FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

11 Earthy and Enchanting Fall Sewing Patterns

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Fall is officially here with its chilly winds, falling leaves, and football games. Whether you’re planning some apple-picking, headed out to explore a corn maze, or are just planning on staying inside and cozy with a pumpkin spice latte, these 11 Earthy and Enchanting Fall Sewing Patterns feature your favorite autumnal hues. From opulent oranges to maple leaf reds, these sewing project ideas are sure keep you styling through spooky Halloweens and November turkey dinners.

I am personally a huge fan of reds, oranges, and yellows. Growing up in the midwest, I absolutely love crisp days when the leaves have changed. Watching these happy hues float down from the trees always reminds me of happy football games and fall hikes in the woods. This is why I love including harvest color palette ideas into my fall sewing projects.

Fall Sewing Projects

Free Sewing Patterns Made with Harvest Colors

  1. To the Park Sewn Bag
  2. Peplum Dress Sewing Pattern
  3. Against the Wind Scarf Pattern
  4. Incredible Jean DIY Quilt
  5. DIY Plush Pumpkins
  6. Asymmetrical Autumn Poncho
  7. Lovely Lace Statement Scarf
  8. Knit Pajama Sewing Pattern
  9. Clasp Free Clutch Pattern
  10. Fall Wool Cape Scarf
  11. Striped Dress Tutorial

If love sewing projects, check out our newly updated free sewing patterns eBook for newbies, Sewing for Beginners: Learn to Sew with 20 Free Sewing Patterns.

What do you consider the first sign of fall? Mine is when I see the leaves falling.

17 Legendary Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Adults

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If you’re in a panic because you waited too long to make your annual homemade Halloween costume, don’t be scared stiff just yet. I am here to help you. You may be just as notorious of a procrastinator as I am, or this may have been the year where you put your energy towards your kids or grandkids’ DIY Halloween costumes and forgot to focus on yourself. We can get through this together! With these amazing last minute costume ideas for adults, you’re sure to find something up your alley.

17 Legendary Last Minute Halloween Costumes for Adults

There are all sorts of creative and fabulous Halloween costume ideas here to choose from. Whether you have a weekend till your costume deadline or literally five minutes, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs!

Easy and Clever Crafts to Make in a Pinch:

Adult DIY Minion Costume

Halloween Costumes for Guys Ideas

Here are some creative Halloween costumes for men you’ll want to try out.

Toy Army Man DIY Halloween Costume

Group and Couples Halloween Costume Ideas

You’re bound to find a great idea among these crafty couple costume ideas and group costume ideas.

Flapper DIY Halloween Costumes

Unique Halloween Costumes

These easy Halloween costumes for adults are slightly more involved, but can still be accomplished in a weekend.

Quick Portrait Costume

Don’t forget to check out more ideas for DIY Halloween costumes in 10 Tips for Making Halloween Costumes.

10 Tips for Making Halloween Costumes

And, this wondrous video will give you some no sew Halloween costume tips:

What’s the best Halloween costume you’ve come up with quickly?

DIY Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

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I am one of the lucky few who get to say that I have lived on campus, in a dorm room, with the same girl for all of college. Anyone will tell you not to live with your best friend starting out; I’m just lucky enough that my roommate turned into my best friend. Out of all the crazy stories these past three years, I never regretted a single thing. The only thing I wished could have happened was a decorated dorm room. I got the basics that every college kid needed, overstuffed the car, and went my merry way to school. None of it matched. Even now, as I start my last semester, I still have the same black-and-blue bedspread, gray sheets, and a desk organizer. Besides all the little office stuff, there are no decorations that I take with me. The main reason, I buy my own supplies for college, so I didn’t want to spend money on things I didn’t need when I could have been saving it for things I did need.

What I didn’t realize is that I could have utilized my sewing machine or crafted some incredible dorm room decor so that I didn’t feel like I was staying at a hotel for nine months at a time. You have to make your new dorm room a home, otherwise you will feel so out of place (take it from this wise old senior). But if you or your parents are trying not to break the bank, you need to try these super cute dorm room decorating ideas for girls. They are mostly sewing patterns, but you can get some inspiration for sprucing up your organizers and office space.

Dorm Room Ideas

You’ll appreciate having a comfortable room to come back to after a long day of classes (or a long night of socializing). It will make you a lot less homesick when you personalize your dorm room and have cute homemade pillows to cuddle up to. Homemade picture frames will hold your memories for a lifetime. These easy sewing patterns for bedspreads and ruffled pillows are going to become your favorite patterns to make and will decorate your home-room and your dorm-room with double sets of them. By making your dorm decor yourself, you’re going to love how your unique personality shine through and how much money you will be saving.

