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Sew A Spa Set Series #3: Bath Headband Tutorial

by | Mar 3, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Welcome to our Bath Headband Tutorial – the second tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series This post contains all the sewing info you need to sew up your very own bath headband.

There are 6 of these handmade items for you to make! Check out the  Intro post for the full low down.

What’s a bath headband you may ask?! It’s a headband that’s suitable to be worn in, or after a bath or shower. It’s made from super soft, absorbent (and eco friendly!) bamboo towelling making it’s suitable to be worn whether your hair is wet or dry.

This useful headband would make a fabulous handmade gift, especially if paired with the other items in our Sew A Spa Set Series.

Sew a Bath Headband

To be able to follow our Bath Headband Tutorial you’ll need a copy of the FREE Spa Set templates. Request them here 

We’ve used bamboo towelling to make most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

Read more about Bamboo Towelling in our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as a bath headband you could also use this tutorial to make a cute ear warmer if you switch out the towelling for some fluffy fleece!

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

Bath Headband Tutorial

Important Notes:
  • 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.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To make this Bath headband, You will need:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

Making the Bath Headband

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the headband templates

Print off the Spa Set Templates ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics & notions
  • Cut 1 x Main Headband from Bamboo Towelling
  • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
  • Cut 2 x Main bow from Cotton
  • Cut 1 x Bow Middle from Cotton
  • Cut 3 x 45cm long pieces of elastic
4. Assemble The Bath Headband
  • Overlock the edges of your towelling main headband strip. If you do not have an overlocker, then finish the edges using a zig zag stitch. 

Assemble the bath headband step 1
  • With RS (right sides) together, sew the two short ends of your main headband together. Overlock/ zig-zag finish the edges of this seam, and press flat.
  • Fold over both the top and bottom long edges of the main headband 0.5cm / ¼”  and then a further 1cm / ⅜”  to create a channel to feed your elastic into.
  • Pin and stitch in place, leaving several cm / inches open on each channel so you can insert the elastic. Pro-tip – Using a bodkin or Elastic Guide can really help here
4. Sewing the Elastic
  • Feed one piece of elastic through one channel. Pin the ends together and secure them, before closing your channel. Repeat for the other channel.
  • Create further gathers in your strip using the other two pieces of elastic. Pin in place equally on the width of the fabric, and stitch in place using a zig zag stitch along the length of the main headband.
  • Place the 2 x larger main bow pieces RS together & stitch around the edge using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance. Leave a small gap for turning.
  • Trim or pink the seam down, and turn out. Slip stitch the opening and press.
  • Take the bow middle piece & fold the fabric in half matching the long edges.
  • Sew down the long edge opposite the fold using a 1cm / ⅜” seam allowance.
  • Turn to the right side & press
  • Wrap the smaller rectangle round your main gathered headband
  • Slip Stitch the ends together towards the back. You may want to secure the band in place on your headband also with some small tacking stitches at the back.
  • Slide the bow in through the loop made by the smaller rectangle. Adjust until it looks voluminous and like a bow.
  • You may want to secure this in place with a few stitches. 

And you’re finished! Well done!

The next sewing tutorial in our Sew a Spa Set Series is an eye mask you can wear in the bath!

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Sew A Spa Set Series #2: Bath Mitt Sewing Tutorial

by | Mar 3, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Welcome to the first tutorial in our Sew A Spa Set Series! This post is the first of 6 tutorials of our Sew a Spa Set Series to help you sew some handmade items to pamper yourself of a loved one… We’re kicking off with a Bath Mitt Sewing Tutorial.

Our bath mitt even has a pocket for your bar of soap! You’ll need the free pattern to make this one, so request the Spa Set templates here

This washable bath mitt would make a fabulous handmade gift, especially if paired with the other items in our Sew a Spa Set Series

 

Sew a Bath Mitt Tutorial

Request the templates here and we’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with the other templates in the Sew A Spa Set Series

The spa set includes everything you need for a relaxing day or evening pampering yourself, or a loved one and would make a great gift.

