15 Quick Sewing Projects Under 15 Minutes

July 20, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Let’s face it, sewists- you do not have all the time in the world. While we would love to sew for hours on end, life can get in the way. Luckily, you can use quick sewing projects to get your crafting fix in. These quick and easy sewing projects are an excellent way to take a break. Fast projects let you focus for a short amount of time on something besides your worries. These little projects are great stress-busters. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a fifteen minute break. Just like a 15 minute power nap, quick sewing projects can help you find a moment of zen and center yourself during a chaotic week. All of the projects in 15 Quick Sewing Projects Under 15 Minutes help you find a sewing moment to yourself.

When I am stressed out, I find that taking just a moment of time for myself can help tremendously. Reading a favorite book, crafting a small project, or even sipping coffee all by my lonesome can help me gain some perspective. The best part about a quick sewing project is that you are being productive, too! So, if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, consider trying one of these fab projects. Enjoy!

Quick Sewing Projects in 5 Minutes

If you have 5 minutes, these insanely fast and insanely cute crafts are the perfect time-waster.

5 Minute Gift Card Holder from Burlap Scraps
5 Minute Halter Top
5 Minute Holiday DIY Headband
5 Minute Pillows
5 Minute Skirt

Quick Sewing Projects in 10 Minutes

If you have just a few more minutes, consider these 10 minute wonders. I’m in love with the 10 Minute Apron Pattern. It is just so cute. Don’t believe me? Look up!

10 Minute Apron Pattern
10 Minute Little Pillow
11 Minute Galaxy Skirt
Braided T-Shirt Headbands

Quick Sewing Projects in 15 Minutes

Fifteen minute projects are hands-down my favorite projects. It is enough time for you to take a serious break from the day. These projects giveyou a craft zen moment without eating up too much of your day. Plus, they’re really handy.

15 Minute Fabric Lunch Wrap
15 Minute Mouse Pad Wrist Rest
15 Minute Pet Bed Tutorial
15 Minute Tissue Box Cover
15 Minute Tuxedo Skirt
Bonjour DIY Bath Mitt

If you love these projects you will love our 32 Quick and Easy Sewing Projects.

When you have 15 minutes to sew, what sort of projects do you reach for?

What You (Almost) Forgot to Bring: Sewing Purses, Organizers, and More for Travel

July 14, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Warning: This post contains incredibly helpful information and sewing tutorials.

You were supposed to leave 12 minutes ago for the airport, but you know you’re forgetting something. Your keys? Chargers? ID? What is it??

There just isn’t time to think about it anymore. Boldly you yell at everyone to get in the car, scoop the dazed 4 year-old off the floor, and head out.

Settled at your gate with your group of nomads, a heart-sinking realization sets in that you forgot everything.

Don’t worry! It was just a dream. To prevent yourself from forgetting those personal and family essentials, we’ve created a list of items that you definitely need. Best of all, they’re all simple sewing projects that you’ll enjoy making immensely. How do we know? Come on, you’re on a sewing blog; we’re one in the same. Take a trip with us by browsing through these tutorials on sewing purses, organizers, and more gear for traveling. You’ll be surprised at how incredibly useful each of these free sewing projects is.

Sewing Purses, Pouches, and Toiletry Holders

Sewing Project Ideas for Parents

Necessities to Sew if You’re Camping

How to Sew Helpful Accessories if you Lose Everything All the Time

Sewing Tutorials for the Luggage-less Traveler

Additional Items You Always Forget

Tell us:

Did we forget something? Hopefully not, but if you thought of an item on this list that wasn’t mentioned, tell us what it is!

Kids and Camping Hacks: 17 Camping Crafts for Kids

July 8, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Ah, camping! It is one of the best summer activities. With warm weather and your family, you can escape to the woods or the lake with just a handful of supplies. In theory, camping is fun for the whole family. Time away means tuning out the rest of the world and spending time with one another, but kids do not always see it that way. Keep little ones busy and entertained by making these camping crafts for kids before you are tucked safely into your camper or tent out in the wilderness. Instead of giving them time to complain about missing their televisions and iPads, engage their little minds and hands with some summer crafts for kids. Whether they are playing pretend inside DIY tent summer camp crafts or waiting out the rain with a quiet book pattern or classic summer camp crafts, your kids are sure to have a lovely time exploring these camping crafts for kids. We have collected these Kids and Camping Hacks: 17 Camping Crafts for Kids.

