Creative Sewing Project Ideas and Tutorials

Make an adjustable bag strap: Free sewing tutorial!

by Kellie Rose | Mar 6, 2023 | Care and Repair, Fabric, Interfacing and Interlining, Project Ideas, Quilt Fabric, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

I recently found this fab vintage bag in a charity shop but the strap was too short for my liking… I decided to replace the strap so I could wear it cross-body, whilst adding a pop of rainbow at the same time ✂️ So here’s a quick post on how to make an adjustable bag strap!

This is a really easy project – knock one up in less than 30 minutes ⏰

Knowing how to make an adjustable bag strap is a really useful skill to have in your sewing techniques toolbox… I’ve replaced quite a few of the straps on my daughter’s bags as she’s grown… it’s also a great option if a current bag strap is uncomfortable, or just a bit tatty & worn out.

Replacing the strap can prolong the life of your fave bag, or just give it a new look! You only need a few supplies too!

Scroll down for a written tutorial or catch the vid below…

How to make an adjustable bag strap

A sewing project for: Beginner Friendly

Sewing Time: Under an hour

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

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Make an adjustable bag strap in less than 30 minutes

Need to know:

For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 3mm unless otherwise stated.
Read through the instructions fully before starting

Disclaimer: Strangulation hazard: Children must be supervised at all times.

You will need:

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We have an amazing selection of bag hardware and notions… check out our full range of bag-making supplies here

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

2m of your chosen webbing of strapping
2 x swivel clips (also know as dog hooks) that match the width of your webbing or strapping
1 x slider that match the width of your webbing or strapping
2 x D-Rings (optional – if you’re using an existing bag then you are likely already to have D rings already sewn in)

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Coordinating thread
A machine needle that is strong enough to handle double thickness of your chosen strapping (eg a denim or leather needle)
Scissors
Tape measure or ruler
Quilting clip
Basic Sewing Kit

Make a replacement cross-body bag strap

Cut off the original strap

Make a replacement bag strap - Step 1 - Cut off the original strap

2. Thread 1 end of your webbing/ strapping through from the underside of the strap slider. Bring the end over the central bar then thread back through to the back

3. Sew the end to secure – a zipper foot can make this easier

4. Thread a swivel clip/ dog hook onto the strap. Hook on the opposite side to sewn hem near the slider

Step 4- Make a replacement bag strap - thread a swivel clip onto the strap.

Want to know your #5 from your #3 zip? Check out our Zip Type Guide

5. Checking the strap isn’t twisted, thread the unsewn end of the strap through the slider

6. Thread the unsewn end through the remaining swivel clip

7. Sew the strap end down to secure the hook around the final swivel clip

8. Clip and go!

And you’re finished, well done!

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Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern & Tutorial

by Kellie Rose | Aug 17, 2022 | Project Ideas, Tutorials, Zips

For the love of cute! We are totally smitten with these decorative star zippers… Not only is there a cute star zip pull, but there are cut-out stars along the zipper tape! Inserting these decorative exposed zips has a slightly different construction method to regular zips so we just HAD to put together a tutorial for you to show off their star splendour. Read on for our Exposed Zipper Pouch free pattern & tutorial.

This free pattern has been sized and designed to fit these 25cm Star Lace Edge Decorative Zips. If you have smaller 20cm Lace edge Zips to hand then go check out this post as the pattern there fits a smaller length zip

In the free pattern there are 2 options available for you to sew.

Option 1: uses 1 fabric for the outer panel. This is ideal for a border print fabric, larger print fabrics or if you want a quicker sew

Option 2: uses 2 fabrics on the outer panel. Perfect to add a little more interest to your design and show off complementary fabrics

A sewing project for: Adventurous beginner
Finished Dimensions: 26cm x 17cm
Approximate sewing time: in an afternoon

Request the Free Pouch Pattern

free pattern and tutorial to insert a lace edge zip

Important Notes:

1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.

For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.

