote Bag with Zipper
I resisted paying $45 for a similar bag and designed my own. This bag has a zipper set down in the top of the bag, securely holding the bag contents and is large enough to pack a weekend get away. You'll find free directions here.

Tie a Perfect Bow
Tie the perfect bow to decorate clothing, a package or any bow need. Find free directions here.

Totebag Style Pocketbook
This free pattern is for a tote bag style pocketbook that closes with a zipper and is lined. This tote bag can easily be a pocketbook. Find free easy to follow, directions and pattern to sew your own dressed-up tote bag or tote bag style purse here.

Singer Treadle Sewing Machine 15-30
Pictures and the sewing machine manual for a 1901 Singer Treadle Sewing machine

Creating Halloween Costumes
Halloween is ruled by creativity. Visit over 134 pages to gather inspration, time saving tips and directions!

Sew a Basic Curtain Panel
A straight simple curtain panel is an easy project if you take things one step at a time. Learn how to sew a basic straight curtain panel here.

Envelope Back Pillow Covers
You'll find full free directions to sew a simple slip cover for your throw pillows here. Save the expense of new pillows or stuffing by covering your old pillows.

Fabric Baby Grab Ball
You'll find free directions and a pattern to sew a fabric baby grab ball. This ball is created with sections that are designed for a baby hand.

Sewing a Seam
Seams are a basic sewing technique that are called for in almost everything you sew. Learning everything you can about a seam can assure perfect results. Find that information here.

Clutch Purse
Find information about a free pattern to sew a clutch purse that is large enough to actually hold the things you need here.

Tote Bag Style Purse
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Bib From a Towel
Free directions to convert an ordinary hand towel or finger towel into a baby bib can be found here.

Sew A Baby Receiving Blanket
All babies need blankets! Here are directions to make your own for a special gift, or to save money at the store.

Sew Your Own Removable Cushion Covers
Full online directons to make your own cushions and removable covers for your garden, patio, or benches, using fabric scraps

Sergers And Over Lockers
A starting point to understanding sergers

Sun Bonnet with a Ruffle
We all know that one of the keys to preventing skin cancer is starting early. Sew sun bonnets to protect your toddler from sun damage. Find a free pattern and directions here.

Sewing Definitions Dictionary
A brief definition of sewing terms used in the weekly features and in patterns for sewing garments and crafts. Links to more in depth and how to information are included.

How To Sew Expensive Looking Professional Lined Drapes In A Day
Jennifer Thoden shares her directions for making simple lined drapes with illustrations here.

Duffel Bag
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Cording & Piping
Piping is edge treatment that can add detail to home decorating, pillows and clothing. Find full directions to learn how to create your own so you can make piping the color or pattern that you want it to be here.

Sew Your Own Pillow cases
Find an assortment of pillow case directions here.

Sew a Cell Phone Case
Sewing your own cell phone case, or making one as a gift allows you to have any print or color you want. Find a free cell phone case pattern and directions for a basic flip style cell phone here.

Make A Beach Bag
On line directions and applique patterns for making a beach bag

Sewing Lesson Index
This page is an index to ALL of the free sewing lessons that have been offered on About Sewing. Learn to sew in a step by step method, gradually building your skills.

BBQ Apron
Summer Barbecues, Father's Day, birthday gifts, what ever your reason a barbecue apron is always useful! Free, full directions to sew a bbq apron can be found here.

Bum Bag
Recycle by using old jeans to create a unique pocketbook. You'll find free step by step directions here.

Cellphone case
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, cases, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Flanged Pillow Sham
Flanged pillow shams add to your bedroom decor and are simple to sew. Follow free step by step directions here.

Toddler's Fluted Edge Hat
Free Pattern and Directions to Sew a Toddler's Fluted Edge Hat We all know that one of the keys to preventing skin cancer is starting early. Sew sun bonnets to protect your toddler from sun damage. Find a free pattern and directions here. toddler baby hat sun bonnet sun free pattern directions toddler baby child sun bonnet hat protection skin cancer

Sew a Clothes Pin Bag
You'll find free directions to make your own pattern and clothes pin bag, that will last for years. Mine lasted 5 years left outside all the time, even through winters.

Sew a Fabric Women's Wallet
A women's wallet is a small item that can cost a fortune. Use your fabric scraps to sew wallets that are you and leave you with money to put in the wallet!You'll find a free pattern and directions for a wallet that has a coin section and credit card section here.

