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My inspiration for this item, came from my little boy, to be honest he isn’t so little, but he sure does love his teddy, it gets more kisses at bedtime then I do… This fabric is so gorgeous I just had to make an overnight bag/pajama bag to match teddy sleeping bag. Supplies: Fabrics and batting are all from craftcotton, Into the woods collection and the gorgeous Denim cotton Let’s begin: Step 1 Let’s start by making the sleeping bag for teddy, this is great for a project that the kids can get involved in. You will need the following fabric: • Mushroom pink 36” x 14” • Blue bear 36” x 14” • Batting 36” x 14” • Fox grey 10” x 12” Begin by fusing the batting the blue bear fabric Step 2 With right sides together, using a ½” seam allowance, sew along each side, stopping 6” from the top on both sides. Step 3: We are then going to attached the pink mushroom fabric, lay your pieces right sides together and join across the top (short edge). Make sure you have the fabric laying in the correct direction, so that when the top of the sleeping bag is pulled down the print is not upside down. Step 4: Repeat this process for attaching the other short end of the pink mushroom fabric. Step 5: With the sleeping bag inside out, sew along the two pink mushroom edges, as you did before with the blue bear fabric, stopping 6” from the top of each side. Match up the two 6” sides of different fabrics and sew them together – see photo (remember to leave yourself a 4” gap along one edge, so you can pull the sleeping bag through itself. Step 6: Pull the sleeping bag right side out, and using a ladder stitch, hand sew up the gap. The sleeping bag is now fully reversible 😊 Step 7: Almost there, teddy just needs a pillow… Take your fox grey fabric, and fold in half, sew along the three edges leaving a small gap to add the stuffing. Step 8: Press and turn the correct way out, stuff with soft fluff and using a ladder stitch, hand sew up the gap. Thanks for reading this tutorial, hope you enjoy making a teddy or dolls sleeping bag. Check out my other tutorials, including how to make a matching pajama bag.. happy sewing x Made by Michelle Roberts for the Craft Cotton Co Visit her blog creativeblondeblog.wordpress.com Follow her on instagram @creativeblonde66 #sewing #freesewingtutorials #kids #reversible #bag

Nothing makes me think of long summer days at the beach more than seeing a little row of cute beach huts, bringing back happy memories of fun days at the beach and the excitement of days of fun yet to be had there. Materials Cotton Denim fabric by The Craft Cotton Company: 1 piece 48x48 cm, 1 piece 48 x 52cm Star and Bunting Canvas fat quarters set by The Craft Cotton Company Embroidery thread in 2 different colours (brown and light blue) Thread Scissors Pins Ruler Pencil Paper Needle Step 1 Take the 48 x 52 piece of fabric and cut in half so you have two back pieces 24 x 26 cm. Step 2 Take the Star and Bunting fat quarter set and using one of the fat quarters cut 2 strips 6 x 48 cm. Step 3 Cut out the beach hut details from the Star and Bunting fat quarters by making paper templates using the following dimensions: House size: 9 x12 cm. Door size: 5 x 7 cm. Roof size: 10 cm along the bottom edge 7 cm high from the middle point of the bottom edge. Bunting triangles: 3 cm along the bottom edge, 4 cm from the middle point of the bottom edge. Step 4 Using the remaining fat quarters from the Star and Bunting fat quarter set make a strip of binding 2 m long and 8 cm wide. Step 5 Pin and sew the beach hut and bunting details to the front cushion piece. Step 6 Using the embroidery thread sew a line to join the bunting triangles using a straight stitch. Next take the other colour and weave in and out of the straight stitches. Step 7 Add the 2 binding strips (6 x 48 cm) to the two back pieces by folding the strips in half and pinning the strips right sides together along the top edge of one backing piece and the bottom edge of the other. Sew along 1 cm from the top edge, then fold the strip over to the back and slip stitch along to secure. Step 8 Place the front and back cushion pieces right sides together with the two backing pieces slightly overlapping, pin and sew around the edges. Turn the cushion the right way out. Step 9 Take the long binding strip and fold it in half, pin around the edge of the pillow and sew 1 cm from the edge to secure. Fold the binding over to the other side and slip stitch to secure. By Lesley Foster at Hook, Stitch, Sew for The Craft Cotton Company 2017 #cushion #pillow #freesewingtutorials #accessories

