When learning to sew, novices will do well to start with simple easy projects. This gives you a chance to learn the basics before you tackle items that are more challenging.
For starter projects, beginning sewers won’t go wrong with simple, printed pillow tops, pre-printed fabric panels, and the like. These are sold in fabric stores and online. With such a wide assortment available, you’re sure to find items that suit your needs and taste.
With the exception of some pillow tops, most of these printed fabrics will usually have illustrated, step-by-step instructions printed right on the material along with a list of the supplies you need to complete the item. The cutting and sewing lines are usually marked as well. With many of these projects, it is a simple matter of sewing a few seams and hems.
Most stores or other fabric sources will have a large number of printed pillow tops. They will usually carry pre-quilted, baby quilt tops as well. If you look carefully, you’re sure to find other items, such as napkins, place mats, table cloths, pillow cases, aprons, hot pads, children’s clothing, vests, and tote bags. In addition, seasonal tablecloths will be available at certain times of the year.
There are other pre-printed fabric items that will be of interest to youngsters. Stuffed animals are one example. In addition, a good number of fabric book panels are available for infants and toddlers. For these books, you’ll need either interfacing or batting to give the pages some body.
For the upcoming holidays, stores will have all sorts of quick and easy projects. You will find most all of the Christmas decorations you need in fabric stores. Among these are pre-printed Christmas stockings, Christmas tree skirts, tree ornaments, door panels, tea towels, coasters, napkins, table linens, and kitchen accessories.
Fabric panels come in a wide range of designs. Juvenile prints are especially common. For the spring and summer, there are seasonal panels and banners in garden or outdoor-related themes as well as ones for the various holidays, such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
The pre-printed wall hangings will usually be square or rectangular in shape. The long, slender panels are designed to hang on doors.
To make a quick and easy quilt top, start with one of the banners or pre-printed panels. Use some of the coordinating fabrics for borders, sashes, or patchwork blocks. For a coordinated look, make some matching pillows from the same materials.