 

DIY Dorm Room Decorating Ideas

Handy Dandy Organizer

Antropologie Knock Off Comforter

Ruffly Pillow Cover

Gathered Throw Pillow

Big and Bright Flower Pillow

Rose Pillow

Elegant Swag (Trendy Curtains)

Personalized DIY Desk Accessories

Bedside Hanging Storage Pockets

Storage Drawers Makeover

Fancy Storage Containers

What is/was your theme or color scheme for your dorm room?

DIY Pet Toys

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I have two puppies. Well, technically not puppies. One is a 13-year old yellow Labrador, Lilo, and the other is a 7-year old half black lab, possibly border collie mix, Maggie. So they’re old, but Lilo still thinks she is the little pup we got so many years ago, even though her body can’t keep up anymore. However, no matter how old she gets, she still loves toys. She honestly makes a toy out of anything. We trained her to get the paper from the driveway, to pick out a pair of socks for my dad (as long as the drawer is open), and any loner socks she gets to play with. My dogs are able to make play time out of any household items. So making homemade pet toys has got to be cheaper than buying name brand items, right?

 

DIY Pet Toys

 

DIY Pet Toys

 

That’s why you need to ditch the store-bought toys and make your own with these DIY dog toys. Just a little bit of fabric or an old water bottle can make the different between a dud or a deal.

Now I may not have too much experience in the cat area, or any experience at all, but I feel like I have a good handle on the DIY cat toys and what is considered “cool” in the cat-world (thanks Youtube). Anything small or dangley that attracts attention for short burst of time. And anything they can scratch. Lordy, there’s a lot of scratching.

 

Crunchy ToyI love this crunchy dog toy. It is just a water bottle sewn into a piece of fabric and stuffed. It’s durable enough to play fetch, while soft enough for your puppy to snuggle at night. If you’re not much of a sewist, you can also put a water bottle in a sock and tie off the end. No matter if you’re upcycling fabric scraps or upcycling socks, your fur-baby will love this homemade toy.

 

 

 

DIY Cat Scratching PostFor cats, from what I have gathered, scratching posts are a ridiculous amount of money, but you don’t want to sacrifice your furniture for your cat’s habits. That’s why this homemade cat scratching post is a great way to recycle your cardboard boxes and save your money. I love the fact that you can make it however high or wide you want it so you can accommodate your living space.

 

 

 

 

Whether you have a canine-companion or a feline-friend, these homemade pet toys are going to be your favorite because of how easy it is to make cheap pet toys.

Check out these other toys…

Dogs

Easy Rope Ball Dog Toy

Recycled Denim Dog Toy

Fleece Tug Rope

Doggy Bed and Blanket Set

Your Pet’s Favorite Toy

No Sew Octopus Ball Doll

Run Rabbit Run Dog Toy

Cats

No Sew DIY Cat Bed

Crocheted Cat Toy

Crochet Cat Bed

Holiday Cat Collar

DIY Cat Toy from thediydiary.com

Catscraper DIY Cat Scratching Post from maisonkuotidien.com

What is something odd that your pet plays with?

18 Fabric Flower Crafts To Brighten Winter Days

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When the weather is just barely above freezing, it’s hard to think about flowers. In fact, it’s during this time of year that  you begin to forget what warm weather feels like and pretty flowers look like. It’s easy to let the cold and dreary temperatures bring you down, but what you might not know is that there are so many crafty ways to channel spring no matter the time of year.

With a little fabric (this is a great way to use up scraps!), you can create posies to wear, display and show off.

18 Fabric Flower Crafts To Brighten Winter Days

 

How to Make Fabric Flowers

Scrap Fabric Rosette Barrette – If you want to add DIY fabric flowers to your look, create these homemade barrettes. This is a quick and easy project that’s perfect for beginners and young crafters.

Ribbon Flower Pins – Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and rock one of these delicious flower accessories.

Upcycled Vintage Fabric Flowers – When you have an old t-shirt on hand, there’s no need to invest in fabric. In fact, that’s all you need to get started on this pretty project.

Coffee Stained Roses – The next time you spill coffee on a white shirt, make one of these flowers. In just minutes, you can turn stained fabric into DIY fabric flowers.

Mitzi’s Fabric Flowers – Chose assorted fabric scraps to make your flowers really stand out. Find ow to make fabric flowers that work on their own or as part of a bouquet.

Strip Fabric Flower – In just eight simple steps, you can learn how to make a fabric flower that looks unlike anything else. All you need is muslin to get started on this project.

Charming Hair Flower – Little girls will love sporting this delightful flower in her hair. DIY fabric flowers are always in season, so have her wear one when the weather is freezing.

No Sew Fabric Flower Bouquet – No needle? No problem! Use hot glue to construct your own fabric flowers.

Fabric Flower Bouquet – When it comes to this bouquet, the more fabric scraps you have, the better! If you’re making fabric flowers, why stop with one?

