55 Sewing Ideas for 1-yard Sewing Projects
Tutorial: Crossbody Zipper Tote Bag
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cute crossbody tote bag with a zipper. It’s spacious and can hold a surprising amount of stuff, despite it’s compact appearance. This is the bag I use for my everyday essentials. You can print out the free sewing pattern that…
Tutorial: Easy Purse with Wooden Handles
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a simple-yet-fashionable purse using wooden handles. It only requires 1/2 yard of fabric, so this is great for using up leftover remnants of fabric. Print out the free pattern below and get started with the step-by-step instructions. Supplies Needed: (all of…
Tutorial: cute Newsboy Hat
This tutorial will walk you through how to create a lined newsboy hat. This uses less than 1/2 yard of fabric, or you can use smaller scraps and make each section of the hat a different color. You can print out the free pattern below and follow along with the…
Tutorial: Empire Waist Skirt With an Elastic Back
This tutorial will show you how to use your own measurements to create an empire-waist skirt that has an elastic back. This is my first time making a fitted clothing sewing pattern, so at this point I don’t know to create the pattern in different sizes. Instead, I’ll walk you…
Tutorial: Wrap Tie Shirt with 1 Yard or Less
This tutorial will walk you through how to turn one yard of fabric into a cute wrap top. The shirt will be more-or-less shaped like a rectangle with ties to wrap in around the front and back of your body. I’ll show you how to make a basic neckline pattern,…
Tutorial: Simple Sleeveless Shirt (how to make your own pattern)
Ready to make your own pattern for a sleeveless shirt? This tutorial will walk you through the step by step instructions for making a simple semi-fitted sleeveless shirt with a collar neckline. Use your sloper (a base pattern that matches your body measurements) and follow the step-by-step instructions below. This…
Tutorial: Lightweight Harem Pants with an Elastic Waist
Learn how to stitch together a unique pair of lightweight breezy pants using large rectangles of fabric. They’ll have an easy elastic waist and elastic cuffs. You can also add a pop of color or contrast fabric to the center of the pants, or just use the same fabric throughout….
Tutorial: Simple Jacket Using Only Rectangles
Use big rectangles of fabric to create a new loose jacket design. I’ll walk you through how to create your own jacket pattern based on your measurements, and how to sew everything together. I recommend creating your paper pattern first before cutting anything out (I’ll walk you through how to…
Tutorial: Easy Flowy Circle Shirt
You’ve heard of a circle skirt, but what about a circle shirt!? I decided to try to make one. I’ll walk you through my process below and show you how to create your own pattern that you can use to make your own full circle shirt with a belt. I…
Tutorial: Easy Wrap Skirt
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple gathered wrap skirt with a wide waistband. You can use a single length of fabric for this, or you can sew a bunch of scraps together for a completely unique skirt. I’m using a yard and a half of fabric…
Tutorial: Zipper Fanny Pack Hip Pouch
Learn how to make a cute zipper hip pouch that can also double as a belt. This is great for traveling or for spending the day at a theme park or Renn Faire. This hip purse has two zipper sections that you can use for storing your essentials and making…
Tutorial: Hanging Basket with 1/2 yard of fabric
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a large hanging bin. You can use this for any number of purposes, from a towel hamper in the bathroom to extra kitchen storage, or toy room organizing. Print out the pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions Supplies…
Tutorial: Simple Hanging Pocket Organizer (for beds, kitchens, couches, etc.)
If you ever needed some extra storage, this hanging pocket organizer is the perfect project for you. You can hang it over a door, a chair, a bed frame, or the arm of a sofa and instantly have a little extra organizing space. Simply print out the sewing patten below…
Tutorial: Cowl Scarf With a Slot
This quick tutorial will walk you through how to make a reversible neck scarf with slot so it will easily stay put around your neck. You will need to be familiar with the manual button hole settings of your sewing machine, but otherwise this is a super simple tutorial that…
Tutorial: How to Make a Hooded Neck Scarf
This tutorial will teach you how to make a reversible hooded neck scarf. It will work best with cozy fabrics, like flannel or fleece. You can also add a fancy clasp as a closure instead of using a hook and eye if you prefer. Print out the free sewing pattern…
Tutorial: How to Make a Cowl Scarf With Buttons
Learn how to make a cute cowl neck scarf that uses buttons for the closure. Use fleece or flannel fabric to make the scarf nice and cozy. It’s also a great way to use up shorter lengths of fabric that you have leftover from other sewing projects. Supplies Needed: (all…
Tutorial: Fox Fleece Scarf
Learn how to make this adorable fox scarf with this quick tutorial. This scarf is made using fleece fabric in orange and white to create the fox-face effect. Simply check out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial. Supplies Needed: (all of my patterns include 1/2″…
Tutorial: Fox Fleece Hat
Learn how to make this fox-eared fleece hat for this winter season. This is a pretty simple sewing project that only requires half a yard of fabric. It’s great for using up leftover fabric from other projects. Simply check out the free pattern below and get started with the step-by-step…
Tutorial: Slouchy Hobo Bag Using Denim Jeans
This tutorial will show you how to make a super cute slouchy tote bag by upcycling a couple of old pairs of jeans. I made the sewing pattern to work with a standard pair of jeans, but skinny jeans will be too narrow to use for this project. Check out…
Tutorial: Upcycled Denim Kepi Hat (Reversible)
Learn how to make a reversible denim kepi hat by upcycling two pairs of jeans and combining them into one cute hat. You can check out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial. Note: when sewing with denim, I recommend using a heavy weight or jeans…
Tutorial: Scrap Denim Bucket Hat
Learn how to make an upcycled bucket hat using scraps of denim. The free pattern (below) was made with small pattern pieces so that you can easily cut up old pairs of jeans to patch together different shades and tones of the denim for a creative and sustainably made hat….
