Sewing
Home Sewing Projects
Home sewing projects you can finish in an afternoon: envelope cushion covers, cloth napkins with mitred corners, table linen and lined Christmas stockings.
Cloth Napkins Free Sewing Pattern (Mitred Corners)
Envelope Cushion Cover Free Sewing Pattern (No Zipper)
About this collection
Small changes, big difference. New cushion covers or a stack of linen napkins change a room for the price of a metre of fabric. They are mostly squares and rectangles, so they are perfect for practising straight seams and crisp corners.
Cushion covers without zips. The envelope back overlaps by about 4 inches and holds the cushion in place, so there is no zipper to fight with. I give the cut sizes for 16, 18 and 20 inch cushions.
Neat corners every time. Mitred corners turn plain napkins and placemats into something that looks shop-bought. Press first, then fold: an iron is the most important tool for home sewing.
Seasonal sewing. Stockings, gift bags and table linen for the holidays live here too. For quilted table runners and placemats, see Table Runners & Mini Quilts.
Questions about home sewing
How do I make an envelope cushion cover?
Cut a front 1 in bigger than the cushion and two back pieces that overlap by about 4 in. Hem the overlapping edges, sew around with 1/2 in seams and turn it out. No zipper needed.
What fabric is best for cushion covers?
Medium-weight cotton, linen or canvas. Heavier fabrics hold their shape and wear better on a sofa.
How do I sew mitred corners on napkins?
Press a double hem, unfold it, fold each corner in at 45 degrees, trim the tip and fold the hems back. The corner meets in a neat diagonal line.
Can I sew a Christmas stocking without a pattern?
Yes. Draw a stocking shape from a few measured points on paper (leg width, height and foot length) and use it as your template. My stocking patterns give those measurements.