When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam

Prepare your fabrics as per the manufacturer’s care advice

WST = Wrong Sides Together

RST = Right Sides Together

Read through the instructions fully before starting

We use fusible fleece in this project which can add bulk to your seams. We trim these out but you may prefer to cut the fleece without the seam allowance

You Will Need:

For Option 1:

For Option 1
Item	Amount required	We used
The Pattern: Available here
Fabric A: Cotton Fabric for outer	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Dragonfly Flight Yellow
Fabric B: Cotton Fabric for lining	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Hexie Sprinkle Orange
25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip	1	Turquoise: 25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip
Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece H640 – White
Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium G700 – White
Removable light tack tape		Scotch Magic Invisible Tape

For Option 2
Item	Amount required	We used
The Pattern: Available here
Fabric A: Cotton Fabric for outer main	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Dragonfly Flight Teal
Fabric B: Cotton Fabric for lining	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Shooting Stars Hot Pink
Fabric C: Cotton Fabric for outer contrast	1 Fat Quarter	Riley Blake – Imagine – Colour Wheel White
25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip	1	Turquoise: 25cm / 10 inStar Lace Edge Decorative Zip
Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Iron-on fusible Volume Fleece H640 – White
Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium	50cm	Vlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interfacing – Medium G700 – White
Removable light tack tape		Scotch Magic Invisible Tape

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Sewing machine

Co-ordinating sewing thread

Pressing Cloth

Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler

Tape Measure or ruler

Pins or Clips

Bamboo Point Turner

Temporary fabric marker

Co-ordinating sewing thread

Basic Sewing Kit

Make Life easier with

Curved Tailors Awl / Hook

Wonder Clips

Applique Scissors

Let’s make the Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern!

Step 1: Request Free Exposed Zipper Pouch Pattern

Print & Assemble your pattern pieces. You can request the pattern here. This pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

IMPORTANT: Use the 1” / 2cm test square to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option.

Step 2

Cut out your fabrics and interfacings according to the pouch option you are making

For Option 1

From Pattern Piece 1 :

2 x outer

2 x lining

2 x fusible fleece

2 x woven interfacing

For Option 2

From Pattern Piece 1 :

2 x lining

2 x fusible fleece

From Pattern Piece 2 :

2 x outer main

2 x woven interfacing

From Pattern Piece 3 :

2 x outer contrast

2 x woven interfacing

Step 3: Apply the interfacings

Iron the woven interfacing to the wrong side of your outer fabrics For full instructions on how to apply woven interfacing please check out this post
Iron on fusible fleece to the lining following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 4: (Option 2 only) Sew the outer panel

Take 1 x outer main and 1 x outer contrast & place RST & sew along the longest edge. Repeat for the other 1 outer panel.

4. Press seams open, and then towards the darker fabric. Topstitch close to the seam line, if desired.

Step 5: Prepare the panels

On the top edge of your pouch mark 1cm in from each edge on all the outer & lining pieces

Marck 1cm in from each edge on all outer and lining pieces on the top edge of your pouch

With outer panel & lining RST sew along the top edge between the marks you’ve just made

Sew along the top edge between the marks you've just made

Repeat for the remaining outer & lining panels
Cut away the fusible fleece from the seam allowance taking care not to snip through your stitching or fabric. Applique scissors are a great tool for this job.

Cut away fusible fleece from the seam allowance

Using a pressing cloth, carefully press the seams open ensuring the iron doesn’t touch the fusible fleece. Then press the seam allowance towards the lining. You should have a crisp seam line.
Understitch: open out the panel and make sure the seam allowance is pressed to the lining side. Sew the seam allowance to the lining side, sewing approx. 2mm from the seamline between the marks. This will ensure your lining is not vising and the panels “roll away” from the zip. Your lining will now look like this

Understitch and sew the seam allowance to the lining side, sewing approximately 2mm from the seamline between the marks.

Fold the panel along the seamline with WST, then cover with a pressing cloth and press.
Repeat steps 5-11 for the other outer & lining panel.

Step 6: How to insert a lace edge exposed zip

Check the zip works.
Open one panel out flat and position the zipper teeth so they are on the lining side of the seam, close to the seamline.
Tape the zip in place with the Scotch Magic Tape.

Sew the zip with co-ordinating thread using your zipper foot between the marks

Sew the zip with coordinating thread between the marks using zipper foot

Repeat steps 14 – 16. for the other panel ensuring the 2 panels line up. Folding the lining of the first panel under it’s outer.

Fold the lining of the first panel under its outer

Step 7: Assemble the zipper pouch

Check the zip then leave the pull halfway
Open out the panels to bring the 2 x outer and 2 x lining fabrics right sides together and pin/ clip the bottom edges together.
Sew both bottom edges, leaving a 10cm turning gap in the lining.
Align the zip tape ends and pin/ clip them together.
Pin/ Clip and sew the 2 sides.
[Optional but recommended] Trim out the fusible fleece from the seam allowances

One at a time open out the corners and align the side and base seam lines with the seam allowances open.
Align the edges, then pin then sew them together.