Tutorial: 1-Yard Summer Shawl
This tutorial will show you how to make a breezy summer shawl using only 1 yard of fabric. I used a transparent chiffon material for this, but anything lightweight will do, it doesn’t have to be see through. I’ll walk you through how to create French seams to reinforce the…
Tutorial: Sew a Simple Beanie with Knit Fabric
Learn how to make a simple beanie with this easy tutorial. You can wear this hat with the bottom folded up or flat, whichever you prefer. This tutorial requires a stretch knit fabric (I recommend using a rib knit fabric) and is great for fall or winter fashion. Check out…
Tutorial: How to Make a Dog Ear Fleece Hat
This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make a floppy dog ear hat. I’ll show you how to put the dog ears together so that they stand up on the hat and flop over. What’s even better is that you can make this hat using remnants of fabric that…
Tutorial: How to Make a Cat Ear Fleece Hat
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cute cat ear fleece hat. It’s a pretty easy tutorial that only required some leftover remnants of fleece fabric. The free pattern that you can check out below is sized for an adult head, but you can shrink the pattern…
Tutorial: How to Make a Teddy Bear Fleece Hat
Learn how to make a cute teddy bear fleece hat using less than half a yard of fabric. You can get the free pattern and follow along as I walk you through the step by step process of making the hat and adding teddy bear ears. It’s a very simple…
Tutorial: Large Cat Head Purse With Crossbody Strap
Learn how to make a cute crossbody cat purse that is shaped like a cat’s head. This tutorial will teach you how to make a large tote bag with a clip on strap and a simple lining. It’s big enough to keep all of your daily essentials. This tutorial is…
Tutorial: Bat Wings Cape for Halloween
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a bat cape for a Halloween Costume. This arm cape is meant to look like bat wings if you raise your arms and can be used for both kids and adult costumes. You can use the free pattern provided or adjust…
Tutorial: Easy Flannel Infinity Scarf
Learn how to make a basic flannel infinity scarf in just 3 steps. This is an super easy project that is perfect for beginner sewists who want to make something that they can actually wear in their daily life this autumn. It’s also great for using up any leftover remnants…
Tutorial: Easy Flannel Poncho with 1-Yard of Fabric
This is a super simple tutorial that will walk you through step-by-step how to make a basic poncho with only 1 yard of fabric. It works best with something cozy, such as flannel, but can be made with a wide variety of medium-weight fabrics. I included a free pattern you…
Tutorial: Fabric Witch Hat (Bendable) for Halloween
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a bendable witch hat for Halloween this year. It is a fabric witch hat that uses stiff interfacing and wire to achieve the “slouch” effect that witch hats are known for. The free pattern below will work best for a pre-teen…
Tutorial: Pumpkin-Shaped Trick-or-Treat Bag
It’s time for trick-or-treating, and why not make a cute little pumpkin bag this year? This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through how to make a pumpkin shaped Halloween trick-or-treat basket for this year’s candy. All you really need are a remnant of orange fabric and some black piping to…
Tutorial: Easy Cat-Shaped Sling Bag
This tutorial will show you how to make a cat shaped sling bag using 1/2 a yard of fabric or less. It’s easier than you think to make, and this cat bag is a great way to practice your basic skills with a zipper. I made a free pattern that…
Tutorial: Cute Ghost Drawstring Bag
Learn how to make an adorable ghost drawstring bag with this step by step tutorial. I’ll walk you through how to add the ghost eyes and how to assemble your little ghost backpack using only fabric remnants. This is a great project for beginners or a fun project for anyone…
Tutorial: Simple Under-Seat Bike Bag
This is a tutorial to walk you through how to make a bag that fits under the seat of your bike. This is great for holding those bike tools that are handy in a pinch. The bike bag has pockets on the inside and I’ll show you how to make…
Tutorial: How to Make a Basic Bandana Headband
Bandana headbands are quite cute and easy to make. This bandana uses ribbon to tie in the back, instead of a typical elastic casing. It makes the headband quite simple to make and the size is more adjustable. Check out the free pattern below and check out my step-by-step instructions…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easter Basket With Fabric
This tutorial will teach you how to create a cute fabric Easter basket. I include step-by-step instructions for how to create the base of the basket with only a square of fabric. So choose your favorite pastel or Easter-themed fabric, check out the pattern and follow along to create your…
Tutorial: How to Make a Ruffle ‘Flower’ Purse
This tutorial will teach you how to make a cute ruffle purse that resembles a flower. I chose my fabric to make the purse look like a sunflower, but you can be as creative as you want when deciding what kind of flower your purse should look like. I also…
Tutorial: How to Make a 3-Color Handkerchief Bag
This cute little handkerchief tote bag is made with three contrast colors and has a handle that ties together. If you have any half yard remnants of fabric, those will be perfect for creating the unique handles of this bag. I’ve also included a free sewing pattern that you can…
