75+ Cotton Sewing Projects with Free Patterns
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 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 Flower Pillow with 6 Petals
This tutorial will teach you how to make a flower-shaped pillow. It might look complicated, but this is actually a fairly simple project that’s great even for beginners. I had a half yard of quilting cotton leftover and it was just the right amount for the pillow. However, if you…
Tutorial: Strawberry Drawstring Pouch
Use this tutorial to make a strawberry drawstring pouch that you can use as a goody bag for a spring aesthetic at events or for spring decor. You can make this using leftover scraps and remnants of fabric (as long as you have some red and green!). Download the free…
Tutorial: How to Sew a Pencil Pouch With Only One Piece of Fabric
This tutorial is for an extremely simple pencil pouch that only requires one piece of fabric. A large leftover scrap or remnant of fabric will work, or use a fat-quarter sized piece of material. It’s best to use something like a light canvas or a quilting cotton for this, but…
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 whatever 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 flap….
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 the Perfect Folding Wallet
The wallet that I’ve been using for the last 10 years is finally seeing the end of it’s days, so I decided it’s time to make a new one. This wallet pattern has four slot card pockets, two inner pockets, and a larger pocket for bills. I also show you…
Tutorial: How to Make a Lanyard with Fabric Scraps
Trying to figure out what to do with those small pieces of leftover scrap fabric? Try making a scrap lanyard. It’s really quite simple to make, and lanyards are really great for helping you keep track of your keys, or making sure no one runs away with your wallet. Pick…
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: Cute Bunny Drawstring Pouch
This is the cutest drawstring bag you will ever make (and it’s a pretty easy tutorial). You can use leftover remnants of fabric (you need less than 1/4 yard) to reduce fabric waste and use this pouch as an Easter party goody bag, a DnD dice bag, a simple coin…
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. Download the free pattern below and check out my step-by-step instructions to…
Tutorial: Cute Ruffle Flower Throw Pillow
Learn how to make a cute flower throw pillow that uses a ruffle to mimic the petals. This is the simplest flower pillow that I’ve made since you don’t have to worry about sewing together the individual petals with this design. Download the free pattern below and use it to…
Tutorial: Scrappy Cat Face Pillow
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a cute cat pillow using only leftover scraps of fabric. This cat-face pillow is honestly really simple. You’ll be able to accomplish it in no time and have you own truly unique throw pillow! Download the free pattern I drew below…
Tutorial: How to make a Bunny Pillow With Ears
Anyone who knows me knows that I love rabbits! Cute bunny projects are my favorites, and that includes making some fun bunny pillows. Download my free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions so you can create a bunny pillow of your own. It’s great for spring and…
Tutorial: How to Design a Color Block Pillow
This color block pillow tutorial will teach you how to use leftover scraps of fabric to make a small pillow. I’ve included a sewing pattern for this design. The final pillow will be a 7″ square that you can make using small scrap pieces. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of…
Tutorial: How to Make a Square Pillow With Scraps
This pillow tutorial will teach you how to use leftover scraps of fabric to make unique pillow creations. I’ve included a pattern for a 7″ square pillow, but the same principles can be used to make scrap designs of any size and shape. Supplies Needed: Pattern includes: (all of my…
Tutorial: How to Design a color block Circle Throw Pillow
This tutorial is meant to teach you how to create a cute round throw pillow using bits of fabric scraps. You can follow the design I used for my pillow, or use the steps in this tutorial to create your own color-blocked pattern for your pillow. If you want to…
Tutorial: Make a Cute Penguin Pillow
Learn how to make an adorable penguin pillow with a cute little penguin face. This project is great for using leftover remnants and scraps of fabric you have from other projects and is sure to be a much-loved and festive piece of home decor. Simply download the free pattern below…
Tutorial: Round Rainbow Throw Pillow
