How to Sew an Ironing Board Cover

Recover Your Ironing Board in About an Hour

Spruce up your dingy ironing board, it's simple and quick. There's one thing almost every sewist says, "I only iron when I sew." That rings true for me 95% of the time. I'm not a big fan of wrinkles so, I do iron the occasional laundry basket of clothes. However, my ironing board lives in my sewing space. Unless we have people over, it hangs out in sewing land.

There's nothing fun about pressing open seams on a musty crusty ironing board, am I right? I've bought countless pads for my board over the years. They've worked fine enough until they flatten and get ugly. It was time to make my own cover.

After going down the rabbit hole that is Google, I discovered people using felt blankets on their boards or Insul-Bright. You're going to use both for your new cover! No more wimpy covers that leave board indents on your project or, dare I say, laundry. 

Your new board will be thick and lofty, oh and it'll look cute too. Yay for pretty things. :D 
Are you ready to re-cover your ironing board? Let's do this.

Supply List:

1. 2 yards of pretty cotton fabric, you may end up with some leftover 

2. 2 1/2 yards of elastic, 1/2" wide at least 

3. 1 wool blanket (buy it new, thrifted, from a military surplus store, or an old one in the closet)

4. 2 yards Insul-Bright

5. Thread

6. Sewing Machine

7. Pins or clips

8. Iron and ironing board, of course 

Ironing boards come in all shapes and sizes. 2 yards for the fabrics should be more than enough. Measure your board length to be sure, don't forget you'll need extra for the seam allowances.

This whole project takes about an hour. You'll be pressing those seams open on a pretty new cover in no time. 

Let’s Get Started

Start by removing your old cover and after you've washed it, stuff it inside this floor pillow. ;)
​Use the thin foam piece as a cutting guide for the wool and Insul-Bright layers. If you don't have one, just eyeball it. This is an easy project, and it's all about winging it here.

• Cut 2 layers from your wool blanket

• Cut 1 layer of Insul-Bright batting

I cut the wool and Insul-Bright pieces one inch larger around. Set aside.

The bumpy piece was the thin foam that came with my ironing board. I used it as a template for cutting the Insul-Bright and wool. I cut the new layers about 1" larger all around.

Insul Bright and wool layer.

Place the 2 wool layers onto the board, then the Insul-Bright layer on top. Iron over the layers to smooth them out. Look at those wrinkles. Yikes!

Drape your cotton fabric over the board. You'll want it to hang 4" all around. Give everything a good press, sliding your iron back and forth over all the layers. 

Drape the fabric over the board.

Roughly cut around the board, leaving 4" for turned under.

Cut your fabric, it doesn't have to be perfect but, make sure your edges are smooth and not jagged. I'm speaking from experience. ;)

Fold it in half and even out the shape.

Fold the fabric corners onto themselves to create curves. Pin. Do the same thing for the nose of the board as well. Then, pin the long edges 1/2" under.

You could pin the whole cover under 1/2" or not. I found pinning helped but, it's up to you.

Sewing Time

Take your fabric cover to the machine. You're going to sew with a 1/2" seam allowance. Use a 2.5 or 3mm stitch length. It doesn't have to be perfect, the seam will get covered.

Sew using 1/2” seam allowance.

Now, grab your elastic. You're going to sew a zigzag stitch over the seam you just sewed with the elastic on top. 
Pull the elastic taught with one hand while gently pulling the fabric behind the machine with the other hand. Use a zigzag stitch and sew. You want to pull the elastic tight enough so it will make the cover fit nicely and snug over your board.

Sew the elastic on with a Zigzag stitch. Place the elastic over your raw seam edge and sew, pulling the elastic as you go.

The zigzag stitching isn’t perfect, but nobody will see it except you. The elastic covers the raw edge of the folded seam.

You will have something that looks like mine up above. If not, grab that seam ripper, grab a cup of tea, and start ripping. 


If your fabric doesn't fit snugly enough, clip a piece of elastic and attach it on the underside along a long edge. Clip. Then, pull it toward the other side to get a snug fit. Clip or pin. Take it to the machine and zigzag over both ends. You may have to slide it on and off the board a few times to get a perfect fit.
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My old cover came with elastic straps that fit like this, except they had a button. That's where I got the idea. I added two elastic strips under the cover. One at the nose and one at the bum. ;)


Yay!! You just made a cute ironing board cover and it will work much better than any store-bought one. 

Add a crosswise piece of elastic to tighten the fit. This will sag over time due to the steam. Add a new piece every year or two.

Maybe I'll like doing laundry again with my new, pretty ironing board cover. Nah, probably not!

I've wanted to recover my ironing board for a while, and I'm so happy I finally did it. With the multiple layers, everything presses nicely and quickly too. 

Are you excited to make your ironing board cover? Or is it something you'd rather not make? I'm curious, so tell me in the comments below if it's something you're excited to make.

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Thanks for hanging out with me today. Now go sew something fun. :D


Happy ironing,
Annette

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Looking for something else? Click through the posts below.

Have a ton of fabric scraps? Want to use them up? Sew a floor cushion.

Are you new to sewing and want to jump right in? Read this Budget-Friendly sewing post here.

Is your machine not working properly? It might need a quick cleaning session, find out how here.

Do you love vintage style and want to incorporate it into your everyday wardrobe? Grab this easy free pattern for a vintage headscarf. 

Do you have chickens? Yes! Well, you need an egg apron. Grab the free pattern and tutorial here.

DIY Floor Cushion: Stuff Fabric Scraps Inside

Are you a fabric scrap saver? Do you have dreams of using them up for something? Yes, of course you are. Maybe you don't save them all but, you do save pieces big enough to use for something special. My rule is if its big enough to use for a pocket, it gets saved.