Drawstring Backpack
Find the suggested sewing skill requirement to sew a simple drawstring backpack and a photo of the finished backpack here.

How To Thread A Sewing Machine
a simple how to on threading a sewing machine

Print Selection
Find how to use Print Selection to print only what you want to print here.

Choosing Seam Finishes
What a waste to sew something and have it fall apart the first time you wash it. Seam finishes preserve a sewing item and add strength to the seam. Find your seam finish options here.

Fabric Women's Wallet
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Free Shrug Patterns
A shrug is the perfect solution to cover bare shoulders and add style to an outfit. Convert a tee shirt or other ready made item to make your perfect shrug. Explore the free patterns to sew a shrug here.

Grocery Bags
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Trick wallet
This trick wallet works magic. Use up fabric scraps to make a trick wallet that will last much longer than the widely available paper version.

Simple Tote Bag
Find the suggested sewing skill requirement to sew a simple tote bag and a photo of the finished tote bag here.

Zipper Pouch
Find the suggested sewing skill requirement to sew a a great travel pouch that closes with a zipper here.

String Drawstring Backpack
Free pattern for a simple drawstring backpack. This light-weight backpack is perfect for day trip toting and gym clothes. Make a couple to keep in your luggage. They take up very little space and solve the inevitable problem of packing the extras you always come home with.

Dish Liquid Apron
Everyone is always looking for a quick project to spiff up a kitchen. Here's free directions and a pattern to sew a dish liquid bottle apron that can be made to match any decor!

Weekend Bag
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Lazy Girl Pattern #111
We've all seen them... those pocketbooks that can hang around your neck with a little zipper to hold things securely. Find out about a pattern to make those bags here.

Book Cover with Zipper
Find the suggested sewing skill requirement to sew a fabric book cover that closes with a zipper and has handles here.

Sew a Duffel Bag
Have a bag ready for any quick get away! Personalize your duffel bag so you can find it in the airport luggage. You'll find free pattern and directions here.

Infant Hooded Bath Towel
A hooded bath towel is a staple for any infant or toddler. You'll find free directions to sew a hooded baby bath towel here.

Tips to make a Poodle Skirt for Halloween or fun!
Tips to make a Poodle Skirt for Halloween or fun!

Home Made Paper Dolls
A project to make with your preschoolers to expand their sewing interests and use up small fabric scrapes

Get Prepared To Start Sewing Lessons
Let The Sewing Lessons Begin Note: To learn the most, please follow all the links that are provided.

How to Sew a French Seam
A French seam is a seam which encloses the seam allowance. Find step by step directions to sew a French seam here.

Machine Embroidery Basics
Machine embroidery is a beautiful addition to any sewing or fabric. Learn the basics you will need to know to be an educated consumer.

Machine Blind Hem Stitch
Many sewing machines have a built in blind hem stitch capability. Learn tricks to using a sewing machine blind stitch to sew hems here.

Sew Your Own Duvet Covers
On line directions for sewing your own duvet covers for quilts and comforters

Sew Simple Custom Curtains
Making your own curtains can seem like a scary project. This article presents step by step instructions to sew curtains that are what you want.

Sewing Ruffles and Gathers
You can add ruffles and gathering to almost anything you sew. Understanding how ruffles are formed will help you buy and cut the correct amount of fabric. You'll find all the information, with tips and tricks, you need here.

Sew A Tooth Fairy Pillow
Full online directons to make your own Tooth Fairy Pillow,

Firm Purse Bottom Solutions
Sewing your own pocketbook leaves endless possibilities but how do you make the bottom strong enough to not sag? Learn how here.

Eye Glass Case
Use fabric scraps and sew this easy eyeglass case. You'll find a free pattern and directions here.

Make Your Own Fabric Tissue Box Covers
Cold and flu season mean tissue boxes are everywhere. Full directions for creating fabric tissue box covers can be found here.

Sew a Basic Fabric Yo-Yo
How to sew a fabric yo-yo or a gathered circle of fabric is a common question. You'll find free step by step photo enhanced directions to sew a fabric yo-yo here.

Applique with Fusible Web
Applique done with fusible web is one of the simplest methods. Learn how to applique with fusible web here.

Grocery Bag Caddy
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Child's Fabric Shapes Book
Free full directions and appliqué patterns to sew an educational fabric child's shapes book.

Sewing Slippers For Christmas Or Any Reason
Here you'll find links to Free and retail slipper patterns, for all your gift giving needs,

Sew a Fabric Shawl
A simple free pattern to keep your shoulders covered on a chilly evening and still wear a seductive dress.