This tutorial will teach you how to make a cute scrap throw pillow with a rainbow of colors. All you need are some small scraps of fabric that feature the different colors of the rainbow. You can use scraps from previous sewing projects, or cut out the pieces from old…
Tutorial: How to Make a Carrot Pillow with Fabric Scraps
Get ready for a fun spring and Easter season with this super simple carrot pillow. I will teach you how to use up some leftover scraps of fabric to create a truly unique throw pillow that you can use to add some color to your home decor without buying any…
Tutorial: Pumpkin Pillow with Scraps
Do you like finding ways to use up some scraps of fabric in creative and festive ways? Try making this cute pumpkin pillow that you can make using a variety of orange fabric scraps or remnants. It’s pretty simple and only requires using piping between the pumpkin layers. Get started…
Tutorial: Easy Pillowcase with Fabric Scraps
If you have a bunch of medium-sized fabric scraps and remnants available, this scrap pillowcase project is perfect for you. It’s a simple way to use up those scraps by making something that you can actually use every day. I recommend choosing some softer fabrics for this so that it…
Tutorial: Spiderweb Throw Pillow
Check out this creative way to sew your own Halloween-themed throw pillows by making a spiderweb pillow. This is a simple and easy way to add a little spooky aesthetic to your living area or porch while also practicing your sewing skills with trim and piping. Download the free pattern…
Tutorial: Easy Peppermint Candy Festive Pillow
Make your own DIY festive decorations this year with this easy Peppermint Pillow. I included the pattern I used below if you want to download it, but really all you need to get started is 5 strips of red fabric and 5 strips of white fabric along with some rope…
Tutorial: How to Sew a Padded Case for Sunglasses
My sunglasses case just broke, split straight down the spine. But no worries! It just gives me the excuse to make this cute new case for my sunglasses. I only work with fabric, but of course I still want my sunglasses to be protected, so I designed a quick padded…
Tutorial: The Perfect Scrappy Rainbow Pillow (it’s easier than you think!)
Learn how to make a cool scrap rainbow pillow. It may look complicated, but this is actually a very simple pillow and an easy way to use up fabric scraps from other sewing projects (or you can upcycle old pieces of clothing you never wear anymore). I’ll teach you how…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easter Egg Pillow with Scraps
In this tutorial I’ll teach you how to create a big Easter egg pillow using leftover scraps of fabric. I’m always looking for ways to use my fabric scraps, so a colorful Easter pillow was the perfect project. I created the pattern (download below) so that you can use fabric…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Bunny Pillow
In this tutorial, I’ll go over how to make a simple bunny pillow to use as Easter decor (or year-round if you love rabbits as much as I do). This is an easy beginner pillow that can be accomplished in 1-2 hours even if you are a beginner. Simply download…
Tutorial: How to Make Little Egg Pillows Using Scraps
This is a quick tutorial that will show you how to make simple fabric Easter egg pillow to use a decorations or Easter basket stuffers. They are a cute way to use up little bits of scraps while also getting festive for the spring and Easter season. So get whatever…
Tutorial: How to Make a Round Pillow With Leftover Scraps
If you have a bunch of random scraps, you can use them to create a truly unique pillow. In this tutorial I’ll go over the steps I use to create a round pillowcase without using any kind of color blocking pattern. Supplies Needed: Step 1 Make a circle for your…
Tutorial: How to make a Pattern-Matched Belt with Leftover Fabric
If you don’t have enough length of fabric to create a perfectly matching belt, don’t worry! This tutorial will teach you how to cut and pattern match your fabric do you can create a belt to match any outfit even if your fabric scraps aren’t long enough. I’ll also include…
Tutorial: How to Make a Tie-Front Belt with Fabric Scraps
This is a beginner friendly tutorial for making an easy belt, no buckle required! You can even make it with matching material that perfectly coordinates with your hand made garments (or accessories). Check out more DIY belt tutorials Supplies Needed: Step 1 Make your belt pattern This belt pattern is…
Tutorial: How to Make an Asymmetrical Belt
Sometimes you just want to get a little weird with your accessories. Learn how to make this asymmetrical belt that will bring a little bit more unique flare to your outfit. What even better? You can make this belt completely out of scrap pieces of fabric you have laying around….