I've discovered the best fabric-busting project of all time. It uses all your fabric scraps up. Okay, it doesn't technically "use" them but, it does put them to use. You're going to sew a simple floor cushion and store all your scraps inside! ​

​You'll want to plow through that list of sewing projects so you can cut into fabric and have more scraps to fill the floor cushion. Whew! Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. ;)

Cozy Meets Functional

The floor cushion itself is not a good scrap buster. You might need to buy fabric to make it. But, it'll free up space in your sewing area, I promise. 

I was lucky enough to have leftover grey chenille from my pop-up trailer makeover, so I used that. You'll want to use an upholstery-weight fabric or something similar. This cushion is going to take a beating. 

If you have upholstery thread, you can use it here. If you don't, good ole polyester thread works fine. This whole project takes 2hrs give or take. It's a quick sew and gives a huge reward! 

My son uses it as a foot rest while he plays videogames.

If you're still on the fence about making one, think ottoman, pet bed, kid's seat, etc.

My cat claims it as his bed when my son isn't using it for his feet. It gets carried from room to room and makes a great coffee table game chair as well. I'm surprised it hasn't been involved in a pillow fight yet.

All these scraps are going inside the poof.

Supply List:

• 2.5 yards upholstery fabric or similar weight fabric (you'll have a little bit left over) 

• Thread

• Clips or pins

• 14" Zipper 

• That huge pile of fabric scraps

• Sewing machine

• Scissors, a ruler, a marking tool, etc. 

Wash your fabric if you want. I didn't. When I need to wash it in the future, it'll shrink a little and be fine. 

You're going to sew a large cube and fill it with your fabric scraps. Hooray!
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1. Cut ​2, 21" squares. Cut 4 rectangles measuring 15.5" by 21". Serge or zigzag over the raw edges. Upholstery fabric loves to fray. 

Rotary cutter and a mat helps this go quickly.

Serge or zigzag the edges.

2. Clip or pin the rectangles together along the short sides, right sides together. You're making a loop. Sew up the short sides using 1/2" seam allowances, backstitching at the beginning and ends.

3. Lay one square right side up on your table. Clip one side of the loop you just made from the rectangles, onto the square, RST. It's easiest to clip the corners of the square to the side seams first. Then, ease the side seams in. Your upholstery fabric might have some stretch in it but, you tell it who's boss!
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​If you don't want to insert a zipper, sew along the edge using 1/2" seam allowance.

Clip the corners first.

After it's all clipped, it will look like this.

4. Here's where you'll insert your zipper if you want one. This is a little different than inserting a zipper into a bag so, bear with me. 

Clip/pin one side of the zipper to a rectangle edge. Sew the zipper with a zipper foot. 
Open the zipper and clip the zipper tape to the square bottom edge. Sew using the zipper foot. You might have to sew one side of the zipper tape facing down which feels awkward but is totally fine.

Switch back to your regular sewing foot to sew around the whole square. Start at one end of the zipper and end at the other end of the zipper. Open and close the zipper to make sure it's lined up, if it isn't smooth, unpick one side and resew it. 

*It's easier to sew with the flat piece down and move the rectangles out of the way as you sew.

To get the seam and zipper area to match up nicely, sew an extra 1/8" inside the zipper seam allowance when you get to the zipper.

​It's a little trick that's used when inserting invisible zippers. 

5. Now that the hardest part is over, it's time to sew the top square on. Clip the top the same way you did with the bottom square. Start with the corners first, then clip the sides. Sew all around using a 1/2" seam allowance. 

This might look tricky but, take your time. Go slow and make sure you're only sewing over the 2 layers.

Sew around the top.

6. Turn the cushion right side out and pop out the corners. You don't have to worry about trimming the corners unless you want to. I left them alone. Press the seams open as well as you can. 
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Pull it through the opened zipper. At first, I used this tiny 4” zipper. Ha! It was too small. I had to rip it out and use the purple one.

Ta-da! You've made a floor cushion, bean bag, floor pouf, or whatever you want to call it. You made one!

7. Stuff it with all those fabric scraps inside. It's very therapeutic. If it feels empty still, toss some extra yardage inside if you'd like. I had yards of fleece, minky, and faux fur from my baby gift making days and that really helped to fluff it up.

You can even fill it with those random pieces of interfacing you're probably saving.  ;) 

Stuff it with every fabric, ribbon, or interfacing piece.

Tiny zipper was changed out. LOL It was too small.

All that's left to do is use it. Who gets to use it first? The kids, your kitty, or you?

Read Below for Extra Tips:

• Use a long enough zipper to get your hand in and out. Originally, I used a tiny 6" zipper thinking I'd never need the scraps again. Haha!! It was quickly ripped out and replaced with a longer 14" one. It's fun and easy to add more scraps. And, if you need a pocket or other scrap-sized piece of fabric in the future, you can look through them easily. Dump everything out onto a table and sift through them all.

First zipper was way too small!

It's laughable!

It didn't want to let the heavy fabric through.

Unpicked it and inserted a purple one.

• If you have random pieces of heavy-weight fabrics, use them to make the cushion. Use a different piece for each side, top, and bottom. It'll give it an eclectic and lively look. Faux fur would be fun too!

I used the sun faded piece for the bottom.

You can make a set if you have buckets and buckets of scraps lying around. Oh, a set would be great for a kid’s room or game room as well. 

Now I'm off to tackle that sewing to-do list. I need more scraps!! 

It’s waiting for more scraps.

So, are you ready to put all those scraps to use? Well, store them in a fun way at least. If you do, tag me on Instagram @sewingtothemoon so I can see them all.

Happy stuffing!
​Annette

Simple Sewing Projects

This list is chock full of simple sewing projects. Need to sew something that doesn't take a lot of fabric or pattern pieces? This is the list for you! I've compiled some sewing projects that are easy and great for beginners. These are great for scrap-busting and make wonderful gifts, too!