Free PDF download: #dressmaking #freesewingtutorials #fabriceditions #kids

Free PDF download: #fabriceditions #quilt #quilting #freesewingtutorials

I’m so pleased with how this design came out for my nautical lap quilt, that I just to share it with you, here is my step by step print friendly tutorial, so you can make it too… Here is what you will need: • 32” x 40” French Navy Textured Blender • Nautical rose fabric roll • 3 x fat quarters (I chose red ships, blue compass, blue anchor) • 33” x 28” piece of batting • 505 temporary adhesive spray • Dresden template • Sewing machine, basic sewing supplies small piece of cardboard and an iron. Let’s begin: We will start by making the Dresden pattern, you will need 21 pieces in total, so I cut 3 of each design in the jelly roll, plus 3 pieces from the navy blender. These should measure 5 ½” in length, but the width of the jelly strip. Take each piece and fold in half-length ways and press, then sew a line of stitches ¼” from the top, press open, repeat this for all 21 pieces. (to save on time, you can sew them in a chain, then cut them apart afterwards) We are now ready to sew the pieces together using a ¼” seam allowance, for crisp seams, press them open. Back: Front: How to make the center circle: Cut out a piece of cardboard 4” in diameter, then fold your chosen fabric in half and cut out a circle about 1” bigger then the cardboard. Use a tacking stitch roughly ¼” round the edge, insert the cardboard and pull the tacking stitches tight, press your fabric, and remove the cardboard. Take your navy textured blender fabric and trim to measure 20” x 25”, fold in half, then half again, and press the center seam, open out. The will help you find the center, for your Dresden template, pin in place, then pin your circle in place. Using a small binding stitch to hold this is place, the same stitch you use when adding binding. That’s the tricky bit done… We now need to take the three strips of anchor fabric, sewing the two longer edges first (top and bottom of quilt), using ¼” seam allowance. And using the third piece and a cut off piece for the third and fourth edge. It’s starting to take shape… Using the same process as before, add the next layer around the edge (blue zig-zag) this time you will have to join two pieces together to create a length for the forth side, try and pattern match this. Press your seams open. Trim the quilt to measure 32 ½” x 28” and that’s the front completed, time for a cuppa... Let’s begin the back of the quilt, preparing your fabrics: • Trim the ‘red ship’ fat quarter, to measure 20” x 18” • Cut 2 pieces of the ‘compass’ fabric to measure 6 ½” x 18” each • Cut 2 pieces of the ‘navy blender’ fabric to measure 32 ½” x 5 ½” Sew the two short sides first on to the red fat quarter, right side together using ¼” seam allowance, press your seams open. Add the blue blender to the top and bottom of the quilt, press seams open. Time to create the quilt sandwich: I use 505 temporary basting spray and curved safety pins to hold in place, while I quilt it. I didn’t want to anything too elaborate for the quilting, as I love the Dresden pattern, so I decided to extend the pattern, by quilting from where the Dresden applique finished out to the corners of the quilt, I used a blue quilting thread, and because I was quilting in straight lines, I didn’t drop the feed drops or change my sewing foot. I marked out the lines using a quilting ruler and fabric pen (which can be removed with an iron once the stitching is in place) I then hand sewed all the ends into the quilt sandwich, to finish it off and to make sure it wouldn’t come undone, when the quilt was being washed. To make the binding for the quilt, I took the three strips of ‘red knots’ fabric and pressed them in half-length ways. With right sides, together I machine stitched the binding to the front of the quilt, using a ½” seam. Once all sides were attached, I then hand stitched the binding to the reverse of the quilt, and used a blanket stitch to keep the corners neat. Your beautiful quilt is complete, thank you so much for reading, if you enjoyed this tutorial, please follow me on Instagram, and be sure to upload your own creations. All these beautiful nautical fabrics are available from craftcotton, I’ve really enjoyed working with them, and I’m so pleased with the results of the fabrics. See Michelle's blog here Designed and created by Michelle Roberts for the Craft Cotton Co 2017 #quilt #quilting #freesewingtutorials #nautical

It's always nice to have a lil' stash of blankets ready to go and this one is just so simple to knit up! For the full tutorial click here #knitting #blanket #stripes #freesewingtutorials

Sewing a bolster cushion couldn't be easier! Make it in any size you like, and I'll show you an easy way to add the end buttons to make indentations at each end. Whether it's for your bed, either end of the sofa or your dining room chairs, these cushions will add a touch of class to your room! #bolster #cushion #intothewoods #video #freesewingtutorials #accessories

Give a tatty ironing board a new lease of life with a super quick new cover. It might actually make ironing fun! Instructions 1. Take off your old cover and remove the string or tape. Press the old cover till it’s really flat...we are going to use it as a pattern! 2. Cut out a new fabric cover approximately 1” bigger on all sides. 3. Fold and press a ¼” hem all around then another hem ¾” wide. 4. Sew very close to the inner folded edge to create a channel. Leave 2” unsewn at the “blunt end” of your ironing board cover. 5. Attach a safety pin to ½” twill tape and pass all the way through the channel. 6. If the old padding on your ironing board needs replacing do this now... I used two layers of quilt batting cut to the same size as the ironing board top. I sewed the layers of batting together around the edge to prevent shifting. 7. Pop the new cover on top of your ironing board and pull the twill tape to tighten the cover. Knot the tape when the cover is completely smooth. Made by Stuart Hillard for the Craft Cotton Company 2017 #ironingboard #recover #sewingbee #freesewingtutorials #home

My easy to piece strippy patchwork cushions are fast and fun and a great way to add comfort and sewing style to your favourite armchair! The following requirements will make both cushions! Finished size 16” square You will need 13 assorted 2 ½” strips of “sewing bumble bee fabrics” approximately 18” long. 2 strips each 4 ½” x 18” for the “centre stripes” cushion 2 x 20” squares of thin quilt batting 2 assorted fat quarters for the envelope backs 2 x 16” cushion inserts Matching thread Method: For the “rail fence” cushion... Choose 4 assorted 2 ½” x 18” strips and sew them together into a panel 8 ½” x 18”. Press seams one way. Make another panel using 4 different strips. Cut each strip set into 2 squares each 8 ½” x 8 ½”...you should have 4 in total. Sew the 4 strip pieced squares together following the finished cushion as a guide. Lay the pieced cushion front on top of a 20” square of batting and pin in place. Quilt as desired then trim the panel to 16 ½” square. Make an envelope backing following general instructions. For the “centre stripes” cushion... Sew 4 assorted 2 ½” x 18” strips together, press seams one way. Take one more 2 ½” strip and carefully cut it into two strips each 1 ¼” x 18”...fold each strip in half, lengthways, right sides out and press. Lay the folded strips on either side of the panel you pieced in step 1...fold edges facing inwards and baste in place. Sew a 4 ½” strip to either side of the strip pieced panel. Trip the whole panel to a 16 ½” x 16 ½” panel. Layer the panel with a 20” square of batting, pin place then quilt as desired. Trim to 16 ½” square. Make an envelope backing following general instructions. General instructions: Making an envelope backing... Cut two panels each 16 ½” x 10” Fold one long edge over to make a ¼” hem, fold again to hide the raw edge then topstitch close to the folded edge. Make two. Lay the two backing pieces on top of the cushion front, right sides together...the envelope backing pieces will overlap each other. Pin in place. Sew all around d the outside of your cushion using a ¼”seam allowance. Clip the corners to reduce bulk. Turn to the right side and press...then insert your cushion insert and give your beautiful cushion a little shake to plump it up! #pierced #cushions #stuarthillard #cushion #freesewingtutorials #accessories #home

Describe yourself in five words/ a short introduction to you Celebrity sewer, Great British Sewing Bee original, best selling author and designer. How did you get into sewing? My Mum taught me to knit when I was three…really just to keep me out of mischief but I loved it. Later I learned to sew, spin, weave and crochet…it was the start of a love affair! What is a typical day like for you? Typical days don’t exist although breakfast is something I insist on every day no matter how early I rise. I might be teaching or filming, which involves a very early start and a late finish with lots of giggles in between. If I’m spending the day designing and making then it’s focus all the way…I go to my studio, make a cuppa and then knuckle down…I’m very strict with myself! What are your favourite tools and why? A great sewing machine is essential…I have a Bernina 5 series and it’s wonderful…the stitch quality never fails and it will sew through anything. My accuquilt die cutter is another must have for me…I work to tight deadlines so saving 90% of the cutting time is an offer I can’t refuse! Good thread makes for a durable and beautiful end product. I use Gutermann threads…cotton or sew all are my favourites. Tell us about your favourite project(s) I’ve got so many! I’ve been commissioned twice to make quilts for Dame Zandra Rhodes…she was simply wonderful to work with…and I love my stints on Create and Craft TV…my new book is number 1 bestseller and that was a wonderful project to work on. My favourite projects are always the ones I’m working on right now and that happens to be with my beautiful new range of fabrics, “The Sewing Bumble Bee” with The Craft Cotton Company… it’s a sewing themed range in a lovely modern, easy to use palette of “grellow”…greys, yellow and slate blue. What projects are you working on now? I’m loving working with TSBB range and still have projects I want to make… a bag or two next I think! I wanted to design a range that was good for quilting, accessories, bags, clothes and home décor...and I think that’s been achieved. Where do you do most of your sewing? I have a studio where I work when time allows…but I’m just as happy sewing at my kitchen table or watching a film… and wherever I’m travelling to I’m always planning my next project What has been your favourite new product or discovery over the last year? My hero product is Bosul foam…has been for the last 3 years and still hasn’t been eclipsed…perfect for bag making…great for baskets and boxes too. Where do you get the inspiration for all your amazing projects? I always start with the fabrics…I’m a fabric-a-holic and I believe in letting every fabric achieve its destiny…I like to live with fabrics until they tell me what they want to be… What are your top tips for anyone looking to get started in sewing? Build your skills up by reading books, watching youtube videos and taking classes… use fabrics that make your heart sing, pin, pin pin, unpick if you’re not happy (there’s no shame!) and don’t worry if you don’t finish everything… enjoy the journey! #stuarthillard #SewingBumbleBee

There’s nothing worse than going to get out a charging cable to charge your phone and finding a tangled mess of cables before you can get the cable you want. This cable tidy will keep also cables under control and also has a place to keep the plugs together too. Materials Grayson Fat quarter set by The Craft Cotton company Batting 48 x 28 cm Thread Elastic: 2 pieces 30 cm in length Ribbon: 1 m Scissors Pencil Paper Needle Pins Ruler Step 1 Cut out the fabrics. Using 2 different fat quarters, one for the front and one for the back, cut out 2 pieces 48 x 28 cm. Using 1 fat quarter piece, for the pocket, cut out 2 pieces 24 x 28 cm. Step 2 Take the front fabric piece and pin on the elastic, sew into place by sewing across the elastic at regular intervals of 2 and 3cm spacing. Make sure the spacings are the same for the 2 elastic pieces. Step 3 Sew the pocket pieces on to the front, take the pocket pieces and fold in half. Take one of the pieces to form the right part of the pocket and place the raw edge of the pocket piece 28 cm from the left edge right sides together with the front fabric piece. Sew along the edge to secure. Place the left hand pocket piece with its raw edge against the raw edge of the left side of the tidy, then fold back the pocket piece and over lap with the left pocket piece and pin to secure both. Step 4 Take the ribbon fold it in half and place it in the middle of the right hand side of the tidy with its folded edge against the raw edge of the tidy. Pin to secure. Step 5 Place the front and back pieces right sides together and place the batting on top. Pin to secure and sew around the edges leaving a 10 cm gap for turning. Turn and slip stitch closed the gap. Your cable tidy is finished! © by Lesley Foster at Hook, Stitch, Sew for The Craft Cotton Company 2017 #freesewingtutorials #accessories

Learn how to make this beautiful tea cosy by watching the video above. Twitter @Daisy_May_Bags #tea #sewing #quilt #freesewingtutorials #video #home