Sew Your Own Crib Dust Ruffle
On line directions and measurements for a crib dust ruffle

Men's Wallet
You find photos of the finished bags, totes, clutches, pocketbooks and purses made with the free pattern available on this site and the suggested sewing skill level for completing the project.here. Follow the links to make your own purse for every outfit or traveling need.

Free Pillow Patterns to Sew
Sewing pillows is an easy project. The free patterns found here can accommodate a very beginner with simple envelope back pillows and work your way up to adding zippers and more elaborate pillow fronts.

Sew a Chef's Hat
A Chef's hat can be part of a costume, part of a uniform or just for fun. You'll find free directions to sew a chef's hat here.

Simple to Sew Potholder
You'll Find free directions to sew a simple useful and durable potholder. This is a great beginner project that teaches measuring and straight seams.

Sew a Plastic Bag Caddy
Keep those plastic grocery sacks handy and ready to be reused by storing them within reach. You'll find free directions to sew a fabric caddy that can be hung within reach here.

Singer Treadle Sewing Machine Manual
See a sewing machine manual from 1901 to a Singer Treadle sewing machine, with all the attachments

Sew Fitted Sheets
Find everything you need to know to sew your own bed sheets here. Full directions to make 45" wide fabric into bed sheets or convert flat sheets to fitted sheets.

Cool Neck Scarf
Free directions to sew a fast and easy cool neck scarf can be found here.

How to Sew Flat Felled Seams
A flat felled seam is most commonly seen on jeans. It provides a very strong seam that will not fray. Find directions for how to sew a flat felled seam here.

piping split back
Find a photo and links to every thing you need to sew the free pillow patterns available on this site.

Is There a Difference In Threads? You Be The Judge!
You've heard the battles over types of thread. Is there a difference in quality among the brands? You be the judge! Microscopic thread views.

Elf Costume Shoes
This free pattern for elf costume shoes are fun for school plays,Halloween or just dress up fun. Find the free pattern and directions here.

Tote Bag With A Zipper Closure
A simple bag with a zipper for all kinds of uses

Gifts to Sew for Mother's on Mother's Day
There are lots of things you can sew for gifts while you preserve your budget for the extra fuel expences this year.

How To Make A Throw Pillow Cover
a simple how to on covering a throw pillow

Dressing Up Denim
Why pay extra for designer jeans when you can make them yourself Learn about ways to embellish denim here.

Bias Tape Q&A
Bias tape may be purchased or you may make it your self to match your garment. Find details about bias tape here.

Envelope Back Pillow Cover
Find a photo and links to every thing you need to sew the free pillow patterns available on this site.

Sewing Projects Index for Beginners -- General Sewing Project & Information Articles
If your not sure what level project your skills measure up to , but you want to try sewing a free internet project, check here first

flanged pillow sham
Find a photo and links to every thing you need to sew the free pillow patterns available on this site.

Sew a Pillow With Piping Edges
You'll find free directions, in a variety of sizes, to sew your own pillow with corded edges. Making pillows that have removable covers allows you to change the look of your room by reusing pillows.

Machine Embroider Lace
There are many beautiful lace machine embroidery designs available. Find free step by step directions to learn how to machine embroider free standing lace here.

Seam Guides
A sewing machine seam guide assures accurate seams. They are avalable in many forms and may even be in your tool box or stationary. Find options for sewing machine seam guides here.

Make An Insulated Lunch Sack
Uses pieces from your scrap stash and create a durable, washable lunch sack.

How to Tie a Bow
Tie a perfect bow for decorating clothing, packages, barrettes or other needs. Follow my directions here.

Flower Petal Pillow
Find a photo and links to every thing you need to sew the free pillow patterns available on this site.

Fabric Grain
Almost any pattern you read will tell you to follow the lengthwise, crosswise or bias grain of fabric. Learn what these terms mean and understand their importance with the information you'll find here.

Learn To Dress Toy
Free, full online directions to make your own toy snake for your children to learn button, zipper, snap and lacing skills.

Sew An Easter Kite
A relativly simple project to make your own Kites for Easter or spring time fun

Costume Mouse and Cat Ears
Free directions and patterns to make cat or mouse costume ears on a headband for a fun play item or costume needs.

Childrens PJs
Ideas for pajamas, with directions for ribbing when sewing Children's Pajamas.