Projects to Sew:

1. Keychain

2. Headband

3. Zipper Bag​

4. Apple Watchband Scrunchie

5. Fabric Basket

6. Pillow

7. Small Purse

8. Advent Calendar

9. Hair Scrunchie

1. Keychain

We all need keychains for our keys or extra sets of keys. You can increase the length of this to make a wristlet or lanyard as well. 

Supplies:

• Fat Quarter or large strip of fabric

• Lightweight interfacing

• Matching thread

• Metal key ring

• Iron + ironing board

• Sewing machine + notions

1. Cut a rectangular piece of fabric that measures 8" long by 4" wide. You can always cut this shorter if you'd like but, this is a good starting size for a pocket key fob..

2. Apply interfacing according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

3. Fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together, lengthwise, and press.

4. Fold one long edge into the center crease you've previously made. Press. 

5. Do the same with the other side. Press. Fold the edges in again and you should now have one long strip. Give it a good press once again.

6. Top stitch 1/8" using 3mm-3.5mm stitch length, from the folded edge starting from the top. Repeat on the other side, starting at the top. (This will help with any puckering that may occur).

Cut fabric strip. Interface if desired.

Fold in half, press.

Fold each half towards middle crease. Press.

Press all folds again.

Topstitch both long sides.

Grab the ring and slide it onto the fabric strip. Pick which side you want on the outside.

Fold one end over the ring about 1/2". 

Fold the end under again, 1/2".

Take the free end and tuck it under the folded end.

Use a clip to hold the layers together.

Add keys and go!

Bring the opposite edge up and under the folded edge. You'll hide the raw edge under the folded edge. Use a clip to keep them together. 

Sew a few rows of stitching making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. That's it! You're done!
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​Add your keys and show off your new keychain. Sew simple, right??

You can make this into a neck lanyard as well. Drape a measuring tape around the back of your neck and bring the end to the front to get your desired length. Add 2" for the folded edge. 
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You can also make this as a wristlet keychain. 

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2. Headband or Hair Scarf

Choose between a thin Rockabilly headband or a wide Pinup style headband to sew. Or, make them both. A gal needs options, right? 

Wide 50s Pinup Scarf

Narrow, Rosie the Riveter Headband

• Wide Headband with a PDF pattern

• Narrow Headband

Click the link above to take you to a tutorial. 

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3. Zipper Pouch/ Makeup Bag

Follow this blog post for an easy zipper pouch. Increase the size and length to make it larger. These make great essential oil pouches, pencil cases, wet bags, etc. 

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4. Apple Watchband Scrunchie

Click here for the blog post and directions to give your Apple Watch a little more personalization. You can find the watch magnets on Amazon. These are very easy to sew. Make one of these for yourself or as a gift along with a new Apple watch. 

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5. Storage Basket

We all have stuff. Too much stuff. And, all that stuff needs a home. Storage baskets and bins are perfect for small items that need some organization in their lives. You can customize these by increasing the size to accommodate larger items. Click here for a smaller size that's great for a beginner basket. 

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6. Pillows

Make a pillow for your bed or couch. Make some small pillows for kids to use too. Pillows are as easy as pie to sew. Follow this Blog post and make all the pillows your little heart desires.
These aren't great scrap busters because they do take larger pieces of fabric. However, you could use a different front and back piece to use up the scraps you have on hand.

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7. Purse

Make a small or large handbag custom to your wants and needs. This tutorial will walk you along with a “choose your own adventure” style bag.

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8. Advent Calendar

Countdown to Christmas

Get a head start on holiday sewing with this ​easy tutorial for making an Advent Calendar. It's a good scrap buster to use up those holiday fabric pieces. You could alter this to make a Birthday countdown calendar or countdown for a wedding, other holiday, etc. It will take a large piece of fabric for the front and back main panels but, you can use scraps for the smaller pieces. 

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9. Hair Scrunchie

Is it scrunchie or scrunchy? My daughter even calls them a "scrunch". Either way, we all love them! They are comfortable to wear and claim to be healthier for your hair than rubber bands alone. A handmade scrunchie will accessorize your outfit and put a smile on your head. Not really, but just go with it.  ;) They also keep the hair off your neck while sleeping, cleaning, or sewing. ;)

​As with most things that are mentioned above, you can increase/decrease the length and width of the fabric strip to make these larger and fluffier or shorter and thinner.

​*I personally like this exact size. I've made a few in different lengths and widths for my daughters but, they love the fluffier size too. 

Fabric for the scrunchies.

Supplies

• 1/4" elastic 

• Fabric measuring at least 23" long

• Sewing machine + notions

• Safety pin

1. Cut a fabric strip measuring 4" by 23". You can use satin, cotton, viscose, rayon, or anything that is lightweight and has a drape. You wouldn't want to use canvas or something that is thick and stiff. You're basically creating a ruffle, so it needs to be able to... ruffle.  :)

2. Fold the long strip in half, like a hot dog bun, RST (right sides together). Sew a seam down the long edge using a 1/4" seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end. You now have a long skinny tube.

3. Turn the tube right side out using a turning tool or safety pin. 

4. Cut your elastic piece 6-7" long. Feed the elastic through the tube using the safety pin. 

5. Tie a simple knot in the elastic or sew the ends together by overlapping them.

6. Fold one short end under. Tuck the other end inside the folded end and clip or pin. 

7. Topstitch the opening closed with a 2.5mm or 3mm stitch. Make sure to backstitch. 

Cut your long strip.

Clip long ends together RST. Clip together.

Sew along the long edge.

Turn the tube using a tube turner or other tool.

It will look like this aftewards.

Cut elastic 6-8” long depending on how thick your hair is.

Use a bodkin or safety pin to insert elastic.

Insert at one end.

