All sorts of heart-related sewing projects are suitable for Valentine's Day, including table runners, place mats and teddy bears.
Valentine’s Day is a free-spirited holiday. This is a great time to get started on those heart-related sewing projects.
Techniques
A number of sewing techniques can be used for Valentine’s Day projects. Piecing and appliqué are obvious choices. Felting and embroidery are other options. Fabrics can also be embellished with hearts by a variety of other means, including stamping, stenciling, dyeing, and painting.
Fabrics for Valentine’s Day Projects
Various kinds of fabrics are suitable for this holiday. Since many Valentine’s projects require very little material, you likely have some scraps on hand. Since these items will only be displayed for a couple weeks, you need not be restricted to the usual 100% cottons. Velvet and velveteen make beautiful throw pillows and lap quilts.
Regarding colors for Valentine’s Day sewing projects, reds of all sorts are in the spotlight. For this occasion, pinks are recommended so long as they aren’t hot pink or neon pink. Mix in some whites as well.
For visual balance, select a co-ordinating print with a heart motif.
Project Ideas for Valentine’s Day
There are more potential projects than there is time to make them. Valentine’s Day table runners and place mats with matching napkins lend a festive touch. Heart-decorated throw pillows, wall hangings, and lap quilts abound this time of year. Appliquéd towels for kitchen and bath also work well.
Fabric postcards make delightful Valentine’s Day decorations for the home. In addition, these one-of-a-kind creations can be given to loved ones in lieu of the usual Valentine’s card.
Teddy bears are a fun project. Sew these from heart prints, and display them as part of your holiday décor. If you prefer, buy a bear, and make Valentine’s clothing for it.
Fabric bowls are an ideal Valentine’s Day project. These can be used to display candy and glass beads.
Heart-shaped ornaments are perfect for this special occasion. Make these in assorted colors and sizes. Sew them just as you would Christmas ornaments by cutting a front and back for each one, then stuffing them after they’re sewn. Another option is to sew square and rectangular ornaments, and appliqué them with hearts. Display these either in a dish or string together as a garland for a mantle or around the top of a window.
Sources of Valentine’s Day Projects
Valentine’s Day projects are featured in various craft books and magazines. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Check out the lovely felted heart projects in Holiday Charm, published by Indygo Junction. These include pin cushion rings, decorative pillows and wall hangings. This title has full-size pattern pieces.
Still Stripping After 25 Years by Eleanor Burns from Quilt-in-a-Day has fast and easy, strip pieced, heart-decorated projects, such as pillows, table runners, wall hangings, and lap quilts.
Thimbleberries Four Seasons of Calendar Table Toppers by Lynette Jensen from Landauer has a 58-inch-square pieced tablecloth with hearts in the corners and an appliquéd garland of flowers and leaves around the center.
All of these books give complete, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.
Add Embellishments
Make full use of buttons, lace, and beads. These bring a luxurious look to holiday sewing projects.
