Looking to show off your sewing skills, but don’t want to take on a huge time commitment? Sew up one of these easy weekend sewing projects.

Want to use your sewing machine for something else besides collecting dust, but don’t have time to start a labor intensive project. Turn to “Sunday Sews,” (Chronicle Books, 2016) a new book by Theresa Gonzalez, with photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat and discover quick sewing weekend sewing projects you can finish by Sunday evening.

“Sunday Sews” includes 20 different designs that can be sewn during the weekend and that are fun, functional, and chic. The sewing projects run the gamut from drapey shift dresses, flattering tunics, tops perfect for layering, aprons, practical tote bags, and projects that are just perfect for homemade gift-giving.

The book features step-by-step directions with technical illustrations to make sewing a breeze. The instructions are super clear, with many of the sewing projects offering fabric, color, and print suggestions, as well as optional details to add a little bit more style if you have the time. Downloadable patterns are also available to go along with those projects that call for patterns. The gorgeous finished project photographs will inspire you to take on one of these easy weekend sewing projects. And if you are somewhat of a beginner to sewing, or need a quick refresher on the basics, the book starts of with a section on basic sewing techniques before diving into the sewing projects.

This is one tutorial book that you will find yourself working your way through to complete all the projects, but one of our favorites is for an on the go “Errands Bag.” Whether you plan on using it at the farmers market, as an overnight bag, or as a work bag, this everyday tote style bag is designed with plenty of space for your stuff. The design features a magnetic snap on the oversized patch pocket, which makes it an extra roomy tote.

Sew this bag up using the instructions below and make sure to get the book to try out the other weekend sewing projects.

Sew Up This Easy Errands Bag

MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Pattern Pieces: Errands Bag, pieces 1–3
• Notions: 2 yd/1.8 m leather strapping (1 in/2.5 cm wide)
• 8 rivets (⅜ in/1 cm diameter)
• 1 magnetic snap closure (¾ in/2 cm diameter)
• Coordinating thread
• Fabric and Yardage: 1 yd/1 m medium- to heavyweight cotton (54 in/135 cm wide) fabric for exterior
• 1 yd/1 m medium-weight cotton (45 in/115 cm wide) fabric for lining
• Sizing: Bag measures 17 by 19 in/43 by 48 cm

NOTES

• All seam allowances are 1 in/2.5 cm, unless otherwise stated.
• Fabric used features an 8-in/20-cm-wide stripe print.

PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS

PREPARATION

Download, print, and assemble the Errands Bag pattern from www.chroniclebooks .com/sundaysews. Cut out all three pattern pieces.

1.Cut the bag exterior

• With Right sides together, fold fabric in half with selvages lined up; press.
• Pin pattern piece 1 (front and back) on Wrong side of fabric, according to Cutting Layout: Errands Bag.
• Cut fabric along the pattern outlines.
• Unfold remaining fabric (single layer) and pin pattern pieces 2 (pocket) and 3 (pocket flap), according to Cutting Layout: Errands Bag.
• Cut fabric along the pattern outlines.
• Transfer all markings to Wrong side of fabric.

2. Cut the lining

• Repeat steps 1a–1c with lining fabric.
• Unfold remaining fabric (single layer) and pin pattern piece 3 (pocket flap), according to Cutting Layout: Lining.
• Cut fabric along the pattern outlines.

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS

3. Sew the pocket

• With the snap shut, center and align the pocket flap about 4 in/10 cm above pocket, pin in place, and topstitch ¼ in/5 mm from top folded edge (see Figure 1).
• Working through the flap’s top opening and using manufacturer’s directions, center and install magnetic snap top, ½ in/1.25 cm from lower edge seam, through the lining fabric only. Make sure that the snap is facing out on Right side of lining fabric, to align with snap piece on pocket.
• Topstitch along the three sewn edges of the pocket flap ¼ in/ 5 mm from edge.
• Fold and press the open raw edge of the pocket flap and pocket flap lining 1 in/2.5 cm to Wrong side and press.
• With Right sides together, align all edges of the pocket flap with flap lining; starting at one corner stitch flap pieces together along one short side, along one long side, and up the opposite short side, leaving one long side open. Trim excess fabric from sewn corners, then turn flap Right side out. With a turning tool, gently push out the corners and press all seams flat.
• Topstitch pocket sides to piece, ¼ in/5 mm from double-folded edges.
• Center and align bottom edge of pocket with bottom edge of front with both Right sides facing up.
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions, center and install magnetic snap bottom as marked on pocket piece.
• Double-fold hem to the top edge of the pocket.
• Double-fold hem to the pocket sides to the Wrong side and press.

4. Sew the lining

• With Right sides together, align front and back pieces of lining along all edges; stitch together along both sides and lower edge.
• Cut off excess seam allowance at the two lower corners.
• Fold over and press the top edge of the lining 1 in/2.5 cm to Wrong side and stitch ½ in/1.25 cm from fold. Set aside.

5. Sew the bag

• With Right sides together, align front and back pieces of bag along all edges, then stitch together along both sides and lower edge.
• Cut off excess fabric at the two lower corners. Turn bag Right side out, use point turner to push out corners, and press all seams flat.
• Fold top of bag over 1 in/2.5 cm to Wrong side and press. Then stitch ½ in/1.25 cm from fold.
• Insert lining into bag, with Wrong sides together, and align both top edges with side seams matching. Fold both top edges together 1 in/ 2.5 cm to Wrong side. Press and pin.

6. Cut and attach the straps

• Cut two 33-in/84-cm lengths from leather strapping.
• Measure and mark 4½ in/11.5 cm toward center from each side seam, along top edge of bag on front and back using pins or water-soluble marker.
• With Right sides together, align the end of one strap with top edge of exterior bag, placing the strap just inside mark made in step 6b. Pin in place. Repeat with the opposite end of the strap (see Figure 2). Do the same thing with the second strap on the other side of the bag.
• Stitch around top folded edge of bag, ¼ in/5 mm from fold, catching bag strap ends in this stitching. Then stitch-in-the-ditch (or, into the seam), through all layers, along side seams 1 in/2.5 cm down from top edge.
• With Right sides together, and the strap flat along bag, stitch across strap 1½ in/4 cm from top edge. Repeat at each strap join (see Figure 2).
• Fold straps over at the bottom stitching, so that Right side of strap is now facing out.
• Using your awl and a hammer, center and install two rivets on each strap end, making sure that the more decorative side of the rivet is on the Right side. Rivets should go all the way through to the bag interior.

Related on EcoSalon

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Images and project used with permission from “Sunday Sews” by Theresa Gonzalez, photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat (Chronicle Books, 2016).

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 Calling all you “Project Runway” wannabes who don’t even know how to sew. Finally, master your sewing machine and learn all sewing basics.

For all who dream about sewing up quick home DIY projects and chic clothing (and eventually making it to “Project Runway”), but don’t really know which end of the sewing machine is up, your dream can become a reality. Thanks to a new book, “The Little Guide to Mastering Your Sewing Machine: All the Sewing Basics, Plus 15 Step-by-Step Projects,” which is a step-by-step sewing basics guide illustrated with nearly 200 photos and drawings, you’ll discover all the basic techniques.

After learning the sewing basics through the illustrated guide, you can then quickly test out your news skills with the 15 special projects that are specially designed to be beginner-friendly. Make up easy projects like the perfect little pouch, a cover for your sewing machine, a cami top, cushions, table runners, a big tote bag, and more practical and simple beginner projects.

One of the best features of this handy guide is that it even has a fold-out stand and is set up as a spiral flip book for increased functionality. Set it up next to your machine and flip the pages as you work through the guide to learn the basic functions and accessories of the sewing machines. The guide also walks readers through the additional equipment you’ll use, choosing and cutting of fabric, the different kinds of stitches, how to sew pieces together, and more.

Come away from the experience knowing how to sew straight, take up a hem, and how to add bias binding, piping, and zippers. While the techniques offered in the book are simple, this book can help you get to the next level of learning more advanced techniques and skills. Everyone has to start somewhere, and this book offers easy to follow instructions that won’t overwhelm beginner sewers. Even “Project Runway” contestants had to learn how to use their sewing machines at some point!

The author of this indispensable sewing basics guide is Sylvie Blondeau, a French artist specializing in craft and illustration. She teaches sewing classes to adults and teens, and is the author of several sewing and craft books, including “Appliqué for Little Ones”.

Related on EcoSalon

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Top Image: Sewing Room via Shutterstock

Book Images: The Little Guide to Mastering Your Sewing Machine images courtesy of Schiffer Publishing, Ltd

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Easy sewing projects for your home to hone your sewing skills!

Sewing is among the crafty skills that seem to be making a comeback in recent years, and it is a handy skill to have. If you know how to sew, not only can you hem your pants, take in a skirt, and make other clothing alterations, but you can use your skill to make pillows, curtains, and other easy sewing projects for your home.

Sewing for your home can save you money, allow you to decorate with a personal touch, and can be a fabulous way to repurpose fabrics, like reusing a stained tablecloth to make cloth napkins. And while some projects may be a little too advanced for beginners or the average sewer, the key is to tackle easy sewing projects that you know you can complete.

There are millions of easy sewing projects out there for your home, but we have compiled some of our favorites for their cleverness or their easy breeziness. So, pull that sewing machine out of the closet and put your sewing skill to good use!

7 Easy Sewing Projects for Your Home

1. Galloping Horse Draft Dodger – With winter headed our way, door draft dodgers are one sewing project that just makes sense. This project is also super easy for beginners or if your skills are rusty. You could use this tutorial to repurpose patterned fabrics or use the galloping horse template provided.
2. Quilted Coasters – This Martha Stewart project for making quilted coasters is a perfect way to repurpose fabric from tablecloths, clothing, curtains, and more. Do make sure not to use a difficult fabric to work with like stretch fabrics or thicker fabrics. This project is so simple that you could sew up some coasters in about an hour or so!
3. Yo-yo Wall Art – Easy sewing projects don’t have to be just practical. Use your sewing skills to make wall art from easy to sew fabric yo-yos. Simply sew up yo-yos from leftover fabrics and hot glue gun them to a painted canvas creating a pattern or design as you go.
4. Linen Napkins – This super easy project for linen napkins is perfect for you to customize with your design aesthetic. Follow the tutorial and choose gorgeous autumnal colors for the coordinating fabric, colors more appropriate for another season, or even choose a print. The beauty of this project is it is so easy that you can make it your own.
5. Geometric Pillows – Pillows are among the most ubiquitous easy sewing projects around. This project has a slight twist, though. Instead of the traditional square or rectangular shape, it’s for making octagon-shaped pillows instead. One clever idea for customizing this project is to use one color on one side and another on the other side.
6. Patchwork Throw – While it seems cliche, we still love a patchwork quilt. But, making a whole patchwork quilt is a lot of commitment for a beginner. The easier alternative is to make a throw instead. It’s an opportunity to repurpose fabrics and practice your skills. This project is from Amy Butler, the queen of quilting fabric designs and is a step-by-step tutorial to guide you easily through making a quilt for the first time.
7. Color Block Shower Curtain – Many may not think of sewing their own shower curtain, and to that we say, “Why not?” And if you’re going to do it, why not make a color-blocked shower curtain to add some color to your bathroom. It’s awesomely easy to do–check it out!

Related on EcoSalon

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Image: Woman Using Sewing Machine via Shutterstock

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