Make Them Their Very Own Tent

While most camping crafts for kids involve the little ones actually making the project, these DIY tents are just too perfect to not put in this blog post. Let your little ones play pretend with their very own tent or teepee. These summer camp crafts would be perfect for a backyard sleepover, too!

Child’s Outdoor Tent
Children’s Hula Hoop Play Tent
Toddler DIY Teepee

Summer Camp Crafts to Keep Your Camp Kid-Friendly

Use these DIY picnic blankets and other camp crafts to make sure your space is perfect for kids. If they have their very own placemat or blanket to sit on, kids are much less likely to get into huge messes while rolling in the grass or mud.

Traveling Placemat Tutorial
Patchwork Picnic Blanket
Outstanding Outdoor Pillow
Great Outdoor Baby Blanket
How to Make a Waterproof Picnic Blanket Tote
Waterproof Park Blanket Tutorial

Summer Camp Crafts for Rainy Days

Come armed and prepared for the inevitable rainy day. It is Newton’s Law of Camping that you will have to suffer through at least one rainy day. If you don’t have a place to explore for an indoor day trip, these quick camping crafts for kids will keep your little ones busy in the tent.

Yo Gabba Gabba Quiet Book
Vegetable Garden Quiet Book
Battleships Folders Tutorial
Baby’s First Book

Friendship Bracelets Summer Camp Crafts

What says summer camping and summer camp more than an old-fashioned friendship bracelet-making session. Friendship bracelets are easy to make, easy to cater to any skill level, and take up very few supplies. This would be a great craft for moms and little girls to make around the campfire but you don’t have to leave out the boys. Every little kid on this planet loves a good friendship bracelet. Plus, they make great gifts for mom or grandma!

God’s Eye
How to Make a Friendship Bracelet with a Recycled Lid
Twisty Bracelet Pattern
Leaf Pattern Friendship Bracelet

If you love these camping crafts for kids, check out these 23 Summer Outdoor Activities and Camp Crafts for Kids and 12 Free Apron Patterns & Easy Garden Ideas.

What is your favorite summer camping or summer camp memory?

The Short List: 7 How to Sew Shorts You’ll Love

July 3, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Wearing shorts is one of my top five favorite fashion choices for the summer. I love being able to feel the sun and the air on my legs without all the extra responsibility of a skirt. I don’t have to worry about wind or crossing my legs just right. I can just enjoy the summer sun comfortably. There’s nothing more freeing than sporting some shorts, flip-flops, and a tee for the day. Summer casual is the best kind of casual. That’s why learning how to sew shorts is such an exciting summer sewing endeavor.

The problem with buying shorts in the store, however, is they just keep getting shorter and shorter. Now I realize shorts should be, you know, short, but do they have to be that short? This is why I have started turning to how to sew shorts tutorials for my summer wardrobe options. When you make DIY shorts from a pattern, you can basically make them as long or as short as you would like. Learn how to jazz up your wardrobe with these amazing how to sew shorts tutorials. Use The Short List: 7 How to Sew Shorts Tutorials to spice up your summer duds.

How to Sew Shorts

Faux Crochet Doily Shorts: I’m loving the lace on these. They are so simple to make and so feminine! Plus, lace-trimmed shorts are huge this season.

DIY Pleated Shorts: Learn how to sew shorts with a classy twist with this tutorial. Wear these pleated DIY shorts with a button-up for a classy brunch or even to work if you make them long enough.

DIY Lace Shorts: Add some length to some cut-offs that are just a little too short with these DIY Lace Shorts.

How to Sew Shorts: Learn how to sew shorts from a pair of old pants with this upcycled sewing tutorial.

