As we think about back to school and National Sewing month coming up in September, I wanted to give you some easy sewing projects to try if you haven’t yet jumped into sewing. This easy sewing project is perfect for trying to get some deep sleep during the stress of starting school. I’ve included a sleep mask pdf pattern for you free as well to make this super simple.

Simple Sleep Mask Sewing project

We had a lot of fun modeling this, and even more enjoyment wearing these to help us get better sleep. I will say that we don’t wear these every night. But, when we are sleeping a place that isn’t as dark {camping, at grandma’s house. etc} a sleep mask can be helpful for blocking the light and getting better sleep.

The pdf pattern comes in two sizes {also easy to adjust more if needed} and the tutorial has instructions for the optional eyelash iron on, if you want to add that as well. Below I will also give you links to the supplies needed, but this is a great stash buster, so go through your scraps and get sewing.

Other simple sewing projects to try

• Simple Mug Rug
• Mug Cozy
• Simple Zip Pouch
• Simple Christmas Stocking with free pattern
• Popsicle holder
• Notebook pen holder

Free Sleep Mask pattern and tutorial

ok! Here’s what you will need to sew this easy sleep mask:

• Free pdf template {download and print from my shop click here}
• Scraps of soft cotton or silky fabric
• Cotton batting
• Flat Elastic String
• {optional} heat transfer vinyl and design from Artspira or other design software.

Below you can see the supplies I used for two of the masks. I used sweatshirt fleece for one and flannel for the other. Both so soft. I know some prefer a silky fabric, but I am ok with anything soft. You will cut 2 of the fabric and 1 of the batting for each mask you want to sew.

**All seams sewn with 3/8″ seam allowance**

Here are my two pieces of sweatshirt fleece cut out. I made this one of the larger size. You can also trim down the template and make the smaller size.

Cut one layer of the cotton batting. Now you have all the fabric cut for the project.

This step is optional, but so so cute. Cut the free eyelash pattern on the Artspira app {no subscription required}. Use heat transfer vinyl of any color for the lashes.

Weed the vinyl and check that it works on your cut fabric.

Use an iron or heat press to secure the vinyl to the top piece of fabric for your mask. If you cut different fabrics for the top and bottom, make sure you bond to the piece that will be facing out.

Take the inside piece of main fabric, the one that will touch your face, and lay it right side down. Place the batting on top of this. Sew the two layers together with a narrow seam allowance. Use a small seam allowance for this one, so that when you join it all together, you won’t see this stitching.

Measure your head for the elastic, then pin/clip to either side of the mask. With the outer fabric right sides together, pin, then sew around with the full 3/8″ seam allowance. Leave an opening for turning.

Here is my 2″ opening along the flat top edge. Clip the nose notch fabric {not the stitches}

Turn right side out, then turn in the seam allowance of the turning hole. Top-stitch around the mask, close to the edge. That’s it! Now you can wear or gift for hopefully a better night’s rest!

The post Free Sleep Mask Pdf Pattern and tutorial appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

You guys… I hate using AI. Seriously… I don’t do it. I still google everything and read actual articles rather than use the AI answer given. I don’t open up Chatgpt and ask it how to do things… I just don’t.. However, I recently played around with creating some fun shirt designs and I will admit this saved me hours and hours of designing time. Also, you can use the prompts yourself and just change some of the words to create your own looks as well.

DIY school spirit wear shirts with AI prompts-

So excited about these new shirts for the fall semester. As I’m looking at these now I see they are all pretty feminine, so my next project might have to be to make some for the boys! For now, enjoy these pretty school spirit shirts.

Rose goes to a middle school that is the Eagles and my boys go to a different High School, so I made a few different designs. These turned out so cute and I’ll give you the AI prompts below to recreate these with information from your school. Also, I will be linking the shirts I used here from Amazon, I never know what is a good shirt for sublimation or not…

Below are the prompts I got from Chat to create the images. What I did was put in my description, then ask it to create the actual prompt for the image. So strange that every prompt is a bit different all using the same AI model, but it’s what it is. You can always start with this, then give directions to modify as you need. You are also welcome to upload my images for inspiration with the prompt to get a better output.

It’s also interesting to me in working with this that you can put in the same prompt twice and get slightly different images. I recommend starting with the prompts I shared, then giving clarifying directions from there. I do not have paid ChatGPT, and if that is you, there is a limit to the images you can create in a day. If you need a lot of revisions you may not be able to do all these at one time. But, you should be able to do one or more for sure.