Clip the elastic to the end so it doesn't come undone.

Fold one edge of fabric under 1/4".

Sew 2 rows of stitching across elastic ends. You could also tie in a knot too, but you’ll need a longer piece of elastic.

Tuck the open end into the fold end. Clip.

Sew across the seam, backstitching at beginning and end.

Hooray! Now you can make tons for yourself or as gifts for everyone you know. Yay for hair scrunchies!! The 80s and 90s knew what they were doing. 

I hope you've enjoyed these Simple Sewing projects. Share this post with your other sewing friends. These are all pretty easy which makes them great beginner sewing projects.

​Thanks for hanging out today. If you make one of these Simple Sewing projects, tag me on Instagram, @sewingtothemoon I'd love to see what you create. 

Happy Sewing!
Annette

Ultimate Guide to Sewing on a Budget

Sewing your own dress or bag usually costs more than buying one. But, it doesn't always have to be that way. Sewing can be budget friendly and I've compiled this big guide to help you sew on the cheap.
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Hobbies are good to have. They give our hands and minds something to do. Some hobbies can empty your wallet, while others only cost pennies. Sewing is one that can be expensive. There are so many gadgets, fabrics, and machines, Oh my! But, it can be inexpensive too. I'm here to tell you, that you don't need to empty your bank account to sew or advance your skills. You won't need an expensive sewing machine that sings to you either. Let's take a deep dive into the world of sewing on a budget. 

When I first started sewing, the craft stores weren't even close to what they are now. They offered one style of a rotary cutter, one box of pins, and had a 1/3 of the fabric selection they have now. Times have changed and the variety has grown tremendously! You can get everything you need to create your masterpieces, without breaking the bank! Do you really need 6 different pairs of scissors? Not really. Think needs vs. wants when you start sewing. Ask yourself what a minimalist would do, and you'll be good. ;) 


Grab some coffee or tea and a snack, this is a long one.

What You'll Learn

• Where to find fabric

• Patterns on the cheap

• Learn how to sew on the cheap and for free

• Shopping for inexpensive notions (threads, scissors, pins, buttons, zippers)

• Where to find a sewing machine 

Finding Fabric for Less

Garage Sales

​Get up early, grab some coffee, and hit those garage sales. Friday and Saturday mornings are your best bet. Oftentimes yard sales are a sewist's goldmine. They can have boxes of fabric that someone gave them from who knows where and when. If you're a vintage fan, this is where to shop! They'll usually have sheets too. Sheets yield a lot of yardage in sewing terms. Garage sales are also the best places to "wheel and deal". If you show interest, they may even pull out more stuff that's hiding in the back of the garage.

Thrift Stores

​People start hobbies and realize it's not their cup of tea. They donate everything and we reap the rewards! Thrift shops get bags of fabric and sheets (again, yardage) donated every week. Take note of where your local thrift stores are, because they are mentioned a lot throughout this post. They usually have formal dresses that you can use fabric and appliqués from, too. Want to make a pair of PJ pants? Thrift stores have fleece blankets that you can make Pajamas out of. Use a vintage sheet to make a summer dress. Think outside the box and the sky is the limit.
​*Check the fabric for holes, stains, and such before purchasing. 

3.   Friends & Family

​There's always a family member who used to sew and lost interest, just ask. Chances are they have a box or a few bags of fabric stored away somewhere. They planned on making little Suzie's whole wardrobe but, now little Suzie is 23. Free fabric for you!! Will it be dated? Probably but, chances are they have some stuff you could use. Then, you can pay it forward and donate what you don't want.

Ask around, there's always fabric being stored somewhere waiting to get used. If you're learning to sew and are on a tight budget, free is the best kind of fabric. You can also use those fugly fabrics for linings, mock-ups, and to practice on. ;)

4.   eBay, Etsy, Amazon, & other Online Shops

Look online for clearance fabrics. The sky is the limit here but, it'll take some legwork or finger work. Ha! Check eBay for fabrics sold by the yard. Etsy has tons of hard to find fabric as well. I have found some really good fabric prices on Etsy. Lingerie fabrics, specialty elastics, and swimsuit fabrics are easier to find online. If you need knit fabric, I love Girl Charlee. Amazon has been hit or miss for me on fabric. But, they do sell interfacing, zippers, and other notions.

There are online shops that specialize in fabrics but, I've not found spectacular prices at any. But, if you're interested, just do a quick Google search.

5.   Big Box Stores

Check your local craft stores for deals and coupons. Walmart has a whole sewing section including fabric. Hobby Lobby, Joann, Hancock's, etc. are all great options. Sign up for coupons and go when they offer sales, you'll get great deals. You can walk out with $3 a yard of fabric. Check the remnant bins and clearance sections, too. Sign up for emails and mailers to get all the discounts.

​6.   Fabric Swaps

This one is a hidden treasure. Join online fabric swaps through social media. Search for them with hashtags. Call local churches and ask if they ever have fabric swaps as well. You can look for groups on Facebook, I don't personally have FB but, I know of a lot of sewing swaps on there.

I went to a Sewcial and they offered a pattern and fabric swap. Such a fun idea! I have done fabric swaps online through Instagram and have made sewing friends through those. Need to figure out how to store all that fabric you just found? Read this post on storing fabric. 

7.   Wholesale Stores

If you live near a big city, there usually have garment districts. These shops have the best selection for the price. Or, if you're like me and live in the boonies, you'll have to drive to find them. Wholesale fabric stores are full of fabric and notions on the cheap. You have to dig to get a deal but, it can be worth it. I have bought many novelty fabrics for $1-2 a yard. They also sell a variety of home decor fabrics. Looking for faux fur? They sell it by the pound and it can cost 1/3 of what you'd find it for in your local craft store. So, grab a friend and take a road trip to find these fabric shops. They're my favorite places to shop, you never know what you'll find.