Tutorial: How to Make a Tote Backpack with Side Pockets
This is a tutorial for a cute little tote backpack with side pockets for a water bottle or glasses (or what ever you want). There is also an inner pocket and adjustable straps. The bag can be made with half a yard of fabric and a remnant piece for the…
Tutorial: How to Make a Clutch Purse WITHOUT a Zipper
In this tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make a large clutch purse with an inner pocket and magnet closure. I’ve also provided the pattern that I made for this bag (for free) so you can follow along with the steps. I also decided to make a decorative handle…
Tutorial: How to Make a Purse with a Zipper
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple zipper purse with a lining and pocket inside. I’ve also digitized the pattern I used for this bag design so you can easily print it out (for free) and follow along with the steps. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of…
Tutorial: Easy DIY Tote Purse With Fabric Remnants
This tutorial uses fabric remnants to create a tote purse with a pleated handle. It is made to use up some smaller remnants of fabric that you may have leftover from bigger projects. I say you need half a yard of fabric, but really, you can get away with a…
Tutorial: How to Make a Reversible Hooded Scarf
In this tutorial, I will teach you how to make a scarf with a hood attached. It’s also completely reversible, so you can wear a different color depending on the day. I made this pattern so that it will work with 1 yard remnants of fabric that you might find…
Tutorial: How to Make a Large Tote Bag With Pockets (using Fabric Remnants)
This tutorial will teach you how to make a large tote bag with pockets and just 1/2 yard of fabric and some scraps. I’ve digitized the pattern I made for this tutorial so you can print it out and follow along with the step-by-step. This bag was made so that…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Reversible Scarf
This is a super simple fabric scarf tutorial that’s also reversible. I made the pattern so that all you need is 1/4 yard of your two different fabrics and some basic sewing supplies. So mix and match some cute fleece materials to make your own cozy winter scarf (you can…
Tutorial: How to Make a Fleece Lined Cowl Scarf
This tutorial will teach you the step-by-step process for making a fleece lined cowl scarf with a clasp closure. I used flannel for the main fabric and minky fleece for the back to make it softer to wear. You can access the pattern for free below, but I also recommend…
Tutorial: How to Make a Reversible Fleece Infinity Scarf (with a pocket)
I will teach you how to make a cozy infinity scarf with this step-by-step tutorial. This was made to be a reversible scarf that you can make using 1/4yd remnants of fabric that you have leftover from other projects. I’ve also included instructions for adding a hidden pocket so you…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Shopping Bag Tote with 1/2 yard of fabric
This tutorial will teach you how to make a simple grocery shopping bag with just 1/2 yard remnant. I’ve digitized the pattern I made for this tutorial so you can print it out and follow along with the step-by-step. This bag was made so that the pattern will fit pretty…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Scarf with Pockets (or mittens)
I like adding pockets to almost everything, and scarves are no exception. This tutorial will walk you through how to create an easy scarf with pockets on the end. I made these pockets big enough to hold my phone and wallet. I also use the pockets as makeshift mittens sometimes….
Tutorial: How to Make a Lightweight Summer Infinity Scarf
This is a quick step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to make a lightweight infinity scarf. I designed this pattern to use only 1/4 yard of fabric (60″ width), so if you have any leftover from another project, this is the perfect scarf to make. I’ll also walk you through…
Tutorial: How to Make a Mini Backpack with Pockets
This is a tutorial for a mini backpack with a drawstring closure and pockets, one zipper pocket on the front and one little pocket inside. I’ve also included the pattern that I created so you can print it out and easily follow along with the steps. This design is based…
Tutorial: How to Make a Sling Bag with 1/2 yard of Fabric
In this tutorial, I will show you how to create a lined, crossbody sling bag using 1/2 yard remnants. I’ve also digitized the pattern that I made so that you can easily print it out and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial. Since I have the tendency to get an…
Tutorial: How to Make a Messenger Bag with Pockets and Scraps
This tutorial will teach you how to make a lined crossbody messenger bag using scraps of fabric for the flap and 1 yard of fabric. I’ve also included a free bag pattern for you to print and follow along with the tutorial. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of my patterns…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Corset-Style Belt
I only started sewing a few years ago, and I’ve always found corsets to be a bit intimidating. But a corset belt? I just wanted to try and see if I could do it, and I could not be happier with the result. It was actually a lot easier than…
Tutorial: How to Make an Obi-Style Wrap Belt
I’ve always liked how wrap-around belts look with the thin string going around the middle. So, I decided to make my own using some fabric scraps that I have on hand. This is actually a fairly simple tutorial that’s great even if you’re a beginner. You can print the pattern…