We’ve used bamboo towelling to make the most of these useful Spa Set accessories as it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items & it’s also environmentally friendly!

Read more about Bamboo Towelling in our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

As well as a regular bath mitt you could also use this pattern to sew a fake tan mitt – just use a dark coloured microfibre, fine towelling or foam style fabric. Or omit the soap pocket and make a baby bath mitt.

We hope you enjoy sewing and gifting these handmade items!

Bath Mitt Free Sewing Pattern and Tutorial

Important Notes:

  • 1cm /  ⅜” seam allowance throughout, unless directed.
  • We used an overlocker to finish our seams. If you don’t have an overlocker check out this post for other seam finishing options
  • For steps using machine sewing, straight stitch, backstitching at the start & end using stitch length 2.5 unless otherwise stated.
  • Prepare your fabrics as per manufacturer’s care advice – we recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

To make this Bath Mitt you will need:

Sewing Kit You Will Need to Sew a Spa Set:

How to the Bath Mitt

1. Pre-wash your fabrics

We recommend pre-washing all fabrics used in this project as they will be used to make items that will be washed frequently

2. Print the bath mitt pattern

Print off your Bath Mitt pattern ensuring you print at 100%. If you haven’t already, request your pattern here.

Please note: This free pattern has been sized to print on A4 paper.

3. Cut your fabrics
  • Cut 1 x Mitt from Bamboo towelling
  • Cut 1 x Pocket from Bamboo Towelling
  • Cut 1 x Mitt from Quilting Cotton
4. Assemble The Bath Mitt
  • Hem the top of the pocket. Fold over and stitch in place the top edge of your pocket piece. 

2. Sew on your pocket.

  • Finish the remaining raw edges of your pocket with an overlocker or zig-zag stitch.
  • Place your pocket in the centre of the glove on the bamboo towelling mitt piece.

3. Sew the front and back mitts together

  • Place your patterned Cotton mitt piece RS (right side) together with the bamboo towelling mitt piece.
  • Sew up outer side of the mitt approximately 7cm / 3”
  • Lie out the part sewn mitt pieces flat.
  • Overlock or zig-zag the wrist edge of the mitt, then turn up 1cm / ⅜” and hem the wrist of the mitt
5. Attach the Elastic
  • Measure & cut a piece of elastic to fit your wrist (an average size is about 20cm / 8”)
  • Mark up 2cm / 1” from the hem at the wrist of the mitt. This is where you will stitch the elastic.
  • Pull taut your elastic so it stretches across the full length of the wrist of your mitt and zig zag stitch in place. This can be a little tricky, but just keep stretching the elastic as you go. This method will give you a gathered elasticated wrist.
  • With RST, finish stitching around the edge of the remainder of the mitt and finish your seams as desired
  • Turn the mitt right side out.

And you’re finished! Well done!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next tutorial in the Sew A Spa Set Series

Sew a Bath Headband

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Sew A Spa Set Series #1: Handmade Gift Idea

by | Mar 2, 2022 | Bamboo towelling, My Makes, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Are you in need of a handmade gift idea? How about if that gift made the recipient feel super pampered? Or perhaps you need to gift this to yourself and maximise your self-care routine?

We’ve got you covered!

Welcome to the first post in our Sew A Spa Set Series. Over the next week or so we’ll be publishing our fab Sew A Spa Set Series Stay tuned as the individual tutorials drop every day or so!

The Spa Set includes everything you need for a relaxing day or evening pampering yourself, or a loved one. And nothing says I love you like a handmade gift, right?!

And with Mothers Day in the UK being just around the corner, I’m sure this Spa Set would be a treasured handmade gift this Mothers Day.

 

Handmade Gift Idea - Sew a spa set

There are 6 items that make up our Sew A Spa Set Series and if you’re pushed for time, each of these handmade items would make a great small gift on their own. You could even save these handmade gift ideas for later and build the set up over the year!