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 download the pattern…
Tutorial: How to Make a Button-Up Belt (with No Buckle or Grommets)
You want to make a belt, but don’t feel comfortable working with buckles and eyelets yet? No problem! Why not make a belt with a button closure instead. Adding multiple button holes will allow you to adjust the size of your belt the same way standard belts can be adjusted….
Tutorial: How to Make an Adjustable Elastic-Back Belt
This is probably my favorite belt to make. Not only is it really quite easy, but the elastic back makes the belt completely adjustable too! So choose some fancy fabric scraps and whatever color elastic you want to put together this quick and easy belt. Check out more DIY belt…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Fabric Clip on Belt
Learn how to make a super simple belt that clips in the front. This belt will have to extra tail that you need to tuck in, so it’s great for wearing with outfits that don’t require any belt loops. This tutorial is excellent for beginners who want to start with…
Tutorial: How to Make a Fabric Buckle Belt with Scraps
I love making accessories with leftover fabric scraps. Not only does this reduce the amount of waste from my sewing hobby, but it also means I end up with a lot of truly unique creations. So buckle in and get ready to make your own belt, with a buckle, eyelets…
Tutorial: How to Make a Tie Belt With Only Leftover Scraps
Looking for something to do with your leftover scraps? Why not create this really simple tie-on belt. You can create patchwork belts with many different fabrics, or you can make a belt to perfectly match your homemade clothing. Check out more DIY belt tutorials Supplies Needed: Step 1 Make your…
Tutorial: How to Make a Reversible D-Ring Belt (with Scraps)
D-ring belts are easy since you don’t need to figure out how to make eyelets or use a pronged belt buckle. So why not challenge yourself to make a reversible belt using only leftover scraps of material. You will have a truly unique creation that is two belts in one….
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Elastic Belt with Scraps
This tutorial will teach you how to make an easy elastic belt, great for long-term adjustable clothing. I like to use scraps when making these simple projects because it reduces the overall waste from my sewing hobby, but you can use whatever length of fabric you want as you sew…
Tutorial: Drawstring Penguin Tote Bag
This is a super cute drawstring penguin tote bag and backpack. You can download the free pattern below and I’ll walk you through how to sew the bag together and add the drawstring so you have the cutest bag to show off as your sewing skills improve. Supplies Needed: (all…
Tutorial: Make a Folding Gift Bag with Fabric
I really wanted to learn how to make reusable folding fabric gift bags as a sustainable option that will (hopefully) be passed from person to person as people give gifts to each other. This particular bag was made to be used with 1/2 yard remnants so that you can use…
Tutorial: Easy Christmas Goody Bags
These little fabric scrap goody bags are a great way to use up leftover pieces of material while also handing out more sustainable and reusable goody bags. They are a great size for adding little pieces of candy or small stocking stuffer type of gifts. You can download the free…
Tutorial: Drawstring Gift Sack with Fabric Scraps
This tutorial will show you how to upcycle your leftover fabric scraps to create a drawstring gift sack to wrap presents in. This specific tutorial was made with Christmas-themed fabric, but you can easily use your fabric scraps to make something similar for birthdays and other gift-giving occasions. Just collect…
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: 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: Easy Halloween Goody Bags
If you want to make some quick and easy little goody bags to hand out at an event or to the other kids in your child’s class, try making these little Halloween goody bags. They are the perfect size for adding a little bit of candy or a cute little…
Tutorial: Spiderweb Drawstring Tote Bag
This tutorial will walk you through how to make a spooky spiderweb tote bag using black fabric and white piping. It’s the perfect chance to practice your sewing skills with piping while also making a cool Halloween-themed tote bag to show off. You can download the free pattern below and…
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: Easter Egg Goody Bag Pouch Using Fabric Scraps
Looking for the perfect goody bag idea for your Easter party this year? Try making this cute and simple Easter egg drawstring pouch. You can use up some leftover scraps of fabric to make a colorful Easter egg design. Download the free bag pattern below and follow along with the…
Tutorial: Easy Carrot Drawstring Pouch