Patterns with Small Price Tags

If you're searching for PDF, DIY, or inexpensive commercial patterns, this list gives you a good start. Whether you're on a micro-budget or need all the freebies you can get, there's something everyone.

1.   Pinterest

​This was once my favorite pattern search engine. It's changed over the years, but you can still find a needle in the haystack. Think of Pinterest as a crafter's Google. Scroll past the ads and it can be a goldmine. Need to find a child's dress pattern? Search there. Looking for some handmade apron options, check Pinterest. I have a few sewing-themed boards with tons of patterns, how-to's, tutorials, and more. Follow me over there, I can almost always find a free pattern for what I'm looking for. 

If you want a 50's vintage-style headband pattern, I made a PDF. Grab it here.

2.   Garage Sales & Thrift Shops

​You're going to see these two options mentioned often. You can find patterns galore at garage sales along with fabrics. Thrift stores have them too. They can have vintage patterns that are coveted in the vintage sewing community. The recent surge in sewing interest may make it harder to find patterns as easily. But, these are both great places to start. Garage sale prices will usually be cheaper than thrift shops. Sometimes you can get lucky if a seller wants to unload their family member’s whole pattern stash. The downside of buying used patterns is missing pieces. Open them up to make sure all the pieces are there.

3. Online Search 

​A quick Google search will give you free and inexpensive patterns. Sewing bloggers usually have a few free patterns and some for a few dollars. I offer free patterns here, here, and here. Some bloggers give you access to their whole pattern library if you sign up for their newsletter. Melly Sews has a large sewing library. Sign up for her email list and you get access to all of her free patterns. Craft stores have free tutorials on their websites too. This takes a little legwork on your part, but if you want it for free, it's probably out there. ;)
I do like to purchase patterns from makers as well, as it helps support them. I'm learning pattern drafting now and WOW, it's a lot of work! 

**Disclaimer: free patterns might not be 100% foolproof. So, if you're making a gift or special dress, start the project early. You may need to get more fabric or find a different pattern. ;) 

4.   Borrow from a Friend

​Borrowing patterns from friends is perfectly fine. If a friend is very particular about their pattern collection, ask them to trace a copy for you. You could even ask to trace and copy the instructions at their home. I've done this. I've even mailed a pattern to a friend here and there for them to copy off. They mail it back and usually include a little gift as a thank you. :)

5.   Joann Store Sale

​This one is huge! I repeat, HUGE!!! This is my most favorite way to get new patterns on a budget. Every so often, Joann Fabrics runs pattern sales. They sell patterns for $0.99 or $1.99 ea, depending on the brand. This little piece of information could save you hundreds of dollars. First, you must sign up for their mailers. They share when and what patterns will be on sale inside the mailer. I never know when this happens until I get my mailer, in the mail. It's usually a couple of times a year. There's a whole method to the madness and I'm sharing my secret tips with you below. You're welcome!

• Take note of the sale dates and mark your calendar. It might be within the next few days or 2 weeks away.

• Visit the pattern brand website i.e. Simplicity, Burda, New Look, etc.

• Grab a cup of tea, this will take an hour or so. Search through their patterns, each site is pretty well organized. Look for dresses, pillows, bags, pants, etc. 

• Write down the brand, pattern #, and size you want. Make sure your writing is legible! (Face-palm, ask me how I know this).

• Take that piece of paper to the store and walk to the back where the pattern drawers are. 

• Find the pattern brand drawer and look for the pattern number range that is marked on each drawer.

• Grab the available patterns. Wheeee!!!

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*Hot Tip: Some patterns may be out of print. Many might not be available in the size you want. Write down at least 10 pattern numbers because chances are, you'll only find 4 or 5 in the drawers. I have built up my pattern stash this way. It takes a little work on your end but, it is totally worth it. 

6.   Books

​This sounds silly but, if you buy a sewing book, they usually have patterns inside them. You can buy new and used sewing books online, at thrift shops, garage sales, or borrow from a friend/family member. I have a list of my favorite sewing books here. They all have patterns inside. Books make nice gifts too. If you have a birthday coming up, ask for a sewing book. They walk you through their patterns and you may learn something new from the book.

If you order online, read the reviews and comments. I've bought a book or two in the past that were complete bombs, unfortunately. 

Learning to Sew

We all start somewhere and each of us learns differently. I learned to sew from a sweet little old lady, above a vacuum and sewing shop over 20 years ago. I signed up and paid $60 for a month-long weekly sewing lesson. Nobody else showed up so, I was lucky enough to get 4 one-on-one sessions. I borrowed my mom's sewing machine and learned all the basics. She taught me everything about the machine. How to make and sew bias binding, insert elastic, read a commercial pattern, make a skirt, a potholder that turned into a scissor holder, and tips on choosing fabric. She also told me to always wash my fabric before you sew with it. Although, I don't always follow that rule. LOL
I had a binder where I kept all the info and still have those papers today. I'd like to say I'm self-taught but, I had a great start from a great teacher who taught me the beginner basics.

1.   Family Member or Friend

​I keep mentioning this option because it's a good one and usually free. Ask an aunt, cousin, neighbor, or friend to teach you to sew. They don't need to teach you how to make a wedding dress, just the basics. They can show you how the machine works, how to read a pattern, basic seam, and fabric construction, and why you need to "sew with your iron". You only need an afternoon or evening. I've taught quite a few friends to sew within a few hours. In fact, a couple of friends and I used to get together once a week and sew. We'd make a whole thing out of it. Wine, snacks, and sewing. I really miss those evenings and summer afternoons.

​If you're a hands-on learner, this is the best option. 