We’ve designed these mini projects to be quick & easy, so you can Sew A Spa Set that you could use on a relaxing day off, or as a last minute gift for friends or family.

So what’s in the Spa Set I hear you cry?!

Check out our little Promo video!

What fabrics do I need to Sew the whole Spa Set?

This post contains the fabric requirements to make the whole Spa Set so you can start to gather your supplies…

If you’re just making one item we’ll put requirements on each post as they are published but please download the templates so you’re all set to go!

To make ALL 6 items in the Sew A Spa Set Series you will need :

ItemAmount requiredWe used
Cotton Fabric A (Bag Outer)0.6m / 0.7yDashwood Studio Tree of Life – Treetop 
Cotton Fabric B (Bag Lining)0.6m / 0.7yDashwood Studio Tree of Life – Montage
Cotton Fabric C (Coordinate)0.25m / 0.3yDashwood Studio Tree of Life – Floral Diamonds
Soft Elastic (Eye Mask)0.5m / 0.6yVelvet Elastic Ribbon 10mm Wide – Olive Green
Fusible Fleece0.6m / 0.7yVlieseline / Vilene Fusible Fleece Interfacing H630 – White
Bamboo Towelling0.5m / 0.6yPremium White Bamboo Terry Towelling
10mm Wide Elastic2.5m / 2.8yWoven Ribbon Elastic – 10mm White
Elastic Cord2m / 2.2yRound Elastic Cord – 3mm Wide Dark Teal
Two Hole Cord Toggle1Hemline Adjustable Cord Toggles Twin Hole – White 6mm

We’ve used super soft bamboo towelling to make many of these useful Spa Set pamper accessories because it’s super soft, absorbent, lends itself well to reusable items. It’s also more environmentally friendly than cotton towelling.

Read more about Bamboo Towelling in our full guide and gain some pro sewing tips too!

Other project ideas the Sew a Spa Set Series templates can be used for

Once you download the Sew a Spa Set templates there are other projects you could use the patterns for… here’s some ideas for you:

  • Spa Headband Sewing Template – Switch out the towelling for fleece or another fluffy fabric to make a cute winter ear warmer
  • Reusable Cotton Pads template – size up, or change the shape to a square (and make up using the same process) to make reusable wipes or rounds
  • Eye Mask Sewing Pattern – omit the binding & layers, cut from felt and mark eye holes to make a simple kids mask
  • Bath Mitt Sewing Pattern – make from dark coloured microfibre, fine towelling or foam style fabric to make a fake tan mitt. Omit the soap pocket and make a baby bath mitt
  • Round makeup bag Sewing Pattern – size up or down to make gift bags, makeup bags, storage bags. You could even line it with PUL fabric and make an adjustable shower cap!

Sew a Spa Set

Sewing Kit You Will Need for the Sew a Spa Set Series:

So let’s move on to the first tutorial in the Sew A Spa Set Series! Sew a Bath Mitt

We hope you enjoy making these handmade items! Leave us a comment if you do and let us know how you get on. We’d love to hear from you!

Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover

Free Pattern For A Hot Water Bottle Cover

by | Feb 9, 2022 | Project Ideas, Quilt Fabric, Sustainable Sewing, Tutorials

A hot water bottle is a must-have for chilly nights, and a handmade cover adds a personal touch. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step to create a snug, stylish hot water bottle cover using plush and quilting cotton fabrics. Perfect for gifting or a cosy addition to your home,this project is beginner-friendly, fun to customise and great for all skill levels.

Plush fabric is gorgeously soft, tactile, and luxurious. If you’re new to this type of fabric – check out our guide here for the full low down.

This hot water bottle cover comes together pretty quickly. You can easily sew it in an afternoon and it would make a great handmade gift.

We have provided a free printed pattern template up can download below sized to fit a standard 2 litre hot water bottle measuring 33cm (h) 20 cm (w) approx.

