Kirsten Kwon Archives

Colorful Quilts! Easy Quilt Patterns for Beginners

March 3, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

Quilting can sometimes seem like a daunting task. Not to worry; we’ve rounded up easy quilt patterns for beginners like you. The easy quilt patterns you’ll find here have been chosen specifically to help you learn how to make a quilt. Even if you have no experience quilting, our free quilt patterns will encourage you to give it a try. There is truly nothing as rewarding as taking on a new skill and mastering it.

The best thing about all of these easy quilt patterns for beginners, you’ll be led through each step from start to finish. And if you’re a fan of saving fabric scraps (who isn’t?), quilting is truly the craft for you! Gather up the remains of your favorite fabrics and take look at some of these easy quilt patterns for beginners. You’re sure to find a new, creative way to put those lovely fabrics on display.

Check out these easy quilt patterns for beginners and go from novice to pro!

AllFreeSewing Quilt Patterns:

Big & Bold Beach Blanket (shown above): Fat quarters make up this easy summer craft that shows you how to sew a blanket that’s big enough for the whole family.

Quilt Squares Sewing Machine Cover: The free quilt block pattern is easy to do in an evening, and you’ll have a sturdy new way to keep dust and dirt off of your sewing machine.

Starflower Block: The Starflower Block Tutorial will help you create several lovely blocks which can eventually become a beautiful quilt.
And for even more quilt patterns & ideas:

Pink Colors Quilt: If you love color in your home, let the Pink Colors Quilt Tutorial inspire you to create a lovely quilt for your living space. By combining all different shades of pink, this free quilt pattern makes a wonderful gift for any girl friend too!

13 New Free Quilt Patterns: A helpful roundup of even more free quilt patterns.

Other Great Quilting Resources:

The Quilting Board: About two years ago I stumbled upon an awesome quilting site I think you’ll really enjoy. It’s a gathering place for all kinds of quilting enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for quit quilting tips, ideas or just a place to share your own stories, The Quilting Board is a wonderful place to visit.

FaveQuilts.com: OK, yes we’re technically related (FaveQuilts.com and AllFreeSewing.com are “sister” sites) but even if I just happened to meet FQ through a friend or something, I’d still have some nice things to say about it! They’re all quilts, all the time and when you’re searching for special quilt patterns, this is where you want to land.

What do you love (or hate) about quilting?

16 Free Shirt Sewing Patterns Up for Grabs!

February 2, 2013 by AllFreeSewing

Are the rumors true? Is spring really around the corner? We won’t know until the groundhog gives us the official word but for our own sakes, let’s pretend spring is on the way. Sounds like you’ll be needing some new spring tops for your wardrobe. Not to worry. We’ve just put together this collection full of free shirt sewing patterns to put your mind at ease! Many of these tutorials will show you how to make a tank or how to sew a blouse.

It’s time to whip out the sewing machine and start creating these simple and fun tops. Spring will be here before you know it and you’ll want these pretty sewn tops to be pressed and ready to wear. For all of your free shirt sewing pattern needs, check out some of our favorites below.

Beautiful Bow Tank:

This Beautiful Bow Tank is an elegant top and easy sewing project. Just follow the pattern for a basic tank and embellish it with a ruffled bow. Don’t spend money on a new wardrobe when you can easily make your own clothes!

Ruffle Blouse:

Serged ruffles and ruched sleeves make this Ruffle Blouse a must-have top. It’s a feminine sewing pattern that you’ll love wearing. Learn how to make a blouse with this easy sewing tutorial.

Gardens at Dusk Tank:

There’s something romantic and beautiful about the Gardens At Dusk Tank. It’s a woman’s shirt sewing pattern that you’ll love to wear to parties.

For more, check out the 16 Free Shirt Patterns: Learn How to Sew a Shirt collection.

What are you most looking forward to in spring?