Learn how to make a carrot drawstring pouch that you can use as a goody bag for Easter events and spring decor. You can make this using leftover scraps and remnants of fabric (as long as you have some orange and green!). Download the free pattern below and follow along…
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, download the pattern and follow along to create your very…
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: Cute Bunny Drawstring Tote With Fabric Remnants
Learn how to make a bunny drawstring bag with ears and a pom pom tail. This is made to utilize some bigger remnants of fabric scraps you may have leftover from other projects. I also added a lace overlay to the inside of the ears to create a cute bunny…
Tutorial: How to Make a Pleated Drawstring Dice Bag
This tutorial will walk you through how to create a pleated drawstring bag that you can make using remnants from two contrasting fabrics. This is great to use as a small dice bag for your D&D sessions or just as a cute little drawstring bag for everyday items. I’ve also…
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Coin Purse with Fabric Scraps
I’m always looking for easy small projects that I can make with scraps of fabric. This simple coin purse is what I ended up making. I included the pattern I drew up, and the steps I took to create this cute and simple ducky zip purse. Supplies Needed: (all of…
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: How to Make a Drawstring Bag With Scraps
Wondering what to do with all of those little scraps of fabric? Why not make a drawstring tote bag! It’s pretty simple and it’s great for using up small bits of fabric. I’m also including a pattern and instructions for adding a zipper pocket to the front of your tote…
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 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 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 a Cute Flower Headband
Learn how to make a simple elastic headband with fabric flowers to give it a cute spring and summer aesthetic. All you need for this are some fabric remnants (less than 1/4) leftover from other projects and some small lightweight scraps for the flowers. You can download the pattern below…
Tutorial: How to Make a Butterfly Hair Clip (in 10 minutes)
This tutorial will show you how to make an easy butterfly hair clip using some leftover lightweight fabric scraps. It’s a quick tutorial that you can easily accomplish in 10 minutes. I’ve also included a free pattern you can use to follow along with the step-by-step instructions. If you don’t…
Tutorial: How to Make a Scrunchie With Bunny Ears
This quick tutorial will teach you how to make a “bunny ear” scrunchie using leftover remnants of fabric and a bit of elastic. down load the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions to make your own scrunchie with bunny ears that stand up on top. Supplies…
Tutorial: How to Make a Headband With Bunny Ears
Learn how to make an elastic “bunny” headband that ties on the top to create a rabbit ear effect. This is a simple tutorial that can be made with less than 1/4 yard of fabric or some larger scraps of material. I’ve included a free pattern for making the headband…
Tutorial: Colorful Shoelaces Using Fabric Scraps
If you have a lot of small scraps that you don’t know what to do with, try getting creative and making a pair of scrappy shoelaces. It’s best to use medium to light weight fabric scraps for this (something like quilting cotton will work well). The idea is to sew…
Tutorial: How to Make a Keychain Wallet using Denim
If you have an old pair of jeans that’s too worn out to wear anymore, you can upcycle them and turn them into a cute little keychain wallet. This denim wallet has five pockets for cards and ID, as well as an inside pocket that I like to use for…
Tutorial: The Simplest Scrunchie
Scrunchies are a great project for using up leftover remnants of fabric. All you need is a long strip of fabric and a little bit of elastic, and you can easily create these useful hair accessories. They are also great for adding to goody bags for kids’ birthdays. Download the…
Tutorial: How to Make a Cute Scrunchie Headband
If you like the look of scrunchies, why not try making a scrunchie-style headband too? This is just as simple to make as a basic scrunchie, but can be used as an adorable decorative headband. All you need to complete this is about 1/4 yard of leftover fabric and some…
Tutorial: Double-Sided Tie-On Headband
This is a beginner friendly tutorial for making an easy headband that you tie on with ribbons! You can even make this quick sewing project with matching scraps of fabric that perfectly coordinates with your hand made garments (or other accessories). Supplies Needed: Step 1 Make your pattern This pattern…
Tutorial: How to Make an Easy Tie-On Headband With Scraps
This simple tutorial will teach you how to create a cute tie-on headband using leftover scraps of fabric. I’ve included the pattern that I used to create my headband so all you have to do is cut as many scrap pieces as you want for the final patchwork headband. Supplies…