Fast and Lazy Linen Shorts: Have an hour to burn? If so, follow this tutorial and you will learn how to sew shorts in under an hour.

DIY Cut Off Jean Shorts: Make the perfect cut offs with this how to sew shorts tutorial.

Simple Shirred Waist Shorts: These are so comfy and so easy. You will not regret sewing them.

Pick one: shorts, capris, or a summer skirt.

Rosemont’s International Quilt Festival: Trends & Hot Topics

June 27, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Last week AllFreeSewing and FaveQuilts were able to make it to the International Quilt Festival in Rosemont, Illinois. To put it in a word, we were ecstatic. As one would imagine, we’re pretty happy when it comes to seeing what can be pieced together with a needle and thread. Browsing through the amazing finished quilts and cutting edge products had us absolutely giddy.

But to keep all of our discoveries and newfound treasures to ourselves would be selfish, so after a few days of calming ourselves down from the madness, we’re here to report the top trends from the International Quilt Festival.

Top Trends from the International Quilt Festival

3D – This is an age of innovation in the world of free motion and hexie quilts. No longer are we confined to keeping things flat with fabric. Ladies and gentleman, it’s time to go big, bold, and home with dimensionality in your quilting projects & products.

Color! Now you might be thinking, “Duh, AllFreeSewing and FaveQuilts, color is always at a quilt festival,” but we’re here to tell you that it was like a color explosion in Rosemont. Brights prominently made their way into every kind of quilt and fabric available at the show.

Novelty Fabrics – Along with wild colors were uninhibited prints on tons of fabrics we saw available. Movie characters, animals, and even popular Pins made their way to the show this year.

Embroidery – Designs and long-arm machines made our mouths water at the International Quilt Festival. We were particularly excited to see a lot of fabrics that made use of sparkly thread as a detail, similar to inlay thread.

Needless to say, we’ll be returning next year. Watch out, 2015! Here we come!

Have you ever been to a quilt festival?

Summer Lovin’: How to Sew a Bag for the Beach

June 21, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Going to the beach is right up there with barbeques, outdoor concerts, and fireworks when it comes to the quintessential summer activities. If you are a total beach babe, you know that having the perfect beach bag can make or break your day at the beach. A bag that is too hefty or too small can mean a lot of inconvenience. That is why we have collected these tutorials that will show you exactly how to sew a bag that is perfect for some fun in the sun. Summer Lovin’: How to Sew a Bag for the Beach has everything you need to create a beach bag you will love and adore for many, many summers to come.

My favorite beach bag is a tote bag I purchased long ago. It is old enough to get sandy, sturdy enough to stand upright on my towel, and big enough to carry all of my essentials. I have a hard time finding the right size bag. If a bag is too big, I end up filling it with things I insist I might need at the beach. This means I’m lugging a heavy bag with a few too many books, some snorkeling equipment I won’t be using, and sometimes even my phone charger. All of these patterns show you how to sew a bag that is the perfect size for your essentials. So, sew one of these up, pack up your beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, favorite guilty pleasure reading material, and any other essentials, and get ready to get your tan on.

How to Sew a Bag for the Beach

1. Swimming Bag Tutorial Bottom-right
2. Hooded Towel Backpack Bottom-center
3. Canvas Beach Bag Top-left
4. Insulated Bag Tutorial
5. Beach Bag and Towel in One
6. Summer Fling Bag Tutorial Top-right
7. Super Shark Satchel
8. Shower Curtain Beach Bag
9. Hooded Beach Towel Backpack Bottom-left
10. Fab Flamingo DIY Tote Bag Top-center

If you adore these bags and want to learn how to sew a bag for any occasion, check out 27 Patterns to Sew Purses + 6 New Coin Purses and our Sewing Bags: Tutorial’s You’ll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns eBook.

Are you an active beach-goer or a sleep in the sun beach-goer?