Align the edges, then pin then sew them together.

26. Turn the pouch out the right way

27. Sew the gap in the lining closed using either machine or hand sew with ladder stitch

And you’re finished. Congratulations!

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Free Peg Bag Pattern & Sewing Tutorial

by Kellie Rose | May 30, 2022 | Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

♻️ Line drying your laundry rather than tumble drying is going to save both energy & money (and goodness knows we need all the help we can get right now!) The planet thanks you for pegging! ♻️

Our original 20-minute peg bag tutorial still is one of the most viewed tutorials on the blog and it was one of the earliest I did… Call me vain, but it makes me cringe every time I look at it – I definitely didn’t have the Photoshop skills I do now! At least it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come 🙂

So…. in honour of the sunshine arriving & the popularity of that early post, I’ve revamped the peg bag tutorial and made the whole project a little more polished with a peg bag pattern to boot which you can access further down the post…

It’s still important to me to have a peg bag that has some water protection – it can’t just me that leaves the peg bag on the line and gets rusty pegs when it rains?! In the original tutorial, I lined the bag with waterproof PUL, but in this one, I’m choosing to use ODIF Odicoat Gel to provide some water protection.

You could definitely still use PUL with this pattern – just switch out the lining and/ or the interfacing for Waterproof PUL.

This peg bag is still based around a child’s coat hanger AND it’s still a really quick make. This one will take you a little longer than 20 minutes – but I reckon you’ll still make this in well under an hour (excluding the Odicoat gel that is)

I hope you enjoy my rather more polished project and make one to pimp up your laundry routine!

Peg Bag Pattern: A Sewing Project for a Confident Beginner

Approximate sewing time: Around an hour

Finished Dimensions: 30cm x 30cm (excluding the coat hanger)

Important Notes:

1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
When topstitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
Prepare your fabrics as per the manufacturer’s care advice
If you use Odicoat then ensure you use greaseproof paper as a barrier when you dry press
RST = Right Sides Together
WST = Wrong Sides Together
Read through the instructions fully before starting

You Will Need:

40cm Cotton Fabric A for peg bag exterior
40cm Cotton Fabric B for peg bag exterior
1m 25mm Bias Binding
40cm Light- Medium weight interfacing (I recommend Vlieseline / Vilene Cotton Woven Interlining Light G710)
*Optional* ODIF ODICOAT Fabric Coating Gel for water resistance
A child’s coat hanger [affiliate link]

Equipment:

Sewing machine
Sewing Thread
Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler
Tape Measure or ruler
Pins or Clips
Pinking Shears or rotary cutter pinking blade
Basic Sewing Kit

A note on optional water-resistant coating for your peg bag

This is completely optional, but by applying a water-resistant coat of ODIF Odicoat gel to your peg bag it will help your project last longer, as well as helping to protect your pegs from rusting if your peg bag gets rained on.

Free Peg Bag Pattern Sewing Tutorial

**1. *Optional: Odicoat the exterior fabric**

If you plan to apply an Odicoat water-resistant coating to your peg bag now is the optimal time to apply it. If (like me!) you didn’t apply the gel to the fabrics ahead of time you can always apply the gel to your finished peg bag but it’s not as easy to get an even finish with the gel. Follow our Odicoat tutorial here.

2. Download & print the free peg bag pattern

Download a copy of the peg bag pattern here Please note, this pattern has been designed to print on A4 paper



Peg Bag Pattern Printable [final]

275KB ∙ PDF file

Download

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Print your pattern on A4 paper at 100%. Check the squares on the pattern measure 1in/ 2cm
Tape it together in the following layout:

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Check your coat hanger fits inside the top front pattern piece, remembering there is a 1cm seam allowance. Our pattern has been sized for these coat hangers [affiliate link]. If the “shoulders” of your coathanger are outside of the pattern, just trace around the coathanger shape, enduring you keep a horizontal line at the top of the pattern.