Sew Yourself A Dressed Up Sweat Shirt Project
Full online directons Dress up a sweat shirt

Removable Bra Money Pocket
Traveling with cash can be risky. Hiding money in your bra has been done for a long time. Secure the cash in your bra with this simple to sew removable money hiding bra pocket.

Fabric Book Cover
Special books deserve special handling. Create a cover for a gift or your own personal use. Directions to make your own pattern for any book are included.

Scented Hot Pad
This simple project is a great way to protect your table and depending on the scent you use, you can make your family think they are having hot apple pie. Find free full directions here.

Elf Shoe Pattern Index
An index to all the pattern pieces to make your own elf shoe.

Fabric Dish or Dish Insulator
Here you'll find free directions to make a fabric dish or casserole insulator. Make them to match your kitchen or as a wonderful hostess gift with a warm dish.

Sew a Gym Bag
I needed a bag that would hold my gym sneakers and keep them clean as well as my water bottle for gym class. You'll find free directions and the pattern I created to fill my gym class needs here.

Sewing Your Own Kitchen Small Appliance Covers
Full directions and a free pattern to sew your own mixer cover.

Back Seat Vehicle Organizer
I have kids and a mini van. It never ceases to amaze me how much clutter can accumulate in the back seats. Here I am giving you full directions to create a place for the kids to store all their traveling treasures.

Wedding Ring-bearer Pillow
This ring pillow eliminates the need to fuss with tying and un-tying ribbons during the ceremony. The pillow shown here was used at my daughters wedding. You'll find free directions to sew a ring bearers pillow here.

Stay Stitching
The definition of stay stitching as a sewing term

Sew Your Own Hair Scrunchies
Follow these free directions to have create a scrunchie to match every outfit. Make a box full from scraps as a great gift! These directions allow mass production and no hand sewing.

Zigzag Seam Finish
If your sewing machine can sew zigzag stitches, you can sew a zigzag seam finish. Learn what you need to know here.

Sewing Lesson - Corded Pillow
Sewing Lesson - Corded Pillow Note: To learn the most, please follow all the links that are provided

Sew for Pets -- Sew a Small Pet Bed - A perfect cat bed
Save a bit on where you find pet hair by making you pet its own bed. Find a free pattern and directions here.

Top Sewing Books
In a quandry for what to buy some one that loves to sew or wants to learn? Read about the Sewing Book top picks for gift ideas, from your About.com Guide. You'll also find links to compare prices and find the best deal.

Yo-Yo Sewing Projects
You've been bitten by the bug and have bags of yo-yos ready to make something... what being the question. Find all kinds of inspiration and ideas here.

Duck Tape Clothes, Roses, Wallets and More


Who would have thought, when I was learning to sew, that there would be a contest for prom clothes made from Duck Tape with $5000 scholarships being awarded... not me! I'm game for almost anything that keeps introducing sewing to every generation! Find all kinds of Duck Tape creations here.

Machine Cover Instructions
All sewing machines are shaped a bit differently. The best cover for a sewing machine is one that you custom make for your sewing machine. Follow these free directions to create a pattern for your sewing machine cover and follow step by step directions to sew a sewing machine cover.

Sew A Hooded Scarf Sewing Project
Here's a simple project to turn a strip of fabric in to a usable item

Fabric and Notions
Follow my progress as we construct my new sewing room and office now that the addition has been built.

Zipper Back Pillow
Find a photo and links to every thing you need to sew the free pillow patterns available on this site.

Free Yo-Yo Clown Pattern
Use your fabric scraps to make yo-yos while you watch tv or wait in the car. Then transform those yo-yos in to a safe fun yo-yo clown project for a great toy! You'll find free directions here.

Sewing A Dog Bone Neck Pillow
Use up your Polar Fleece scraps and make something useful

Sew a Kerchief
A kerchief is a great and simple way to mask a bad hair day. You'll find free simple step by step directions to sew a simple kerchief here. Make it your self for quality and creative expression.

Hanging Hand Towels
Hanging dish towels are a great way to have towels where you need them, when you need them. Sew them yourself to have the color and type you want! You'll find free patterns and directions here.

Serger/Overlock Machines
Shopping for a Serger or Overlock sewing machine? Find brief descriptions and price comparison links here. Always look for warrantee information before you buy a machine and when you receive it.

Grade a Seam
Grading a seam is done to eliminate bulk. Learn how to grade a seam, and why grading a seam makes a difference.

How to Sew a Seam
Seams are the mainstay of almost all sewing. Sewing great seams includes straight stitching and sewing curves. Learn how to sew a seam here.