8 Patterned Pillow Tutorials We Want You to See

June 8, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

You’ve got to admit, pillow tutorials to sewists are mugs to a regular Joe. No matter how many of them you have, you can’t help yourself from collecting one every time it catches your eye. We understand, and we’re here to enable you even more. The editors at AllFreeSewing happen to adore an easy pillow tutorial (and mugs, in fact), and today we’re featuring 8 Patterned Pillow Tutorials We Want You to See.

You won’t find these DIY pillow designs on AllFreeSewing just yet; they’re newly discovered and we’re absolutely in love with them. Best of all, all eight of these handmade pillow tutorials are totally on trend with the latest fad of prints and patterns. Super stylish patterned pillows allow you to keep the major pieces in your house, like couches and chairs, timeless and neutral. Instead of picking a print for your love seat that you’ll hate ten years from now, stick with a solid color and infuse life into your home with DIY pillows. Small but strong accents like those created by these pillows’ prints can keep a room’s décor from feeling overwhelmed and busy while still appearing fresh.

Take a look at the latest in pillow fashion and get inspired to pile on the prints!

What do you think? Do you love these DIY pillow patterns? Are they causing you to jump from your computer, grab your pillows, and refashion them with loud and lovely prints? Maybe you lack the enthusiasm that the editors at AllFreeSewing do for such home dec designs as pillows and pillowcases, but we hope you at least feel inspired to go forth and create from this roundup of pillow ideas. If anything, they’re easier to store than mugs 

Win a copy of Kate Smith’s newest collection of crafting tutorials, Makery.

Love making accessories for your home and friends? Then you will absolutely LOVE this adorable book. Full of fun, fancy, cute, creative, and absolutely do-able projects, Kate Smith’s Makery is a crafter’s dream. Enter to win a copy today! Contest ends on June 23rd, 2014 at 11:59:59 P.M. Eastern time.

Do you DIY any of your home dec?

8 4th of July Sewing Projects You Should Probably Make

June 2, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Where did the time ago? It feels like a minute ago we were putting up our Christmas trees and now we’re already celebrating the 4th of July. Is it time travel? Witchcraft? No, just life.

As many of our faithful fans and friends know, at AllFreeSewing we’re all about celebrating the holidays with the help of talented designer across the world. Day in and day out we get to scour blogs and websites seeking absolutely astounding sewing tutorials. What with the patriotic madness that is about to ensue in the states, our latest mission was to find 4th of July sewing tutorials. And boy did we find them. If you’re after some furiously fun and easy patriotic projects, we have a whole collection of them plus additional ones below! Some of these finds are no-sew, some use felt, others refashion old clothing, but they all involve fabric and all yield fabulous results. You won’t find the roundup below on AllFreeSewing just yet, so take advantage of our list to create amazing home decor and clothing to celebrate Independence Day.

4th of July Sewing Projects

You Should Probably Make

Gorgeous, right? How excited are you to start decorating your home for the fourth? Additionally, you can find even more fabulous patriotic crafts in our collection, 18 Fourth of July Crafts: How to Sew Pillowcase Dresses, Star Pillows and More. In this roundup of tutorials you’ll find clothing for kids, adults, and home decor ideas. Don’t overlook this holiday; it’s an opportunity to go all out in your festivities. In short, it’s an excuse to sew.

How are you celebrating

the Fourth of July?

You Don’t Say! Interesting Survey Results from Our Readers

May 27, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

At AllFreeSewing, we genuinely want to know how to best serve our readers. If you subscribe to our newsletter, Sewing It Up, you may have noticed an opportunity to participate in a survey. We really wanted to know what you liked, didn’t like, and wanted when it came to Sewing It Up. After all, we love making the content, and want you to love reading it!

Take a gander at some interesting responses that we received from you!

Our readers sew the most for…

Themselves! We were extremely interested to find that 69% of our readers sew for adults, and given the demographic information that we gathered alongside this, that means themselves! Most exciting. How will AllFreeSewing respond? With more adult patterns and tutorials, of course! It can feel silly to splurge at the store on yourself, but when you actually sew clothing for your closet you can spend some of your creative energy simultaneously.