Simple Thanksgiving Crafts: Table Decor, Turkey Crafts & More

October 16, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

In my opinion, Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays to celebrate. How can any day that calls for eating immense amounts of green bean casserole and pumpkin pie be bad in any way? To honor this special food filled holiday, I’ve put together a special roundup of Thanksgiving crafts. As the editor of AllFreeSewing.com, I’ve focused mainly on Thanksgiving sewing projects but you’ll also find a few hidden craft extras.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year you’ll need a pretty tablescape. We’ve included a few lovely ideas below.

If you’re in need of keeping the kids busy (and out of the kitchen while you’re cooking) check out some simple turkey sewing patterns. Whip up a few before the big day, then give them to the kids to decorate or play with.

You can also dress up your little ones in adorable holiday attire.

And for additional Thanksgiving decor, check out some of these simple Thanksgiving crafts.

For the entire list of Thanksgiving sewing patterns, see the 20 Thanksgiving Sewing Projects for the Family collection.

Download the 24 Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes & Fall Craft Projects eBook for free.

What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions? Will you be making any crafts for Thanksgiving this year?

Pink Crafts for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 11, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to celebrate this important cause, our entire craft team has come together to bring you this special roundup. If you’re looking for ways to show your support, check out these crafts for breast cancer awareness month. You can even make several for friends and neighbors so your whole community can show their support. We hope our breast cancer awareness craft ideas inspire you to break out the pink fabric and supplies to create something pretty and meaningful.

Crochet Projects:

Breast Cancer Awareness Brooch
Breast Cancer Awareness Dog Leg Warmers
Pretty Pink Butterfly
Pink Ribbing Purse

Sewing Projects:

Singing in the Rain Umbrella
The Pink Slipper Project
Pink Colors Quilt Tutorial
Pinkalicious Baby Blanket

Knitting Projects:

Knit for the Cure, Felted Ribbon Pattern
Breast Cancer Awareness Washcloth
Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf
Pink Ribbon Illusions Scarf

Craft Projects:

Crystal Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet
Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf
Crochet Chemo Cap
Pretty in Pink Socks

Jewelry Projects:

Breast Cancer Hope Necklace
Delicate Pink Drop Earrings
Pink Panther Beaded Ring
Pretty Pink Cube Bead Set

Kids Crafts:

Think Pink Painted Pumpkins
Pretty Pink Strawberry Stool
Crochet Flower Headband
Pretend Girl Scout Badges

Quilt Projects:

Breast Cancer Awareness Pillow
Pinkie Promise Baby Quilt
Pink Stacks Coin Quilt
Classic Pink Hourglass Quilt

Crochet Afghan Patterns:

Breast Cancer Awareness Square
Diamonds in Pink Afghan
Pink Petals Baby Afghan
Pinky Dreamy Square

Will you be crafting for Breast Cancer Awareness Month? How have you been impacted by this important cause?

How Do You Make a Halloween Costume? DIY Halloween Costumes

August 30, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

It happens every year. Right after Halloween ends you come up with the best costume ideas. Great timing, right? Well not this year! We’ve rounded up all kinds of simple DIY Halloween costumes you can make before October 31st. Whether you’re sewing for the kids, friends or yourself, these awesome ideas (both original and classic) make great costumes.

The 17 Homemade Halloween Costumes collection is the perfect place to start. If you’ve caught yourself wondering how to make a Halloween costume, we’ve got you covered.

Homemade Girls Halloween Costumes

Pillowcase Ghost Dress: A comfy and cut option for your stylish little girl.

Pumpkin Tutu Costume: Use tulle and felt to transform her into a cute jack-o-lantern.

Homemade Halloween Costumes for Boys

Homemade Peter Pan Costume: This Homemade Peter Pan Costume is perfect for the little boy in your life who will never grow up.

Homemade Cowboy Costume: He’ll be ready to ride off into the sunset with this DIY Halloween costume.

Homemade Halloween Costumes for Adults

Fred Flintstone Costume: Make a costume you can wear year after year. This one never goes out of style!

Red Riding Hood Cape: Keep in all the warmth and wear this adorable cape as a Halloween costume or in any chilly weather.

We have tons of other ideas. Check out some of these costumes and collections so you can make sure to win that costume contest this year!

What’s your favorite Halloween costume memory? Have you ever made your own Halloween costume?

