Fat Quarter Projects

How to Make a Bandana Bib for your Little One | Video Tutorial + Free Pattern

March 7, 2017

Looking for a baby accessory that’s as adorable as it is practical? Well you’re in luck–we’ve been in love with making bandana bibs lately, which is convenient because they’re so easy to stitch up. Whether you need a gift for a baby shower, something for your own little one, or are looking for new projects to stock your Etsy store with, bandana bibs fit the bill. Download the free pattern and follow along with this easy as pie tutorial. Click here to jump down to the video.

One of our favorite things about these bibs is that they’re a great batch project; once you get your pattern printed, you can cut out and sew up three or four in a row without spending much more time than it takes to make one. And since babies are messy, beautiful things, having a lot of spare bandana bibs is never a bad idea. Plus, you can match them with different outfits. 😉

The Pillow Every Pet Owner Needs to Have

February 17, 2017

One of our favorite custom-fabric projects of all time is the doppelgänger dog pillow. Originally dreamed up by Spoonflower co-founder Stephen, this brilliantly clever pillow was designed for Ruby, the first of the two rescue dogs that have come to live in Stephen and Kim’s home. Since then, the project has exploded — and we’ve seen everything from hedgehog to bunny rabbit versions stitched up by our customers. Get inspired and learn to make your own snuggly pet pillow!

Square pillow fabric is Freestyle (Black) by Domesticate in Linen Cotton Canvas

The DIY Cacti You Need In Your Life Right Now

January 31, 2017

If you’re anything like us, you love the idea of adding plants and greenery to your home but aren’t the best at keeping them alive. Spare yourself — and your plants more pain by whipping up one (or both!) of these adorable plush cacti created by Berlin-based maker Na’ama. Read on for the full how to.

Na’an: Hello there sweet makers! How great is a plant that you never need to water, and still will have a long and beautiful life? When you solve problems with fabrics, like I always do, everything is possible! And if you have the love for cacti, it is a unique plant that can decorate your window, shelf or table. I created 2 different cacti design, so each will never feel lonely. They share similar sewing techniques/methods, with slight variations. Let’s make some cacti! [Read more…] about The DIY Cacti You Need In Your Life Right Now

Personalized Wedding Pillows for Under $10

January 24, 2017

Like many creatives, I often find myself daydreaming about my next big sewing project even before my current project is complete. Whether in the car, walking my dog or even brushing my teeth, custom fabric projects are always on the brain. While on a trail run, I dreamt up my race bib running top. Most recently, while getting the mail, the lightbulb went off for custom pillows inspired by vintage envelopes.

These pillows look great on Linen Cotton Canvas, Eco Canvas and Heavy Cotton Twill, but I was excited to try Spoonflower’s newest fabric, Lightweight Cotton Twill. This lightweight fabric is both soft and durable, is easy to work with, and is a perfect addition to your couch when made into a pillow.

Personalize your next wedding gift with a Lightweight Cotton Twill pillow. Ready to Fly wallpaper by Meredith Macleod

DIY Reversible Bowl Covers

January 17, 2017

Recently I spotted some cotton bowl covers on an artisanal kitchenware website that were lovely yet pricey. After a bit of searching and some trial-and-error, I settled on an easy technique to make my own unique, double-sided covers using Lightweight Cotton Twill. These covers are perfect for resting your dough for baked goods, covering pasta or salad for a picnic, or even protecting your stand mixer bowl from dust. Read on for the full how-to! [Read more…] about DIY Reversible Bowl Covers

The Secret to Sewing Perfect Mitered Corners

January 10, 2017

You know those neat, crisp corners on quilts and professionally sewn napkins that you look at and say “I could never do that?” You’re not alone; we’ve been there! We’re pleased to report that mastering mitered corners is easier than you may think, especially when you’ve got the right fabric. Our brand new Lightweight Cotton Twill (perfect for reusable napkins and table linens) has just enough structure to make crisp corners, but is light enough to be easy breezy to work with. It prints vibrantly and is brilliantly wash fast, so your new napkins will hold up. Follow along as we reveal the secret to sewing crisp, perfect mitered corners.

Brand new Lightweight Cotton Twill is perfect for napkins

Design shown here is Onion Rings by Zoe Ingram

Learn to Make A Squeaky Dog Toy For Under $5.00

October 4, 2016

Did you know October is “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month”? My very own adopted shelter pup, Olive, loooooves playing with absolutely anything that squeaks, and I’ve long had it on my list to make her a custom squeaky plush. I figured this was the perfect reason to quit pro-crafter-nating (totally a word) and finally make it happen! Now, I know what you might be thinking… “my dog is going to demolish that in seconds flat. So why would I spend the time to make my own?” Of course every dog has a unique “rate of destruction,” and I’m not saying these will last forever by any means, but by using durable Eco Canvas material, polyester thread, and reinforced stitches, your pup should enjoy some solid play time before this toy gives in (and uh, is my dog the only one out there who gets just as much enjoyment out of playing with the plain poly-fill and deflated fabric far after she’s already destroyed the toy?). This project is quick to sew up, it should only take you about 15 minutes per plush! I think your pup will agree that’s some time well spent (besides, don’t you have some Project Runway episodes to catch up on while you sew!?).

*Le sigh…* ennui has set in. Bored of her once beloved tennis ball, Olive is ready for a squeaky upgrade

You can really have fun customizing this project, and you know… your dog can definitely tell when you give them handmade stuff and they’ll love you more for it, trust me! It’s also more affordable to DIY, yes, even with custom-printed fabric. In this tutorial, we’re using a cut and sew kit from Wanart that will get you 9 plushies in just one fat quarter of Eco Canvas. That’s just $1.80 per plush (I dare you to find a cheaper, cuter store-bought option!). You likely have all the other materials already, except maybe the squeaky inserts, which are also super affordable (see what we suggest below). These can of course be customized with whichever fabric you feel suits your pooch’s personality best. Follow along with our tutorial and prepare to make your doggie’s day! [Read more…] about Learn to Make A Squeaky Dog Toy For Under $5.00

How to Get Festive With Scary Cute Halloween Placemats

September 6, 2016

Want to turn your table into a spooky setting for a Halloween feast? Heidi Kenney (our resident Queen of Halloween) is stopping by the blog today to share the how-to, using her cut-and-sew placemat template available in the Spoonflower Marketplace. Designed to be printed on 54″ wide fabrics (linen would also work), a fat quarter fits two placemats, and a yard gives you eight. Pick a FQ or yard up in Eco Canvas fabric, then follow her easy steps below to sew up these adorable placemats for a table-scape that’s fit for a family of goblins and ghouls!

Vintage Halloween Placemats by Heidi Kenney

design inspired by actual vintage paper placemats

Tutorial: Sewing Up A Summer Waterproof Washbag

July 12, 2016

Ever wanted to create a waterproof, wipe-able bag that’s super easy to clean? While Spoonflower doesn’t yet offer lamination, there are super simple hacks you can use to create the same effect. This week guest author Emma Jeffery from the blog Hello Beautiful shares a tutorial for sewing up a waterproof washbag.

5 Adorable Cut and Sew Fat Quarter Projects

July 6, 2016

They may be small, but a fat quarter is perhaps the mightiest cut of fabric. We’ve rounded up 5 all-star fat quarter projects from the Spoonflower Marketplace. From dolls to pencil cases to tea towels, the real question is what can’t you make with a fat quarter of fabric? Time to stock up on these adorable, fast projects!