The second largest age group that our readers sew for is 0-3 year-olds. Deep in our laboratory (at our desks), the editors hypothesized that readers are attracted to sewing for babies and toddlers because of the size of the project and often the skill level. Because of the size, these projects usually take much less time than an adult pattern and obviously they use less fabric.

Our readers want more…

Bags & purses! Yes, when asked what they’d like to see more of, 49% of our readership responded with bags & purses, and we’re hardly surprised. Top ranking collections on AllFreeSewing include 12 Beautiful Tote Purse Patterns, 27 Patterns to Sew Purses + 6 New Coin Purses, and Sewing Bags: Tutorials You’ll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns.

But, editors at AllFreeSewing, that can’t be all your readers want… you’re absolutely right. We learned that apart from the always popular bags & purses, our readers would really appreciate:

Patterns for men! Plus-Sized Patterns! Tips & Tricks!

Trust us, these patterns are on our radar. We’ve initiated some call-outs for all of these patterns, but we need your help! Menswear and plus-sized tutorials are scarce in the sewing community, so if you know of or have any of these get in touch with us! We’d love to work with you to let these kinds of ideas reach our readership.

Lastly, probably the most important question we asked our readers was if they’d prefer a lifetime supply of chocolate or fabric. 81.04% of readers said fabric, 2.90% of readers said chocolate, and 16.06% couldn’t decide.

What a survey. What results! What shocking information! We appreciate all of our readers and want to extend a big thank you to those that participated in our survey. We still would like to know however,

if you didn’t answer the lifetime supply question…what would you choose? Chocolate or fabric?

The Ultimate Father’s Day Gift Guide

May 22, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

Whenever I ask my dad what he wants for Father’s Day, he usually gives me the same dad-like response: nothing. He doesn’t want me to spend my money on something silly. This is infuriating. I’m set on buying him a Father’s Day gift. The least he could do is give me an idea! If you have this same problem, you’re in luck. We’ve done all the work for you.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, you might be struggling to find unique and special last-minute gifts to purchase for your pop. While some dads are famously easy to impress, some are just a little bit more discerning. This fun flowchart will help you find the perfect gift for any dad, whether he’s as hungry as Homer Simpson or as dapper as Don Draper. The best Father’s Day gift ideas are the gifts that you spend the time and effort to craft yourself. Unfortunately as you grow older, macaroni necklaces and finger painting will just not do the trick. Lucky for you, we have compiled these crafts just for you. Just start with which famous father your pops resembles and follow the arrows! These Father’s Day gift ideas are sure to make your dad super proud and impressed.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

1. Skinny Tie Tutorial – Dress your dad up with this on-trend tie. Even Don Draper would be over the moon if he received this lovely gift from Sally.
2. The Boxy Dopp Kit – If your dad travels a lot for work, jet-setting off to new places all on his own, this manly toiletries kit is the perfect gift.
3. The Gentleman’s iPhone Case – Some dads have no idea how to use a phone while others are tethered to it constantly. If you’ve got a techy dad, this is the gift for him!
4. Men’s Pisces Sweater – A Cosby sweater for a Cosby Dad? Enough said.
5. How to Sew Pajama Pants – Keep your couch potato of a pop happy with these pajama pants.
6. Sofa Caddy – Couch potatoes will love this in-reach organizer.
7. Baked Cinnamon Doughnuts – Feed a dad a doughnut and he will be happy for a whole day (or until he is out of doughnuts).

Looking for more Father’s Day gift ideas? Check out 17 Simple Sewing Projects for Men: Father’s Day Gifts.

Plus! Don’t forget to enter to win Easy Weekend Quilts + Simple Quilts.

Quilts can be quick projects. It can be hard to fathom finding a quilting pattern that doesn’t take hours upon hours of work to create, but the authors of Easy Weekend Quilts and Simple Quilts have perfected the art of creating quick and easy quilt patterns for all skill levels.

The deadline to enter is June 9, 2014 at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

What are you planning on buying your dad for Father’s Day?