 

Even More DIY Fabric Flowers

Dyed Ribbon Flower – Use white ribbon to design your own one-of-a-kind flower. While you’re at it, make a whole bouquet!

Ric Rac Rose Rings – A little bit of ric rac can make a huge difference with this innovative jewelry project.

Multiple Use Fabric Flowers – The name says it all – you can do so much with these DIY fabric flowers!

Outstanding Organza Flowers – If you have a needle and thread, you can create your own version of this elegant project. Learn how to make a fabric flower that’s both delicate and dainty.

Stamped Fabric Flower Garden – The button embellishment take these free DIY fabric flowers to a whole other level. Make a bunch and use them as a display on your table.

Quilt Scrap Flowers – Don’t throw out that old quilt! Instead, use the fabric to create personalized flowers.

Roses, Ribbon & Chain Bib Necklace – Forget about wearing your heart on your sleeve – it’s all about flowers on your neck. Once you find out how to make fabric roses, you’ll never want the real thing again.

Burst of Color Fabric Flowers – No-sew fabric flowers are perfect for non-sewers. Pick colorful fabric so your posies stand out.

Radiant Ruffled Blossom Bouquet – Start with basic white cotton fabric and use dye to turn each flower into a unique piece of art.

 

What’s your favorite flower?

 

 

Holly Jolly Preview: 12 Sewing Patterns for Christmas

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Christmas may seem far away (heck, we haven’t hit Columbus Day yet!), but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your Christmas DIY projects. Think about it – you need plenty of time to decide what to make, round up the materials, create your piece and properly display it. Come to think of it, you’re running out of time – start working on these free sewing patterns now!

This season, sew your own gifts, stockings, ornaments and more. We’re giving you some ideas to help you get started, but don’t be afraid to try something new, too! We have great DIY designs to help your home sparkle and put you at the top of the “Nice” list. Christmas is the perfect time to experiment and test out your skills, so get started now and see what you can accomplish.

 

Christmas Gifts to Sew

Fabric Advent Calendar – This is a basic yet festive advent calendar that even novice sewers can enjoy. Choose two coordinating fabrics for this project – that’s all you need! This project is so functional, you can leave it up as a basic wall hanging when the season ends.

Christmas Tree Advent Calendar – If you have some felt and embroidery thread, you can make this advent calendar. Follow along with this free sewing pattern and you’ll finish this project in no time. Kids will love counting down the days – use this as an excuse to bring the family together every single day during the holiday season.

Santa Claus Bottle Cover – If you’re heading to a holiday party, it’s important to bring a gift for the host or hostess. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine, but a plain bottle is just so boring. Sew this ultra-festive wine bottle cover and give them something memorable and unexpected.

Snowman Holiday Towel – This towel looks great in a bathroom or kitchen. Be sure to make one before the holiday season starts so you can display it all winter long. If you know someone who loves to decorate his or her space, you can follow along with this free sewing pattern and give them a memorable gift.

 

Free Christmas Stocking Pattern Ideas

Rainbow Quilted Stockings– Tis the season to get crafty! These cute stockings are unlike anything else you’ll see on a mantel. The colors are bright and cheery, but still so perfect for the Christmas season.

Ruffled Holiday Stocking – Traditional stockings often evoke fun childhood memories. Now you can pass those same warm and fuzzy feelings on to your own family members and help create new memories. The red and white colors and festive trim make this free Christmas stocking pattern a real treat.

Repurposed Bedspread Stocking – Instead of throwing away that old chenille bedspread, save it and make this stocking. You’ll also need Christmas fabric and and a wooden star to complete the look.

 

Free Printable Sewing Patterns for Ornaments

Felt Christmas Dove Ornament – Doves symbolize peace and harmony, so this ornament will surely become an important keepsake. This project is perfect for beginners or anyone who is new to the world of sewing.

Simple Brown Bag Christmas Ornament – Who knew a brown lunch bag could be so classy? Add jingle bells and berry springs – you won’t be disappointed by the results!

Felt Christmas Tree Ornament – So simple and so cute! This ornament is traditional yet fun, so you won’t get bored while you’d making it. Be sure to create a few and hang them on your tree in a few different spots.

Quilted CD Ornaments – Not sure what to do with that old CD? Use it to make a Christmas ornament, of course! Dive into your stash of fabric and get to work – you can make a bunch of these in no time.

Paw Print Ornaments – Capture precious memories with this genius Christmas ornament craft. Your furry friend deserves a place on your tree, and this easy-to-make ornament is sure to become a keepsake.

 

What do you plan to craft this Christmas?