2.   Sewing Blogs

​Blogs are great for teaching sewing. They teach different things as well. I share easy patterns and sew-a-longs. Some bloggers teach the very basics and others offer more advanced techniques. Two great blogs that come to mind are Made by Dana and Sweet Red Poppy. I love both of their sites. They're fun and bright. They both share beginner-friendly patterns and have YouTube channels as well. There are hundreds and hundreds of sewing blogs out there, and there's something for everyone. 

3.   Online Sewing School

​The sewing queen, Mimi G has recently launched her sewing school. I am not sure about the price or levels (if there are levels) because I haven't joined. Although, I'm sure it's worth every penny. She was the first sewing blog I came across back in the day so, I had to include her. She has opened the world for home sewers and I'm thankful for her.

Craftsy is a great place for learning to sew. I have taken classes on Craftsy for sewing and other things. It has changed over the years but, I still prefer it for online teaching. It isn't free, but you can catch a yearly membership at a decent price at certain times of the year. 

If you have followed me for any amount of time, you know I'm a huge Gertie fan. Her Patreon membership includes free patterns each month and she usually has a how-to video. She is all about the vintage sewist and focuses on couture sewing. If you want to up your game, she's your gal.

YouTube. The whole sewing world is at your fingertips with YouTube. Make sure you look through a few videos before you decide on one for the project or lesson you're seeking. It's full of great sewers, but there are quite a few lemons out there too. Some of my favorites are Professor Pincushion, Brittany J Jones, The Stitch Sisters, and The Crafty Gemini, just to name a few. I've been a fan of all of them for many years, so check them out if you need a place to start.

4.   Podcasts

​This is a different option because it's a listen-only type of lesson. Not everyone loves podcasts and that's okay. But, for those who do love them, I want to share with you my faves. I've learned quite a few things from sewing podcasts. And, if I'm not learning, it feels like I'm sewing with friends.

• Love to Sew- Helen and Caroline are in Canada and they have such an enjoyable podcast. They share tons of tips, have fabulous guests, and more. They have an online fabric store and pattern company too. So, go check them out.

• Threads- This is the podcast from Threads magazine. It's a pleasure to listen to and has a calm vibe. I've only listened to a few episodes but, they have guests and great tips as well. Of course, their magazine is full of wonderful tips.

• Sew & Tell- This is a fun podcast to listen to while sewing. The three hosts have different backgrounds and personalities. They share recent makes and tell us the trial and error. When I listen to them, I feel like I'm having coffee with friends. 

• Sewing Out Loud- This is a mother/daughter duo. They crack you up once you get to know their personalities. Not gonna lie, they weren't my cup of tea at first but, I've grown to love them. They have years and years of sewing experience under their belts and that's what keeps bringing me back. If you have questions about anything sewing, they'll have the answer you're looking for. 

There are other sewing podcasts out there. But, these are the ones I love and listen to the most. 

5.   Craftsy and National Sewing Circle 

​I'm mentioning Craftsy again but in more depth.
The paid membership sites are great for beginners or those who want to learn new skills. If you don't have access to a friend, you can pay an annual fee and take classes online. Craftsy has tons of videos and you can choose what works for you. I took the bra-making class and love making my own bras. I started pattern drafting for my own body through one of their classes as well. They run sales occasionally so, look for those as a budget-friendly option. 

​I'm not familiar with the National Sewing Circle, but I'm sure they're great too.  

Frugal Notions 

Stocking up on notions can be pricey. If you follow these tips and check the places listed below, you'll save money. If you decide sewing is your jam and want to buy all things 10 years down the road then, by all means, do it. But, for now, let's get the biggest bang for our buck! 

​1.   Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

​I know, I know, you're tired of hearing me repeat these two places. But, they really do have a lot to offer for the sewer on a shoestring budget.

​Look for these used items:

• Buttons

• Rulers, seam gauges, and tape measures if they look new. (They can stretch out over time.)

• Ironing board. If the thought of this grosses you out, an ironing board is fine. Take off the fabric and recover it. I have a blog post on recovering your ironing board, here.

• Pin cushion

• Clips (these work like pins but, are better for certain projects)

• Carbon paper and tracing wheels (this is for tracing patterns and transferring markings)

• Sewing box or baskets, even clear bins are nice

• Bias tape maker

• Zippers, although I don't love vintage ones. 

• Dressform (this is by no means necessary to sew with, but if you see one and the price is right, snatch it up )

• Lace and bias tape packages

Do NOT look for these used items:

• Scissors- you don't know what they were used for. They might have been used for cutting wires. Buy yourself a brand new pair.

• Thread- you don't want old thread. It will break easily and create more lint in your machine. It gets old and loses strength over time. Splurge for the new spools.

• Elastic- do not buy elastic from a used place. It could be a few years old. Elastic dries out and loses stretch. Think about that old pair of underwear in your drawer. The pair that has stretched out elastic...Yikes!

• Pins- they can dull over time and will tear into your fabric instead of poking through. Buy a new pack from the store. They're very inexpensive.

• Seam ripper- you want a nice sharp one and they don't cost a lot either.

• Needles. These are inexpensive, just buy a new pack.

2.   Big Box Store

​This is where you'll want to splurge on a new pair of scissors, a pack of pins, threads, and elastics. You don't have to break the bank for these items either. Walmart has a great sewing section in most stores. They sell everything your craft store sells at a fraction of the cost. It's best to have 2 pairs of scissors. One large for cutting fabric and one small for snipping threads. You can even find a pack of both. They sell limited thread colors but when you're starting out, just buy a spool of black and a spool of white and grab a pack of new pins. 
​
A spool or two of thread, a pack of pins, a seam ripper, and scissors should total out to $30 +/-. If that's too much, hit the .99-cent store for scissors. Yep, they sell full-sized scissors that will work just as well as scissors from the craft store. Heck, they might even have a pack of fabric pins and a measuring tape too. 