3. Cut & prepare your fabrics

You can block fuse the interfacing onto your exterior fabric and cut it out at the same time as the exterior fabric if you wish

Exterior Fabric A :

1 x back
1 x front top
1 x front bottom

Lining Fabric B:

1 x back
1 x front top
1 x front bottom

Interfacing

1 x back
1 x front top
1 x front bottom

Apply the interfacing to the wrong side of the exterior pieces following the manufacturer’s instruction if you have not block fused your interfacing.

4. Sew your pattern pieces

With RST sew the back exterior & lining panels at the top edge only with a ¼” seam allowance. Repeat for the front top panel & press seams open (using greaseproof paper as a barrier if you have used Odicoat) and fold along the seam line, fabrics wrong sides together. Press again.

Baste: For each pattern piece, baste the exterior and lining fabrics together with WST

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5. Apply bias binding

Starting with the front bottom panel, apply the bias binding to the curved edge, leaving a bias binding overhang on each side. Repeat for the top front panel on the straight edge.

Once you have sewn the first bias stitching line it’s a good idea to back the curved edge close to the seam line with pinking shears to help the bias binding lie flat.

d6b52d8c-223b-4578-a391-ffca56767b03_500x417

6. Assemble the peg bag

Lay your basted panels in the following order on your work table & pin/ clip around the exterior edge
1. Back panel exterior side up
2. Front bottom exterior side down
3. Front top exterior side down

Sew all the way the round edge of your peg bag ensuring you leave the gap at the top of the bag for your coat hanger to fit though that you stitched earlier. Backstitch over the bias binding ends a few times to reinforce the peg bag opening
Finish your internal seams with your preferred seam finishing method (we choose to overlock) See this post if you need more detailed instructions
Turn to the right side and press

7. Optional Odicoat

It is far better to apply the Odicoat gel before you start sewing, but sometimes life gets in the way of such forward planning! If you haven’t already & want to, apply the Odicoat gel to your finished project. Place a piece of greaseproof paper inside the peg bag to stop the gel going on the lining & between coats check the gel hasn’t pooled on the underside of the bag before letting it to dry, as per our full Odicoat tutorial here.

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And you’re finished, well done!

Did this tutorial help you? If it did I’d appreciate it if you’d leave a comment or a ❤️ on this post to help other people find my work! And if you’d like to hear more from me I’d love it if you would subscribe below… thanks so much!

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Washable & Reusable Bin Liner Sewing Tutorial

by Kellie Rose | May 11, 2022 | My Makes, Project Ideas, PUL Projects, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

We’re always looking for new ways to go zero waste here at Plush Towers & one item we have been keen to ditch is the plastic waste-bin liner and we have been looking for a reusable alternative…

As the world, quite rightly, moves away from single use plastic bags that at one time many of us used to line small waste bins we have been pondering what a zero-waste replacement could be. We thought it was time to unleash into the world a tutorial for a reusable & washable waste bin liner!

This washable bin liner is the perfect zero-waste solution for all those light use bins in the bedroom, office or bathroom…

Anatomy of the washable bin liner

Outer Fabric: We’ve used waterproof PUL as the lining fabric in this project.

Why this fabric you might ask?! We figured it was the perfect fabric choice for handling lightly soiled bathroom items such as cotton pads or ears buds. Choosing waterproof PUL means there there won’t be any unwanted leaks through to the exterior of the bin liner…

It also means if you live with people that insist on chucking away their banana skins in their bedrooms that get buried & forgotten about you won’t get any leaky food waste either, ha!

Lining Fabric: For the liner outer we’ve used calico as it’s economical , but you can use any cotton. This part of the liner generally won’t be seen (unless your bin has lots of hole in it) so this is a great opportunity to use up your stash, or this as a great chance re-purpose or upcycle some other fabric.

Contrast Fabric: We wanted to give you the option to make it pretty so we’ve used a small amount of quilting fabric as an accent to give you the chance to match to your decor, or add a touch of personality to your bin. This fabric is actually part of the lining but appears on the exterior of the bin once folded over.

The whole liner is held securely in place by fold over elastic at the liner’s opening edge.

The method we’ve described in this tutorial would also work perfectly for washing baskets, laundry baskets, nappy bins, kitchen bins… You can use the same method for storage baskets (any size) to prevent leaking, damage, snags & scrapes!

We’re going to show you how to draft a pattern for a circular 3D vessel – in this case your waste bin – which you can apply to a variety of other storage projects! Follow along and you can draft your own pattern to fit any size circular bin or basket.