 

14 DIY Rug Ideas for Barefoot Living

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“Take off your shoes and stay awhile.” That’s what my mom always say and it always guests into friends and family. Is there anything better than taking off your uncomfortable work boots or high heels and stepping onto something soft. With these tutorials, you can learn how to make a rug that will make your feet feel pampered and refreshed. Although it may not compare to the feeling of sand or cool water, soft rugs can provide instant comfort to hardwood or tile floors. These rugs are ideal for anywhere in the house that might need a little extra home décor.

14-DIY-Rug-Ideas

Don’t overlook the floor when you’re busy making the house into a home. Your feet will certainly appreciate the variety of DIY rugs ideas that you can crochet, sew, and even paint. Use a DIY cheap rug to catch the drips from the kitchen sink. Enjoy the feel of a new DIY bath rug as you step out of the shower. Also, don’t forget to make a special rug meant for four legs with a special project for your pets.

 

DIY Rugs Ideas to Crochet

The most popular way to learn how to make a rug is by getting out your crochet hooks and stitching one together. With these tutorials, you can make rugs to fit any floor space you have. Learn how to make hexagonal rugs, oval rugs, or rectangle rugs. You can also create a rug to fit any color scheme you desire. Crocheting your own rug is much cheaper and easier than hunting for the perfect rug at the store.

 

 

 

 

Other Easy DIY Rugs

Of course, crocheting isn’t the only way to learn how to make a rug. Here are a few easy rugs that you can create using other crafting mediums. Get ready to stitch, paint, and knit your way to easy barefoot living with these fun tutorials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your favorite DIY rug technique?

 

 

9 Ruffled Accessories for a Sweet New Look

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20 Minute Ruffle DressEverything is better with ruffles (no, I’m not talking about the chips). Ruffled edging on clothes first appeared in the 15th century and has remained popular ever since.

Not a “ruffle person,” you say? That’s probably because you didn’t know there’s more than one type of ruffle and more than one way to wear ruffled clothing and accessories.

Sure, ruffles can be “girly,” but they can also be cute, simple, and just plain fun! For every personality type, there is a ruffle that perfectly suits it. Complement your outfit with a few handmade ruffles, no matter what your style. You can make something dainty and feminine, like a Ruffled Lace Flower Headband, or something that showcases your adventurous side.

Be proud of who you are and embrace your style with these fun ruffled accessories. Better yet, make some adorable ruffle apparel for a loved one. Perhaps you know a special little child who would like a Baby Ruffle Hat.

Baby Ruffle Crochet HatWhether you’re fancy, flirty, or fun, there are plenty of ruffle patterns for you to choose from. Add some texture and flair to your wardrobe with these nine ruffled accessories.

 

9 Ruffled Accessories for a Sweet New Look

 

15 Crochet Ruffle Patterns

 

 

 

BONUS! Ruffles look great on crochet wraps and shawls patterns, crochet purses, crochet scarves…pretty much anything can benefit from a ruffle! Check out this collection of 16 Crochet Ruffle Patterns.

 

 

 

 

Which is your favorite ruffle accessory and why?

 

18 Ways to Use Embroidery Hoops

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One of my earliest crafting memories is learning how to use the embroidery hoop.  My great-grandmother, who was a master sewist and knitter, had a large assortment of embroidery hoops that she gave to my mom after she moved to Florida.  My mom spent several days teaching me how to use the embroidery hoop and how to sew and embroider patterns onto fabric.  I had remembered watching my great-grandmother embroider and I loved the poetry of her movement…how she effortlessly created all kinds of embroidered napkins, pillowcases, and handkerchiefs by simply pulling a needle and thread through the fabric.

When I got old enough, I created my very first embroidered pattern, which was a haphazard dedication to Harry Potter.  When I stumbled upon this project a few years ago, it brought me to tears and I instantly hung it above my bookshelf, where it sits today.

As I sat looking at one of the first things I ever remember making, I wondered what else I could do with my great-grandma’s embroidery hoops.  I have a variety of hoops in different sizes…so I did some exploring and gathered up a few of my favorite embroidery hoop projects for you to enjoy!  Whether you use them to embroider or decorate your home, these plastic and wooden hoops can do wonders for your home decor.  Projects like the Jolly JOY Ornaments make for a quick and easy Christmas decoration…and the Embroidery Hoop Bulletin Board is a great way to keep your life organized.

No matter how you use them, these fun embroidery hoop ideas are sure to give you a reason to dig those old hoops out of your craft stash!  Enjoy!

embroidery-hoops

18 Ways to Use Embroidery Hoops

 

How do you use embroidery hoops in your crafting life?

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

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How to Sew Shorts: 18 Free Shorts Patterns Read more at http://www.allfreesewing.com/Bottoms-to-Sew/How-to-Sew-Shorts-15-Free-Shorts-Patterns#OrADZVfkgDgiyvbJ.99

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.

 

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