3.   Online

​You can purchase new notions online as well. Amazon is a great place but, the prices aren't as low as a big box store. I do prefer to order hardware online. It's less expensive than buying inside the store. If you're learning how to sew, you might not need hardware just yet. But, keep it in mind for down the road.
I love to buy zippers online. I can order from other small stores and get them in large quantities. I usually buy longer lengths because I can cut them shorter. 

​4.   Sewing Swap

This is an unusual place to get notions but, it happens. Every sewing swap and fabric swap I've ever joined is filled with sweet, thoughtful women. They send fun notions with their packages. I do the same as well. One time, I sent someone something and she sent me the same thing. Ha! Great minds think alike. :) As a reminder, you can find these through Instagram hashtags and Facebook sewing groups. You will need the stuff to swap first, so maybe this is a "down-the-road idea" for beginners. 

5.   Friends & Family

​Same as boxes and bags of fabric, Grandma might have all her notions still. And, she may be willing to part with them. It never hurts to ask. Go back and read number 1 for items you don't want. No offense Grandma. ;) 
Ask friends who sew if they have fabric they're willing to part with. The worst that can happen is they say no. But, most sewists have fabric we're willing to unload. LOL

6.   Random Shops

​In Southern California, we have a store called Daiso. It's a Japanese store and it's filled with kitchen items, snacks, crafty things, and much more. It's a fun place to visit and you never know what trinkets you'll take home. They have a cute little craft section and everything is budget-friendly. I've bought scissors, pin cushions, hand-sewing needle packs, and other fun things from there. Think Hello Kitty on an adult level, sorta. Maybe your area doesn't have this same store, but it gets you to think outside the box. A lot of places will sell random craft items in them, you just have to look.

​You don't need to buy everything for top dollar at your local craft store. 

Sewing Machines

1.   Local Marketplace

​I bought all 3 sewing machines in the photos above on Offer Up. Yep! The Facebook marketplace has folks selling sewing machines too. Some are new but, most will be used. I have quite a few sewing machines that I've bought going that route. All of my vintage machines have been purchased through people I found on Offer Up. I purchased a newer machine through there too. Grab the apps and start looking.

Now, that being said, I don't recommend buying a used machine if it's your first machine. This sounds crazy, I know. But, here me out. If you buy a new machine, it will come with an owner’s manual and will be in mint condition. You won't or shouldn't have to take it to get serviced.  

If you buy a used machine, it may not have the owner’s manual. It may have broken gears and will most likely need to be serviced. Who knows when the timing belt was replaced on that beautiful 1950s vintage machine? Service can cost $60-$200 and up. For that, you're better off buying a brand-new beginner-level machine. 

2.   Black Friday Sales

​Ever since I can remember, I've seen sewing machines for around $99 on Black Friday Ads. If you are willing to get in line to grab one of these bad boys, do it! They are usually base level machines but, you can't beat that price. It'll be brand new and should work for almost anything you plan on making.

3.   Sewing Shops

​Sewing shops will have all the fancy machines. You can buy top dollar if your budget allows and they may have payment plans if that works for you. They will show you how the machine works and may have a number of hours for lessons. They'll usually have sewing classes as well.

Vacuum and sewing repair shops usually have a dozen sewing machines for sale. They will be newer models and older. They're used, but will be in perfect working condition. They will show you how to use the machine. And, a lot of time, these places have sewing lessons and classes too. 

Hot Tip: Vac and Sew shops offer machine maintenance and repairs at more affordable prices than sewing shops do.

4.   Garage Sales & Thrift Stores

​Yes, these places are mentioned again because they have sewing machines. A lot of times they'll let you plug one in to see if it works as well. Just be cautious because it may have underlying issues and need service. Someone did donate it after all. But, it's no different than buying one from Offer Up.

Buyer beware, you'll most likely need to get it serviced which can cost more than a beginner level new one.

​5.   Friends and Family

​And, last but not least, ask a friend if you can borrow one. I learned to sew on a borrowed machine and found that I loved sewing. I ordered one online for around $150 after borrowing my mom's for 6 months. If you know someone who sews and has been sewing for years, chances are they have an extra machine lying around. Bonus, they can show you how to use it and perhaps teach you a few things. And, maybe they'll even have some extra fabric they're willing to part with. Win-win-win!!

I hope you can walk away from this list with a new outlook on Sewing, and how you can do it on a budget. Ask around, check garage sales and thrift shops, and get a start on your new sewing journey. 

Want to read more sewing stuff? Check out these 7 common sewing myths. 

Share in the comments below, a budget-friendly tip that you find useful. 


Happy sewing!
​Annette

Simple to Sew: Fabric Basket

Sew a fabric basket to store your little and bigger items. They're great for snacks in the pantry or corralling  makeup items on the bathroom counter. Let's get organized!

Have you caught the organization bug lately? You've cleaned your house and now need homes for all the random little things? With the world starting to open back up, you are probably having visions of people coming over. I bet you're thinking about all the backyard parties as well. Or not. Either way, everyone could use some easy storage ideas for their home. 

Fabric baskets or bins are the perfect small storage remedy. Keep some hand sanitizer inside a cute basket for your visitors. Make one and fill it with snacks for a new neighbor. Use them in the craft room for thread spools or fabric scraps. Or, make some fun home decor baskets for your kitchen and keep fruit inside.

Pick out fun fabrics from your stash or purchase new styles you love. These simple to sew, fabric baskets are 100% customizable. Soon, every room will have a fabric bin. Once you make one, you'll want to make more. I promise! Yay for getting organized!

Let's get started.

Supply List:

• Sewing Machine

• 1/4 yard (minimum) fabric for outer

• 1/4 yard fabric for lining

• Fusible or sew-in fleece interfacing

• Iron and ironing board

• Matching or contrasting thread

• Pins or clips

• Scissors

• All your other sewing notions you love

If you're looking for budget-friendly sewing options, read this post. It's long and has tons of information. If you're brand-spankin' new to sewing, start there. It's a great in-depth post even if you're a seasoned sewer. 