The Most Loved Sewing Projects of July! Revisit Your Favorites, Discover New Ones

July 30, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

It’s that time again. With the close of the month and the start of a new one, I always welcome the opportunity to round up all of the projects we’ve featured in Sewing It Up for the past month and find which ones were most loved. We can easily find the projects readers like you chose to view the most. I hope you take this chance to save the patterns to the projects you’ve already seen and really enjoyed and also find new ideas you might have missed.

If you are not subscribed to receive the Sewing It Up newsletters you can sign up here. You will receive the latest on sewing news and contests, free tutorials, suggestions from our designer friends and much more. Plus, you can help us choose the best projects for next month’s collection.

Here are the most loved projects in July:

1. Sweet Scallops Tote

2. Sewing Caddy

3. Simple Cardigan

4. Skinny Simple Table Runner

5. Sailor Dress

6. How to Make Slippers From Jeans

7. Door Organizer

8. All American Tote

9. Mei Tai Tutorial

10. DIY Bathmat

11. Classic Jumper Tutorial

12. Red Poppy Purse

13. Shirt Dress Tutorial

14. Adorable Fabric Purse

15. Rose Pillow

Which project is your favorite? Will you try making any of the top projects this month?

Discover the Most Popular Sewing Projects of Summer

July 8, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

At the end of every month I look forward to rounding up the top sewing projects. These are the patterns and ideas our readers, like you, visited the most frequently. Each week we feature tons of sewing projects in our Sewing It Up newsletters. If you’re not subscribed to receive our newsletters, sign up and you’ll receive Sewing It Up right to your inbox. You’ll find all of our newest projects first! And you’ll be able to help us choose the most popular projects next month.

Here are the projects our readers loved in June!

Frumpy Dress to Swimsuit Coverup: Turn a dowdy dress from a secondhand store into an adorable sundress or cover-up!

Effortless Caftan Dress: Perfect for summer, this breezy dress transitions well from day to night.

“Let’s Eat” Potholder: This easy potholder pattern is sure to impress all your dinner guests.

16 Vintage Sewing Projects & Patterns: Find your inner fashionista with these vintage clothing patterns for women, great for everyday wear or dressing up.

Origami Bag: This Origami bag tutorial incorporates folding fabric and sewing to create a unique accessory. Plus, you don’t have to worry about paper cuts!

Grecian Sundress: Gathered at the neck, this flowy sundress sewing pattern is super easy to make. Made with a light knit this lovely DIY dress is comfortable and doesn’t even need to be hemmed.

More Favorites:

Which of the top June projects is your favorite?

Lovely in Lace: DIY Lacey Sewing Projects

July 2, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

Is it just me or does adding lace to something make it more elegant, lovely and feminine? Phew, I knew you’d agree. It’s really no wonder the lace craze has hit the runways and the sidewalks alike. Everyone wants to add lace to their clothing and accessories because it’s a simple way to embellish without overdoing it. Not to mention, using lace for your summer sewing projects gives them that easy, breezy feel.

If you’re looking to create lace sewing projects that are sure to impress this summer, check out our ideas below. I’ve rounded up some of the coolest lace ideas and added them to AllFreeSewing so you have access to these free lace patterns.

Lace Clothing:

Tablecloth Lace Skirt: Yes, this adorable skirt for girls or women is actually made from a vintage tablecloth.

DIY Lace Top: Such a stylish little number. It’s loose fitting so it’s comfy on even the hottest of summer days.

DIY Lace Skirt: For when you feel like getting a little dressy, create the DIY Lace Skirt. It’s simple to make and with an elastic waistband it’s flattering on any body type.

More Ideas:

Lace Accessories:

Lace Zipper Tutorial: Embellish any ordinary T-shirt with this lace zipper.

Pleated Lace Headband: Make this dainty lace headband and complete your feminine look.

DIY Belt with Lace: Perfect for accentuating your waist, this DIY lace belt is lovely and understated.

To find these ideas and more lace sewing projects, check out our 11 Free Lace Sewing Patterns collection.

Have you ever sewn with lace? What did you make?