We used this hot water bottle to create our pattern. If you’re making several of these for gifts then the template will also fit this pack of 3 hot water bottles

Pin for later!

Materials You Will Need To Make This Hot Water Bottle Cover

MaterialAmountNotes
Exterior Fabric50cm (20 inches)plush for softness or quilting cotton  for style.
Lining Fabric30cm (12 inches)We used calico
wadding30cm (12 inches)If you’re unsure which wadding to use then check out this post for my thoughts

25mm bias binding

1m (40 inches)DIY from cotton or store-bought
 ThreadPolyester for durability
A4 Download The Hot Water Bottle Pattern Here
US Letter Download The Hot Water Bottle Pattern Here
Learn About The Best Wadding For Hot Water Bottle Covers

Exterior Fabric Rectangle Sizes

Cut the following pieces from your chosen exterior fabric:

  • Front Panel: 41cm (height) x 29cm (width)
  • Back Top Panel: 22cm (height) x 29cm (width)
  • Back Bottom Panel: 26cm (height) x 29cm (width)

Sewing equipment you will need

    • Important Notes to Keep in Mind

      • Seam Allowance: Use a 1cm seam allowance for all steps unless mentioned otherwise.
      • Sewing Tips: When using your sewing machine, always straight stitch with a 2.5mm stitch length. Don’t forget to backstitch at the start and end of each seam to secure it.
      • Fabric Prep: Make sure to prepare your fabrics according to the manufacturer’s care instructions (e.g., washing or pressing).
      • Finishing Seams: We used an overlocker (serger) to prevent fraying, but no worries if you don’t have one! Check out our guide for alternative seam finishing methods.
      • Key Terms:
        • WST: Wrong Sides Together.
        • RST: Right Sides Together.
      • Before You Begin: Take a few minutes to read through the instructions from start to finish – it’ll make the sewing process much smoother!
      • Safety First: Always follow your hot water bottle’s usage and care instructions. And remember, never overfill it!

    How To Sew A Hot Water Bottle Cover

    1. Print and assemble your pattern

    Print out the PDF pattern on A4 paper at 100% and check the 1″ square measures 1 inch

    You will need to print two copies of pattern piece A, two copies of pattern piece B & one copy of pattern piece C

    Stick one copy of pattern pieces A & B together matching the sides. This makes the front pattern piece of the hot water bottle cover

    Stick one copy of pattern pieces B & C together. This makes the back top pattern of the hot water bottle cover

    The remaining pattern piece A makes the back top pattern piece of the cosy. You pattern should look like this

    #image_title

    2. Cut The Fabrics

    For the front panels

      • 41 x 29cm (h x w) of chosen outer fabric (if you are piecing fabrics see note below)

    If you are using a variety of prints on your front panel: Cut and lay out your fabric pieces as you desire. Our quilting cotton section measured approx. 29cm wide x  29cm high . We then added a strip of Plush fabric to the top which measured approx 29cm wide x 15cm high

    If you are using plush fabric pay attention to the fabric nap. Make sure you have enough pieced fabric to cover the front printed pattern piece with some overhang.

      For the back panels

      From your exterior fabric cut 2 rectangles

          • Back Top Panel: 22 x 29cm (h x w)
          • Back Bottom Panel: 26 x 29cm (h x w)

        Cut the lining & wadding

        Cut the lining fabric and wadding pieces a little larger than the outer fabric panel pieces to assist with quilting.

        For each panel piece layer your fabrics to make a “quilt sandwich”. Lining fabric at the bottom, then layer the wadding, then the exterior fabric.

        3. Quilt your panel pieces

        On the front panel & both back panel pieces, quilt the fabrics as desired. I chose a simple straight lines approx 1″ apart but quilt to suit you.

        Now place the printed pattern  pieces on to the corresponding quilted panels.

        Pin or weight the pattern down on the fabrics and cut around the printed pattern outline. I find this easiest using a small 28mm rotary cutter.

        Your work will now look something like this

        4. Make & Attach the bias binding

        Make your binding strips for the back panel pieces by cutting a 25mm x WOF (Width Of Fabric) strip of fabric. Fold in half matching the long edges and press along the length.

        Attach and pin/ clip the binding to back pieces lining side up matching the fabric raw edges with the edge of the back pieces as shown

        Stitch the binding in place using a 1/4″ seam.

        Press the seam away from the lining, flip the folded edge of the binding to the right side of the cover. Clip and top stitch in place very close to the binding edge.

        Do this for both back panels.

        Now you’re ready to sew it together!

        Lay the quilted panel pieces on top of each other in this order

            • Front panel right side up
            • Back top panel right side down
            • Back bottom panel right side down

          Secure with clips and stitch all the way around the edge using a 1cm seam allowance.

          Finish the seams with your preferred method. Check out our post here for a few ideas.

          If you prefer (and your overlocker is happy with all the layers) you can overlock around the edges – but watch out for those curves!

          And you’re done!

          Now fill her up with hot water & get cosy toes next time it’s a bit chilly!

          Hot Water Bottle Cover Sewing Tutorial

          Hot Water Bottle Cover Sewing Tutorial

          Make A Quick and Easy Valentine’s Decoration

          Make A Quick and Easy Valentine’s Decoration

          by | Jan 31, 2022 | Felt, Tutorials

          Do you want to make a quick and easy Valentine’s decoration?

          You’re in luck! This is a super simple project you can whip up in a flash and is perfect for spreading the love this Valentine’s Day & we think the heart garland will look great in your home.

          Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make this quick and easy Valentine’s Day felt garland. You only need handful of a few basic supplies!

          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

          Love is in the air! And if you’re running out of time to make your home feel more aligned to love then this super simple Valentine’s day garland might be just the ticket

          For This Quick and Easy Valentine’s Decoration You Will Need:

          2 x 30cm squares of felt (we used white and red)

          2m of 50mm Giant pom poms (we used Raspberry)

          4 m Wool

          Sewing thread

          30cm ribbon

          A Ruler

          Pencil

          Sewing needle

          Sewing machine (or hand sewing)

          Sewing pins or clips

          New to working with felt fabric? Check out our Felt Fabric Guide for info and 11 sewing tips!

          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

          Making the felt hearts

          (complete each step on one felt square at a time)

          Step 1:

          On the felt square draw lines the length of the square every 2.5cm. This will create 12 drawn stripes.

          Step 2:

          With the stripes running from side to side, fold the square in half as though closing a book matching the stripes. Pin or clip together the long edge.

          Step 3:

          Sew along the folded edge, 5mm from the edge.

          Step 4:

          Remove the clips from the side not sewn & open the felt like a book. Folding the felt back on itself, bring the two open edges together. The sewn seam should be on the inside – this will make a heart shape. Do not squash!

          Step 5:

          Check the stripes line up again. Pin or clip the 2 layers together and sew.

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          Step 6:

          Holding the 2 layers of fabric firmly together cut along the drawn lines through both layers of felt. This will form 12 hearts per felt square.

          Threading the garland

          Step 1:

          Place the threaded needle through the centre of a pom pom and guide it along the wool. Stop 20cm before the end.

          Step 2:

          Thread the needle through the outer layer of a heart approx. 7.5cm from the bottom & central to the width of the heart.

          Step 3:

          Ease the heart along the wool, stopping at the pom pom. Spread out the felt layers and a heart shape will form. Spend a little time shaping the heart. Repeat steps 3 to 7 alternating red and white hearts until all the hearts and pom poms are used up.

          Step 4:

          Remove the needle from the end of the wool and the garland is ready to hang.

          Make a quick and easy Valentine's day decoration

          All done! This project is super easy and fun making it perfect to do with a partner, friend or even a little one!

          We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and it brings you some joy making this quick and easy Valentine’s Decoration!

          Don’t forget to share your finished makes with us – tag us @PlushAddict as we LOVE seeing your projects!

          Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials!