Do you have a sewing machine tucked away somewhere at home? Maybe you wanted to get into sewing years ago but never managed to make it stick, or you might have inherited one from a family member at some point. If you do, don’t let it gather any more dust! Familiarise yourself with the setup and give some fabric crafts a go. Some of them can save you a small fortune, others just add that feeling of proper comfort you don’t always get with shop bought pieces. Here are 5 crafts that are genuinely worth the effort.
By Team Savant
Image: Tuyen Vo
Curtains
Ready made curtains can be so hit or miss. If your windows are an awkward size or you want something longer than average, you’re either compromising or paying a lot for made to measure ones. Sewing your own gives you control over everything from the length to lining, and if you want blackout fabric in a nice print, you can do that without having to choose between style and function. You’re not restricted by what’s on trend either, so if you fall in love with a patterned cotton or something heavier and more traditional, you can just go for it and know it’ll fit perfectly. You can buy fabrics online if you spot something you love the look of, or go to a haberdasher if you feel like you want to see the quality in person first.
Cushion Covers
Good cushions are rarely cheap, and the cheaper ones tend to feel like they belong in a waiting room. Making your own covers is a simple way to completely change the mood of a room without replacing the furniture or redecorating. You can match them to curtains or even change them out with the seasons. It’s also a great way to use small pieces of fabric that would otherwise go to waste.
Throws
It’s one thing picking up a throw in a shop, but quite another having one that actually feels right. A lot of what’s out there looks cosy but feels synthetic or doesn’t wash well. Sewing your own lets you pick the exact fabric weight and texture you want, whether it’s brushed cotton, soft fleece, or a mix of natural fibres. You can also size it to suit your space so it hangs properly rather than looking like it was borrowed from another room. And if you want to back it with something thicker or add details like binding or decorative stitching, you can do that too. Throws can be a good way to use up your scraps too, sew lots of smaller pieces together and then add backing.
Chair Covers
Sewing fitted covers for dining chairs, armchairs or even highchairs might not sound like the most exciting project, but it makes a big difference to how a space looks and feels. If your chairs are still in good shape but the fabric’s dated or stained, a handmade cover gives them another life. It’s especially handy if you’ve got mismatched chairs and want to make them feel more cohesive without sanding and painting everything. You can also take them off and wash them, which is a bonus if you’ve got kids or pets climbing all over the furniture.
Fabric Storage Baskets or Boxes
This one’s underrated but really useful. You can make soft storage containers to suit awkward corners, shelves or under-bed spaces where rigid baskets don’t quite work. The fabric choices mean you can match them to your space in a subtle way, especially if you’re not into big decorative pieces but still want things to look put together.