Summertime Aprons: DIY Apron Patterns for Women

June 29, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

Around holiday season, free apron patterns to sew are in high demand. If you’re spending hours in the kitchen baking endless amounts of Christmas cookies, you need the proper apron. But recently I realized the summertime is seriously neglected in terms of DIY apron sewing. Whether you’re slaving away in the kitchen baking refreshing treats or playing grill-master in the backyard, summer calls for the perfect apron sewing pattern too.

I’m about to show you a bunch of free apron patterns so cute, you’ll be dying to cook, bake or grill something. Seriously, throw one of these little numbers on the least-likely chef and they’ll suddenly transform from microwave diner to preparing gourmet meals! (Disclaimer: These free sewing apron patterns may not improve cooking skills. They will however help keep you clean and stylish while in the kitchen).

Pleated Apron With Built In Hot Pads: Discover how to make an apron with the hot pads built right in into it. It’s one genius idea we definitely stand behind.

Ten Minute Pillowcase Apron: Believe it or not, this cute and useful apron sewing pattern only takes a few minutes to create. Make several in one sitting for that upcoming cookie baking party.

The Domesticated Skirt: It’s a skirt, it’s an apron, it’s pretty darn adorable. Follow this tutorial and learn how to make an apron you’ll want to live in this summer.

Betty Draper Inspired Hostess Apron: Calling all Mad Men fans! If you’re always wanted to get that Betty Draper look, here’s your chance. Play the part of perfect hostess in this lovely DIY apron.

Easy Ruffle Apron: Add ruffles to anything and you’ve got instant flair. This easy apron sewing pattern will help you create a pretty and feminine apron.

Patriotic Summer Ruffles Set Apron: Grab fabric in your favorite colors and easily create this fun apron set.

For even more apron ideas, check out 15 Free Sewing Apron Patterns collection.

Which of these apron patterns do you like best?

Top 18 Sewing Patterns of April: The Projects You Picked!

May 4, 2012 by AllFreeSewing

At the end of every month I look forward to rounding up the top projects. These are the patterns and ideas readers like yourself loved. Since everyone seemed to enjoy them, I thought they were worthy of revisiting! If you aren’t subscribed to receive the Sewing It Up newsletter, this might be the first time you’re seeing these projects. To make sure you’re the first to hear of new patterns, go ahead and sign up – it’s totally free!

Each issue of Sewing It Up is packed with tons of sewing projects that follow some kind of theme. Whether we’re exploring refashion ideas or coming up with new things to make from our fabric scraps, you’re sure to find inspiration delivered straight to your inbox almost everyday.

Here are your most popular projects of April:

Free Dress Patterns and Skirt Patterns for Women

Super Easy Summer Dress: Wear it out to dinner or to a backyard party.

DIY Lace Skirt: It’s a free skirt pattern that will help you create a lovely piece for your spring or summer wardrobe.

Elastic Waistband Dress: The elastic waistband dress is a great first sewing project for the beginner sewist.

Wrap Dress Pattern: Any baby will look cute using this free sewing pattern.

Patterns to Sew Purses

Totes Big and Small: Carry around your lunch, books, or craft projects, or you could use a tote as a gift bag!

Pleat Top Tote Bag: A flat bottom and wide straps make this Pleat Top Tote Bag perfect for summer beach days or everyday errands.

Emergency Zippered Pouch: Use the pouch to hold band aids or as a gift card holder. Cute, easy and quick!

Circle Bags: Once you learn how to make a circle bag, you can make an insulated lunch tote or a messenger bag.

Free Home Decor Sewing Projects

Mad Men Embroidered Kitchen Towel: Hey Mad Men fans, here’s a kitchen towel craft you’ll adore. Inspired by Peggy Olsen’s scooter, this kitchen towel craft turns a regular towel into an embroidered craft.

Vintage Button Kitchen Curtains: These vintage button kitchen curtains look great in a kitchen or hanging from a quirky bedroom’s window.

Vintage Inspired Dinner Roll Holder: Serve dinner like grandma used to with this vintage inspired dinner roll holder, a retro vintage geometric bowl with a slot for each roll!

More favorites from April: