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Despite having made what feels like an infinite number of pyjama shorts and trousers, what I found myself in need of this summer was a pair of pyjama shorts. The reason I appear to have made so many pairs yet ended up owning so few is due to the fact that every time I make pyjamas they seem tend to be for another person (that other person being almost exclusively my sister who owns several lovely pairs of handmade pyjama shorts!). I was wondering why this was the case and I think it's to do with the fact that while I don't mind sewing simple projects such as pyjamas for others - in fact, I enjoy it - when it comes to sewing for myself I would rather spend my sewing time making something more exciting. However, the combination of this lack of pyjama shorts and incredibly hot weather led to a pair of pyjama shorts being made for me this time, as well as the discovery that they are something that I think I will be sewing many more of! There are a lot of obvious benefits to sewing pyjamas: you can use lovely prints that might not be every day kind of fabrics, they are really easy and quick to make, they can be made out of a variety of fabrics (cotton, jersey etc) and they make great presents. I have made three pairs of pyjama shorts for my sister and she wears them all the time. The only downside to this is that every time she wears them I wish that I had a pair too! I do have one pair of summer pyjamas which I made last year and now I have these which I also love, so I'm starting to catch up with my sister! The fabric I used is a lovely cotton print from Craft Cotton Co. I really like both the colour and the design of fabric, but the best part is definitely the quality of the cotton which feels like such a luxury to wear. As I mentioned above, I love using fabrics that I might not necessarily wear during the day and I know that this fabric will get so much more wear as pyjamas as it would as, say, a blouse. To make these shorts I used the Margot Pyjamas pattern from Love at First Stitch. I've used the shortened version of this pattern for pretty much every version of pyjama shorts that I've made so it's nice to know that a pattern will turn out well. It's such a simple pattern so the pyjamas were sewn in no time and were finished in time to bring on holiday where they were much needed and got lots of wear. By Anna for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #dressmaking #shorts #summer #clothes #freesewingtutorial

Create a fabric Christmas tree with fabric scraps or fat quarters. You will need 1 Set of Craft Cotton Co Christmas Metallic FQ’s Calico or Heavy Weight backing fabric Brown Felt Stuffing Buttons Step 1 Draw a Tree Shape onto the Calico, as Small or Large as you wish. Step 2 Cut out sections from the FQ’s and loosely lay them to fill the tree shape. Step 3 Put the second piece up from the bottom into place and the bottom piece on top of it R/S together. Sew along the bottom as in the picture. Step 4 Repeat this process all the way up the tree. Step 5 Sew along each join with a decorative stitch. Step 6 Trim away the excess. Step 7 Add some buttons (not too close to the edge where you will be sewing the backing on) Cut another piece of calico the same shape for the backing. Step 8 Put the backing on top of the r/s of the fabric, pin or clip and sew, leaving a 2” gap in the base middle. Step 9 Turn right side out and stuff with filling. Fold the gap inwards and insert a doubled up piece of brown felt to resemble a tree trunk. Stitch across to close the gap. To see more from Nicola, follow her on Instagram @bobbincottagebodkin Made by Nicola Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #seasonal #tree #buttons #christmas #freesewingtutorial #fatquarters

Create your own festive Matryoshka to have as a Christmas decoration or gift for a loved one. You will need: The Craft Cotton Co Christmas FQ Set Calico or similar neutral fabric Trimmings, Lace, Buttons & Bows Felt (For Hair) Step 1 Create a template of The Matryoshka Doll onto some paper or card. Add the basic details for later. Step 2 Draw round the template onto the calico. Step 3 Begin to add the detail. Cut out the required shapes from the set of FQ’s choosing the patterns for each part of the Matryoshka Doll. You can add a circle for the face or cut one out from the headscarf allowing the calico underneath to show and become the face. Step 4 Sew the individual bits to secure down onto the calico. Any delicate bits can be hand sewn, like the Hair, decorative Lace, Buttons & Bows Step 5 Add some felt for Hair, Embroider the eyes, nose and lips. You can add Rosy cheeks with Powder Blusher and a cotton bud. Step 6 When all of the sections are sewn, cut another outline from the calico, then pin R/S to R/S. Step 7 Sew around the edge. Turn inside out carefully pushing out the shape & Stuff with toy filling. I leave a little flap in the bottom so I can tuck it in once stuffed to create a neat finish. Add decorative detail and a contrasting ribbon to hang. I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial, if you do follow it and create your own little Festive Matryoshka, please share with me on instagram @bobbincottagebodkin Made by Nicola Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #matryoshka #christmas #seasonal #doll #festive #fatquarters #freesewingtutorial

This was created using The Craft Cotton Co Halloween STAR WARS fabric, some interfacing and buttons for decoration. Step 1 Create a circle on your chosen fabric, 1 for the Lining 1 for the outside and 1 from interfacing or fabric which will give the bowl structure. The bigger the circle, the bigger your bowl will be, I use a compass, but you can use a plate or any other circular object Step 2 Now sandwich the Lining R/S OUT, Interfacing and outside fabric R/S OUT, now through all three layers begin to hand tack around the edge of the circle. Step 3 When you reach the end, carefully begin to pull the two threads to gather the bowl rim. You can adjust it to whatever size you require. When you have finished, tie the two ends of the tacking cotton to secure. Step 4 Now take a strip of fabric approx 2” wide (and long enough to go around the rim of the bowl) Step 5 Create a bias binding, by ironing the fabric strip in half lengthways , fold up the bottom to the middle and then the top to the middle. (This picture also shows how to create the strap) Step 6 With R/S facing place an un-opened edge or the strip against the top of the bowl, pin or clip, then sew around in the crease with the sewing machine (this can all be done by hand if you prefer) Step 7 Now fold the binding over the top and into the lining, I always hand stitch at this point so you do not see the stitches on the outside. Step 8 Last thing is to add a little handle (Optional) Take a strip, aprx 2” wide and long enough to go from one side to the other, repeat the instructions as for the binding but this time, fold in half on the centre crease and stitch all around the r/s of the fabric. Hand stitch to the bowl, you can then add buttons or accessories to decorate. Looks fabulous on a Halloween Table or as a special Trick or Treat bag. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, if you follow and create please share your makes with me on Instagram @bobbincottagebodkin Nicky Made by Nicola Hills for the Craft Cotton Company 2018 #seasonal #halloween #treat #bag #accessories #starwars #freesewingtutorial

This is a fabulous idea for gifting or upcycling an old watch face. Follow my tutorial to create a watch to wear over the festive season. Download template here What you need A watch face that has strap bars-See photo. Needle and thread, sewing machine optional. A fat quarter of fabric I chose the holly print from the Craft Cotton Company Scissors Fabric marker Pins Iron Knitting needle or chopstick for turning out the strap. Step 1 Print of the watch strap template and resize to fit your watch face. Cut it out. Step 2 Fold your fabric right sides together and trace round your pattern with a fabric marker. Pin together. Step 3 Cut out and repeat step 2. You should now have 4 individual pieces. Step 4 Either hand sew or use a sewing machine to stitch a pair of straps sew close to the edge being careful to catch both pieces of fabric. Ensure your fabric is sewn right sides together. Step 5 Turn out both straps using a chopstick or knitting needle. Step 6 Taking care press the strap faces with an iron. Step 7 Attach both watch straps to the watch face through the bars. Fold over and pin in place neatening the raw edges with hand stitching. Step 8 Secure both neat edges of either strap with a hand stitch. Step 9 Tie around your wrist and give yourself a big clap. Congratulations you now have a pretty hand made watch strap that you can change the look off over and over again! Why not use all your novelty fabrics for special occasions? Hope you enjoyed this project Love Carrie X Tag me in your makes on Instagram @ carrie_can_make_it #carriesprojects Made by Carrie Marshall for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #accessories #seasonal #watch #strap #freesewingtutorial #fabric #freesewingtutorials

Want to make Christmas cards to impress your loved ones and that are so simple and fast to make? Then this tutorial is just for you. What you need A selection of fabrics - I used some beautiful festive prints from The Craft Cotton Company. Sewing machine with matching or contrast thread or you could skip that part and glue if you prefer. Festive shape templates- you could use cookie cutters. I chose to use my die cutting machine and dies. Scissors Card blanks and envelopes Christmas stamps, acrylic block and inks or you could use a pen if you prefer. Step 1 Die cut or template cut your desired festive shapes to cover the amount of cards you wish to make. Step 2 Have a play and position your shapes onto your card blanks to get a feel for the design of your cards Step 3 Where you have space stamp or write a sentiment to you card. Step 4 Take your card and fabric shapes to your sewing machine if you have decided to glue instead please skip the sewing step. Step 5 Stitch round your shapes on your sewing machine. Remember don’t reuse this same needle onto your other projects keep it for future card making projects. Step 6 Trim your threads. Congratulations you now have a bunch of bespoke Christmas cards that will warm the hearts of your loved ones. Hope you enjoyed this project Love Carrie X Tag me in your makes on Instagram @ carrie_can_make_it #carriesprojects Made by Carrie Marshall for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #christmas #card #seasonal #papercraft #greetings #freesewingtutorial

The basic construction of the lined gift bag is the same but you can create different sizes and variations. How lovely to give that special gift in a beautiful handmade gift bag. For this tutorial I used: 2 X Set of Enchanted Forest FQ 1 Set of Be Jolly FQ Fusible Appliqué Paper Lace & Seasonal Trimmings Choose the fabric for the outside of the bag (and a contrasting fabric if you want to personalise) Mark the letters required onto the fusible web, then iron onto the reverse of the fabric. Cut out the letters, peel the backing off and then iron onto the gift sack front fabric. Sew around the letters. Place the lining fabric right sides together with the outside fabric. I sandwiched lace between the lining and the outer fabric and sewed along the top. Repeat for the other side. Iron both top seams flat and place the two panel’s R/S together on top of one another. Pin to secure both along the seam and around the whole sack. Draw a 1” line, 2“ down from the top middle seam. Both sides. To make ties cut 2 x 2” strips from the FQ Join together as in picture, then iron in each side. Sew down both sides. 2 Different Fat Quarters joined Wadding used to create effect Fancy stitches to add detail Button Holes create an alternative for the tie TOP TIP Add an extra piece of fabric to the rear, where you are placing the buttonholes! When you have marked out the drawstring channel, sew all around the outside of both sections, but avoid the 1’’ ch­­­annel and leave a 3” gap in the side of the lining section to turn out. Once sewn, turn out carefully through the gap you left in the side of the lining. Stitch the gap up. Push out the corners and iron flat. Now you need to sew the channel on the outside of the bag to secure the tie. You will sew the lining and outer bag channel all the way around. Through the gaps in the sides (or through the buttonholes you made) thread the tie through. You can add buttons, bows or bells to decorate If you followed this tutorial, Please share your gift bags with me on instagram @bobbincottagebodkin Nicky Made by Nicky Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #seasonal #christmas #fatquarters #freesewingtutorial

Finished size: 36” x 36” Materials 1 Metre of yellow with red flowers (FAB1) 1 Metre peach with flowers (FAB2) 0.5 Metres purple swans (FAB3) 0.5 Metres blue swans (FAB4) FQ of flowers on white (FAB5) 1 Metre solid white also avalible from Craft Cotton (FAB6) 40” x 40” Heritage Premium quilt wadding by Craft cotton Haberdashery items Iron-away marker pen Quilters ruler, rotary cutter/scissors Iron Cutting mat Basic sewing supplies By the Pond templates Cardstock to make your template Bias Binding (150”) Making the Quilt Step 1: Cutting (this quilt is made of 9 blocks, below is how to make 1 of these block, each block measures 12 ½”) Begin by making the template and cut this out on cardstock. Take a 4 ½” square piece of paper, draw ¼” seam all the way around. Measure along the top LHS (from the very corner) 2 1/8” and mark. Draw a line form this point to the bottom RHS. Mark a point 2 1/8” down form the top LHS and draw a line from this point to the bottom RHS. Cut out the centre diamond, inclusive of the seam allowance in the top left hand corner and copy onto cardstock • Four 4 ½” squares from FAB1 • Eight 3” x 5 ½” pieces from FAB5 • Two 4 ½” squares Fussy cut swans from FAB3 - 1 in each direction • Two 4 ½” squares Fussy cut swans from FAB4 - 1 in each direction • Sixteen 2 ½” squares, Cut from a strip of FAB6 • Four 2 7/8” squares from FAB2 • Four 2 7/8” squares from FAB6 Assembling each of the 9 mini blocks from your cut out pieces, to create your first of nine main blocks. Block 1: The centre block Draw a line diagonally across the wrong side of the 2 7/8” squares of FAB2, using a heat erasable marker Pin a piece of FAB2 and FAB6 (2 7/8” square) RST and sew ¼” either side of the drawn line, use a rotary cutter to cut along the drawn edge, repeat this process. Press seams towards FAB2. Using ¼” seam allowance, sew the four blocks together to create your pinwheel effect, nesting your seams together Block 2, 3, 4 and 5: The Swans Draw diagonal line across each of the 2 ½” squares in FAB6, take one of the 4 ½” fussy cut swans, and place the FAB6 RST in one corner, sew along your drawn line, and trim using a rotary cutter ¼” to the right of the stitches. Turn the new corner out and press Repeat this process on the three other corners Repeat this process, until you have 4 swans, two of each colour Block 6,7,8 and 9 – template blocks Using your template, draw along each long edge on the reverse of FAB1 squares Take a FAB5 rectangle and lay RST, see photo for placement. Sew along the drawn line Open out the fabric, and press seam, repeat process for the other side Trim to leave a 4 ½” block – see photo below Trim all 9 of the mini blocks to 4 ½” squares and join in rows using ¼” seam allowance, then join the rows to complete your first main block. Make a further 8 main blocks to create your 36” x36” quilt. Note: On the four main corners of the quilt I replaced the mini block with a 4 ½” FAB2 block – this is optional Baste your quilt to the wadding, and let’s make the backing… Backing: Cut a piece of FAB1 37” x 27” and a piece of FAB2 37” x 10” Join with RST using ¼” seam allowance to create a 37” square, baste to create your quilt sandwich. After quilting, trim your quilt to measure 36” x 36” and add binding to finish. To Quilt, I used a decorative stitch on my sewing machine, and framed each of the swans – well they are the star of the show, or quilt in this case :) This ‘By the Pond’ quilt tutorial has been designed and created by me - creativeblonde for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 To see more of my tutorials, you can follow my blog www.creativeblonde.co.uk and/or Instagram page www.instagram.co.uk/creativeblonde66 and www.facebook.com/creativeblonde66 #swans #bythepond #fatquarter #fabricscrap #quilt #quilting #quiltblocks #freesewingtutorial

You will need: Christmas Fat Quarters ¼” Dowelling Wooden Bobbins Glue Needle Thread Instructions: 1. Cut out 9 circles in fabric (5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 cm) in various fabrics. 2. Cut a small slit in the middles of all the circles, apart from the smaller on. 3. To make the Suffolk puff run a small running stitch around the edge of the circles, about ¼” in, pull the thread tight, gathering in all the edge. Finish off with a double back stick to hold it in place. 4. Make Suffolk puffs from all the circles. 5. Glue 6” lengths of dowelling into the bobbins and leave to dry. 6. Thread the Suffolk puffs on to the doweling, with the raw edges facing up. 7. Place the small one on the top of the dowelling, raw side down. 8. To make a fuller tree use more Suffolk puffs. Made by Stephanie Marsh for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #seasonal #christmas #tree #sewing #fatquarters #freesewingtutorial

Make this handy toy box to keep a room tidy and stylish. Fabrics Used: I packet of Medium Weight Craf-tex Stiffener 2 Half Metres of Contrasting Plain Dyed Cotton 1 Set of 5 Toy Story Fat Quarters I just worked to the fabric sizes I had for this tutorial. With the Craf-Tex, make a base for the basket, I used a compass. For the outer top (A) cut the Fat Quarter in half, Selvedge to Selvedge. R/S to R/S join by short edge to make one long piece. Repeat for the lining top Fat Quarter (D) Put the lining and outer top R/S together, pin on the seam to secure. Make a template for the internal handle. On the W/S of the Outer Fabric and W/S of Lining Fabric place a Heavyweight interfacing, pin to secure and draw around your handle template. I placed mine central on the seam approx. 3’’ down from the top. Once you have sewn around the handle, make a slit through the centre of all four pieces then carefully snip as close to the edge of the stitching without snipping through it. Now turn out.. You should have a very neat handle. Topstitch around the handle. I then added an orange and blue strip of fabric to the length following the earlier steps for the FQ pieces. From the Orange section to the bottom I added Craf-tex Medium weight stiffener. I then sewed a few lines across the orange section (to hold the stiffener in place and) to give a decorative look. For the base cut another 2 circles the same size as your base template out of a contrasting plain fabric. Pin the base with one fabric piece (Fabric side down) to the basket body, do not pin the inner to the inner base at this stage. You are pinning two lots off stiffener, and 2 sections of fabric, take your time, it will be so much easier to sew. You now have a cylinder shaped basket, sew around the base and match up fabrics on outer, then sew the stiffener & the two seams together. Repeat for the lining. Bind the top of the basket. R/S to R/S with binding and basket sew in the crease as above. Then fold the binding over the top and top stitch down neatly. Made by Nicky Hills for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #toystory #toy #basket #fatquarter #disney #freesewingtutorial #home

Make a gorgeous Christmas Wreath using just fat quarters or off cuts. What you will need: Different fabrics of your choice. I used ½ metre fabric for plaits Fat quarters or off cuts for bow and flowers. Stuffing Sewing machine Matching thread Scissors Needles and pins Buttons or self cover buttons Step 1 Cut three strips of fabric. Six inches by the width of the fabric Step 2 Fold the strip along the long edge, right sides together. Sew one short end and the long edges with a 1/4” seam allowance You now have a tube. Cut the corner and snip along the long edge. Step 3 Turn the three tubes inside out. Stuff the tubes with filling. Make sure to leave about two inches at each end without filling (to reduce bulking when joining all edges together.) *Use a long stick/scewer/chop stick to help with filling. *Be generous with the filling but do not pack it full. It should be a bit stiff and not too fluffy. *Join all three ends together with a Pin/safety-pin and braid halfway to check the stuffing. If you think it is too stiff or too fluffy you can correct it at this stage. Step 4 Fold the fabric of the open short ends to the inside, about 1/2 inch. Stitch (to close the openings). Pin the short end of all three tubes together and stitch. (Note: I was able to do it with the sewing machine but if you find it too hard – because of the bulkiness – you can do it by hand). Braid the stuffed tubes together, making sure you braid nice and tight and stitch together. Step 5 If you are using buttons that you cover yourself you can ‘fussy cut’ as I have done. Use the template on the reverse of the packet to get the correct size. Step 6 Making the flowers: Cut a strip of fabric and fold in half. Stitch along bottom edge and then gather tightly. Stitch ends together overlapping slightly. Stitch onto the braided ring. Make as many or as few as you like and decide on placement Step 7 Make a bow: Cut a rectangle of fabric twice the width and twice the length of the size you would like your finished bow. Fold long sides into the middle and stitch along both ends. Snip corners and turn right side out. Step 8 Cut a two strips the width of your finished rectangle and just over the length of your finished bow tails. Fold in half and stitch along longest edge. At one end on each tail stitch at right angle to achieve point. Trim and turn right side out. Step 9 Gather center of rectangle and secure. Cut a small rectangle folding sides into the middle and wrap around gather of rectangle, secure with stitching. Attach the tails to the back of the bow. Step 10 Attach bow to your desired position along with your flowers and buttons. Add a ribbon, hook or thread to the back for hanging on your door or wall. Enjoy your Christmas Wreath! Made by Jo Gleeson for The Craft Cotton Company 2018 #wreath #christmas #christmassewing #xmas #freesewingtutorial #fatquarter #festive #holidays #seasonal