By using a liner you will be reducing your plastic use and waste, and become more conscious as to what waste you are producing, sewing a sustainable and useful project!

How to launder your reusable bin liner

We recommend that your fabrics are pre-washed before you start this project.
This liner is designed for light use waste bins so it can usually be laundered at 30 degrees.
If you decide to use it for “messier” bins that might harbour higher bacterial growth, you can launder these fabrics at 60 degrees but it’s imperative you pre-wash everything at that temperature first. Washing consistently at 60 degrees may reduce the life of the cotton fabrics.
We recommend air drying this project after laundering. We do not recommend tumble drying PUL as regular tumble drying can delaminate PUL fabric over time.

A sewing project for Adventurous Beginners

Finished Dimensions: Depends on the size of your bin – we used this bin [affiliate link]

With the following dimensions: Dia 25.5cm x H 31cm / Dia 10” x H 12”

Approximate sewing time: An afternoon

Important Notes:

Pre-wash your fabrics
1cm ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
We have overlocked our seams but if you don’t have an overlocker you can check out this post for other seam finishing ideas
When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
RST = Right Sides Together
WST = Wrong Sides Together
Read through the instructions fully before starting
Please note that pins can create permanent holes in PUL. we recommend using clips

You Will Need:

The requirements given below are enough for a similarly sized bin to this bin which measures Diameter 25.5cm x Height 31cm / Diameter 10” x Height 12”

If your bin is a different size draw the pattern out and then calculate what you need from the pattern.

The printable & written instructions on how to draft a pattern to the size of your bin
Fabric A for Contrast Cotton Fabric 25cm/ 1/4 yards [We Used Michael Miller Rainbows and Sunshine Bold and Colourful in White]
Fabric B for Exterior Cotton fabric: 75cm/ 3/4 yard Cotton Fabric [We used Calico ]
Fabric C for Waterproof Lining PUL: 75cm/ 3/4 yard [We used Cerise PUL]
Fold Over Elastic : 1m / 1y [We used Fold Over Elastic ]
Pattern tracing paper
A ruler. This 60cm Long ruler is recommended

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Sewing machine
Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler
Tape Measure
Clips are recommended for PUL
Basic Sewing Kit
Walking foot (for sewing PUL)

Draw Your Reusable Bin Liner Pattern

Measure & draft the pattern pieces for your bin:

You need to take a few measurements to work out how to draw your pattern pieces. We realised this can seem daunting for some people so we’ve worked hard to make it as accessible and easy to follow as we can.

We’ve put together:

A video (below) for those that prefer visual instruction
Detailed written instructions & a handy printable which has a calculations table for you to complete with your own bin measurements. Use this for fool proof pattern drafting!
A worked example

The video & printable are designed to work together and compliment each other.

Request the pattern drafting printable

Measure your bin

Cutting Out The Fabrics

Cut the following :

From Fabric A (Contrast Top): 4 x Contrast Top rectangles
From Fabric B (Calico Cotton) : 2 x side panels & 1 x base circle
From Fabric C (PUL lining): 2 x sides and 1 x base circle

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3. Constructing the reusable bin liner

With RST, sew the side seams of the 2 x calico side panels together, using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance
Repeat for the PUL side panels

Mark the quarter points: On both outer & lining sewn side panels & the base circles, mark ¼ points :
- On the side panels, fold the fabric on the seam & smooth & fold it across; the seam line is a one-quarter point & the fold crease is another. Bring those points together & smooth the fabric out to the sides; mark where the next 2 folds form.
- For the base circle, fold it in half, make marks at each end of the fold line. Fold it in half again and mark both layers of fabric where they fold.

Take the PUL side panel & base & match up the marked 1/4 points & pin
Now pin the fabric between the ¼ points, using the snips to help ease the fabric around the outer edge if you need to. Align the fabric edges & pinning where the seam line will be sewn will help accuracy.
Sew in place using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. If you have a walking foot use this as it will help if the fabric is slippery. You could also use your overlocker if you have one.

Repeat the same steps on the Calico side panels & base circle

Add the contrast panel: Take 2 of the top contrast panels & place RST. At the shorts ends sew in place using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. This will create two fabric “loops”.
Repeat for the other 2 top contrast panels. You should now have 2 “loops” in the contrast fabric

With RST, pin one top contrast loop to the Calico part of the liner along the top of the exterior bin liner, matching at the seams. Sew in place around the loop.

Repeat, sewing the remaining top contrast loop to the the PUL part of the liner.

Put the PUL lining of the bin liner, wrong sides together with the Calico exterior. Line up the 2 x top contrast panels, match at the seams & pin. Baste the outer and lining together at the top

Attach the fold over elastic: Take your bin and pull the elastic firmly around the part of the bin where the top contrast fold over will sit. Measure where it fits comfortably and then take a few cm off this length so that when in place, the bin liner will fit snugly to the bin & keep the liner in place.

Measure Fold Over Elastic

Apply the fold over elastic using your preferred method: Please refer to our post here for detailed instructions on the different methods you can use to apply fold over elastic.

And you’re finished, well done!

Feeling proud? Show us your makes! Tag us @PlushAddict on your favourite social media channel!

Free Tea Cosy Pattern

by Kellie Rose | Mar 23, 2022 | My Makes, Project Ideas, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

Hands up if you love a cuppa! Drinking tea is almost a compulsory part of being British, isn’t it?! I love a cuppa and can’t start my day without one. There’s just something about the ceremony of a pot of tea… So my blog wouldn’t be complete without a Free Tea Cosy Pattern, now would it?!

We get a lot of questions about the best choice of wadding for a tea cosy so we’ll be talking about that too…

When I was making up the samples of this I tried a couple of different tabs for the top and I couldn’t decide which to go for – so I’ve included both!

There’s a cute little folded grab handle, or a hanging loop – you decide!

The contrast band at the bottom is an easy way to elevate the visual interest of this tea cosy, and to use up some pretty coordinating fat quarters.

Equally, you could just use the lining pattern piece for both the outer and lining of the tea cosy if you wanted to simplify.

Request your free copy of the tea cosy sewing pattern here

Send me the Free Tea Cosy Sewing Pattern

Please note: This pattern has been designed to print on A4 paper

Sewing Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Tea Cosy Dimensions: approx 35cm wide x 25cm high

Approximate sewing time: a couple of hours

You will need

The Tea Cosy Pattern which can be requested here
Insulated Thermal Wadding: 1m of 50.8cm wide Insul-Bright
Outer Main : 1 fat quarter quilting cotton [We used: Dashwood Studio Hedgerow collection – Mirrored birds]
Lining, Outer Contrast Band & Loop or Grab Tab: 50cm quilting cotton [We used: Dashwood Studio: Hedgerow Collection – Geometric]
Thread (we used: Gutermann colour 38)

Sewing Equipment You Will Need:

Sewing machine
Fabric Scissors OR rotary cutter, mat & ruler
Tape Measure or ruler
Pins or Clips

Make Life Easier With

Pinking Shears or rotary cutter pinking blade
Tailors Pressing Ham
Applique Scissors

Important notes:

1cm seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
When top stitching – use a 3-3.5mm length & stitch approx 3mm from the seam
Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice
WST = Wrong Sides Together
RST = Right Sides Together
Read through the instructions fully before starting
Disclaimer:
- Heat and steam will build up within the finished tea cosy, care should be observed when removing it and handling the teapot. To prevent mildew formation, turn tea cosies inside out to release condensation and excess moisture between uses.
- Insul-Bright is heat resistant not heatproof.
- Insul-Bright must not be used in the microwave
- Insul-Bright may dull blades or scissors that cut it

What’s the best choice of wadding for a tea cosy?

In truth, you can use any kind of wadding in a tea cosy but I can highly recommend using thermal wadding like Insul-Bright. It’s clever stuff as it keeps hot things hot, and cold things cold!

I’ve used Insul-Bright in all of my tea cosies and can confirm that it definitely keeps a pot of tea at a hotter temperature for longer

1. Print & Assemble The Tea Cosy Sewing Pattern

If you’ve not already got the free tea cosy pattern, you can request it here
Print the pattern on A4 Paper and tape the pages of the pattern together like the diagram below matching the circles

This pattern has been designed to print on A4 paper. Use the 1” or 2cm test squares to check the sizing. If the sizing is incorrect check your print settings. Depending on the device used, select ‘actual size’ or deselect the ‘fit to page’ option

2. Cut Out The Fabrics

Using the pattern pieces cut out the following:

Lining: Cut 2 x lining fabric and 2 x Insul-Bright
Outer Contrast: Cut 2 x Outer Contrast Fabric
Outer Main: Cut 2 x Outer fabric
Hanging Loop or Grab Tab : Cut one of either the hanging loop OR the Grab Tab from contrast fabric

3. Make the Grab Tab or Hanging Loop

You have a choice of top accent to make –

A grab tab
A hanging loop

Pick your fave option! But you only need to cut and make one…

Option 1: Make the Grab Tab

Fold the Grab Tab piece in half and press
Find the centre point along the folded edge and finger press
Bring the 2 outer corners at the folded edge to meet the centre crease line and press to make a point at the fold

Option 2: Make the Hanging Loop

Place the loop piece right side down, fold over and press 1cm of fabric along the two long sides
Fold the loop in half lengthways with the raw edges inside and press
Sew along the 2 sides of the loop, 2mm from the edge
Fold the loop in half and baste 1cm from the raw edges

4. Assemble The Outer Panels

One at a time, clip or pin the Outer Main and Outer Contrast pieces together, right sides facing along the straight edge
Press the seam allowances open

Fold one of the outer panels in half and mark the centre top
Clip the hanging loop (or grab tab) at the centre top of the prepared outer panel, raw edges aligned, loop (or tab) facing downwards and baste in place

Line up the 2 prepared outer panels right sides together and clip/ pin around the curved edge
Sew the 2 panels together, leaving the bottom open
Using pinking shears trim the seam allowance around the curved edge to 2mm from the seam line. Or cut the seam allowance to 1cm then clip small V shaped notches in the seam allowance at 1.5cm intervals. They should be 5mm wide narrowing to a point stopping just before the seam line

Turn out the right way and press the seam allowances open. A Tailors Pressing Ham can make pressing curves much easier

5. Assemble the lining panels

Clip 1 piece of Insul-bright onto the wrong side of each lining panel

Baste all the way round each panel with a 5mm seam allowance, stitch length 4 or 5 to hold the Insul-Bright in place

Sew the lining panels right sides together along the curved edge, leaving the bottom open
Clip around the curved edge
Cut the seam allowance to 0.5cm with pinking shears/ rotary blade OR clip small V shaped notches in the seam allowance at 1.5cm intervals. They should be 5mm wide narrowing to a point stopping just before the seam line.

6. Assemble the tea cosy

Take the tea cosy outer and place inside the lining, right sides together taking care to line up the side seams
Clip round the bottom edge of the tea cosy, opening the seam allowances at the side seams

Sew around the bottom of the tea cosy leaving a 10cm turning gap
Reduce the bulk at the bottom of the tea cosy by trimming away the Insul-Bright from the bottom seam. Applique Scissors can make this easier

Turn the tea cosy out the right way and clip the opening closed
Top stitch all the way round the bottom of the tea cosy 5mm from the edge

And you’re finished, well done!

Quick Homemade Gifts You Can Sew For Mother’s Day

by Kellie Rose | Mar 10, 2022 | Project Ideas, Tutorials

Nothing says I love you like homemade, right? But what if you’re short of time?! We thought it would be a good idea to round up some of our most popular tutorials to help you sew up some quick homemade gifts for Mother’s Day this year!

1) Sew up our free A Hot Water Bottle Cover!

Keep those toes toasty and save on your heating bills too! Sew up this hot water bottle cover in an hour or two using our free hot water bottle cover pattern & tutorial

Sew a hot water bottle cover

2) Sew A Makeup Bag – Make The Ella Pouch

Who doesn’t love to receive a handmade zipper pouch? They are so useful!

The Ella Pouch is BIG – perfect to use as a makeup bag, to store craft supplies and more!

Grab the free pattern & tutorial for this large zipper pouch over here

Sew a makeup bag for mum

3) Sew up 15 Minute Fabric Trays

Perfect for beginners, these fabric trays are the perfect speedy sew… These fabric trays come in 3 sizes and only take around 15 minutes to make!

Use fabric mum will love, or even upcycle something you already have.

This project is also a great way to use up those pretty scraps you’ve been hoarding

Sew some 15 minute fabric trays

4) Make some reusable cotton pads

If mum is eco-consious AND you’re short on time then I’m sure she’d appreciate some pretty reusable cotton pads to help reduce her waste & look good on her dresser….

This is a great little scrap buster too…

Check out the free tutorial and grab the templates over here

Sew reusable cotton pads