Fabric Choices:

You want a medium to heavy-weight fabric to make fabric bins with. The fabrics listed below are great options but, experiment with what you have on hand too. Make these entirely your own. One fabric I don't recommend is stretch knit. 

• Canvas 

• Denim

• Quilting Cotton

• Home decor fabric

• Upholstery fabric

• Linen

• Oilcloth and vinyl (I don't use interfacing for these fabrics)

Sew a Fabric Basket:

1. Prewash and iron your fabric. *If you are using oilcloth or vinyl, skip this step.

2. Cut 2 rectangles of your outer and 2 of the lining fabrics. Each should measure 10" wide by 8" tall. Of course, you can change this measurement. Make them longer or shorter, taller or wider. This just gives you a starting point.

3. Interfacings: Cut your interfacing and add to your fabric following the package instructions.

• This is where you can experiment. Use lightweight, heavyweight, or fleece interfacing. 

• When I make a smaller basket with denim or canvas, I tend to not add interfacing. 

• When sewing with quilting cotton, I use fleece or a medium-weight fusible. Find what works best for you.

• Foam interfacing is really nice to use. It costs more but, creates such a nice finish and look.

Trace your basket size.

Cut out the rectangle.

Lining will be the same size as outer.

Trace and cut 2" square at the corners.

4.  Cut squares into your fabric pieces. For the measurement above (10"x8") you'll measure a 2" square. Using a quilting ruler makes this part easy. If you don't have one, just mark 2" from the bottom and sides. *I like to place all 4 layers together to cut the corners. When I go to pin the sides and bottoms, I match the corners up. This ensures even corners.

If your basket is smaller, make a 1.5" square. If it's larger, mark a 2.5" or 3", and so forth.

I'm sure there's a science to it but, I can't really math. LOL
​How am I a sewer, you ask? I don't know. ; -)

Interfacing Hack: Piecing it Together

Add interfacing to the outer fabric. 

Here's a quick tip on interfacing if you don't have a big enough solid piece.
​
If you're short on interfacing, piece it together like a puzzle. I do this more often than I'd like to admit for my projects. So, shhh, don't tell anyone. You can't tell from the correct side. Thinner pieces should overlap slightly while thicker interfacings should butt up next to each other. 

Use a whole piece of fusible fleece. If you don’t have enough, follow the hack below.

Cut and puzzle your smaller pieces together. Use a press cloth on the fusible side and press. This takes a little bit more time, but it works in a pinch.

After your fabric pieces are cut, interfaced, and corners cut out, you're ready to sew! 

You can’t tell the difference between the full piece of interfacing or the puzzled one.

Time to Sew

1. Place the two lining pieces RST and pin/clip together.

2. Place the two outer pieces RST and pin/clip together. 

3. Use a 1/4" seam allowance, and sew each side and bottom together, backstitching at the beginning and end.

4. Now, sandwich the corners together to form the boxy bottom. Pinch them in the opposite direction so, the seams you just sewed are on top of each other. Pin together. It should lie flat if your cutting is exactly a square. Match up the side seams nicely because you will see them.

5. Sew across the small corner area with a 1/2" seam allowance. Backstitch at the beginning and end. Trim your seam allowances.
   

Sew down each side and the bottom.

Pinch the lining corner together.

Match seams up.

Pin and sew.

Do the same thing with the outer fabrics.

Press the side seams open as well as you can.

6. Turn the lining right side out. Place the lining piece inside the outer piece. The right sides should be touching each other. Pin together at the  side seams first, then continue to pin around the whole top of the bin. Leave a 4" gap for turning out. You can do this at the back or along a side seam area. 

Place lining into outer. Right sides together.

Matching seams.

Pin. Leave an opening for turning.

Sew the fabric basket top, leaving a gap open for turning.

7.  Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew around the whole top making sure to catch both layers. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the opening. 
 8.  Turn the fabric basket out. Reach inside and gently pull out the lining through the gap you left open. Then, reach inside and grab the outer fabric and pull it out, gently. This is a little more difficult because of the thicker interfacing. Just be patient and keep pulling it out through the opening.
  

Poke out the corners using a chopstick or blunt end of a pencil. I love using my chopstick for poking out corners. My dad brought it back for me, from China, when he visited 20 years ago. It's a near and dear to me, sewing notion. :-)

Pull the lining out.

Tuck the lining into the fabric basket.

Press, then pin.

Topstitch. I used a second row of stitching for this particular fabric basket.

Check your seams. Make sure everything is neat and tidy. No interfacing is sticking out or fabric that wasn't sewn in, accidentally. No puckers either. If anything is happening that you don't love, grab that seam ripper. 


    9.  Push your lining back down into the basket. Press the top edge with your iron to flatten out the seam bulk.
   10.  Last step! Pin the opening closed, and topstitch around the whole top. You can even do a second row of stitching using the edge of your pressure foot as a guide.


That's it. You're done! Go fill it up with whatever fun things you have that need a home.

It looks like a lot of steps but, it's not. Once you make a simple fabric basket, you'll want to make more. They're great for storing all the little things and big things. Just follow the interfacing guide above and experiment with different fabrics and sizes. You can add handles or loops for hanging too. Make an extra-long loop on a bin to use for a trash bin inside your car. There are endless possibilities for these little baskets of fun. 

Share in the comment section what you plan to use them for. 


XO,
Annette

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More Options

Play with sizing. Make them tall. Make them short. If you're unsure if the sizing will work for your needs, use scrap paper to staple the pieces together. Add a handle or two. These are meant to be customized for your own use. Have fun with them!