Other gorgeous sublimation projects to try –

• Sublimation on stainless steel
• Sublimation on dark fabric tutorial
• How to sublimate on glass tumblers
• Custom Sublimation ornaments
• Sublimation tea towels tutorial

AI prompts to create school spirit wear prints-

Shirts that are good for sublimation {high poly content}

• Cap Sleeve Womens Shirt
• Womens Tank 2-pack
• Girls oversized tee {bought in white and grey}
• Womens t-shirt in grey-purple
• Girls oversized, split hem shirt

Use the prompts below to create your own school spirit wear prints, change up the BOLD text with your own school words and colors.

Floral School Shirt prompt:

Create a high-resolution, print-ready vector-style PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI.

Design a bold, retro-inspired school spirit graphic featuring the word “Eagles” as the central focus in a large, hand-lettered varsity script. The lettering should have smooth, flowing curves with an oversized ornamental capital “E” and a long sweeping underline that extends beneath the entire word. Use thick, confident strokes with a slightly distressed vintage screen-print texture while maintaining crisp vector edges suitable for commercial printing.

Surround the typography with a dense arrangement of stylized Scandinavian-inspired folk art florals and botanical elements. Include a balanced mix of:

Simple five- and six-petal flowers in multiple sizes
Rounded blossoms with contrasting centers
Curved leafy stems
Teardrop-shaped leaves
Decorative vines
Small berries, dots, and accent shapes that fill negative space
Symmetrical botanical clusters radiating around the lettering

Keep the floral elements evenly distributed around the composition so they frame the word without covering it. The overall layout should feel balanced, layered, and visually full while remaining clean and easy to read.

Color palette:

Deep cherry red (#9E1B22)
Golden yellow (#E7B12A)
Charcoal gray (#4A4A4A)
Warm cream (#F8F4EA)

Use the cherry red for the main lettering and several flowers, golden yellow for additional flowers and botanical accents, charcoal gray for leaves and foliage, and warm cream for outlines and flower centers.

Style should resemble:

Vintage collegiate apparel
Folk art botanical illustration
Retro hand-painted signage
Modern vector screen-print artwork
Clean layered shapes with subtle distressed ink texture

The composition should be tightly cropped around the artwork with no unnecessary empty space.

Output Requirements:

Vector-style illustration
Transparent background
300 DPI
Print-ready
Isolated artwork only
No shirt
No mockup
No mannequin
No hanger
No fabric texture
No background
No shadows
No borders
No extra objects
No watermark
No text other than the word “Eagles”

Striped background school name prompt:

“Create a high-resolution PNG-style T-shirt graphic with a transparent background inspired by the retro sports script style shown in the reference. The design features the word ‘Faith‘ in a bold, flowing varsity script with a thick outline and a subtle dotted/glitter-look fill. Behind the word are seven vertical stripes in alternating gold and light gray. The script is maroon with a white inner outline and a medium gray outer outline for contrast. Keep the design clean, centered, and print-ready with no mockup, no T-shirt, no background, and no additional text or graphics. The overall aesthetic is vintage athletic, cheerful, and suitable for DTF or screen printing.”,”size”:”1024×1024″,”transparent_background”:true}

Retro Horizontal stripes Prompt:

Create a high-resolution PNG graphic with a transparent background. Design a vintage school spirit graphic featuring the words “Faith Eagles” in a bold retro athletic style. The layout should stack the text, with “Faith” in a smaller, clean varsity-style font above the much larger “EAGLES” in thick collegiate block letters.

Give the lettering a distressed, worn vintage texture to resemble a well-loved screen-printed T-shirt. Across the lower portion of the large lettering, incorporate several thin horizontal retro stripes that extend beyond the text on both sides, creating a classic 1970s/1980s athletic design. Vary the stripe thicknesses for visual interest while keeping the layout balanced and symmetrical.

Use only gold, cherry red, dark gray, and white for the color palette. Make EAGLES primarily gold with dark gray and white accents, while Faith can be cherry red or dark gray for contrast. The horizontal stripes should alternate between gold, cherry red, dark gray, and white in a harmonious arrangement.

Add subtle vintage distressing, cracked ink texture, and slightly weathered edges throughout the design, but keep the artwork crisp and print-ready. The typography should be bold, clean, and highly legible with a timeless school spirit aesthetic. Maintain generous spacing and a centered composition.

The final artwork should be vector-style, 300 DPI, transparent background, with no shirt, mockup, mannequin, hanger, fabric texture, background, shadows, or additional objects. Output only the standalone print-ready design.

The post How to use AI to create school spirit wear prints – with prompts appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

**I was given this hoop to review for this post, but my opinion and review are all my own**

I’ve been creating machine embroidery projects for years. I love love love my embroidery machines and all the projects I have created over the years with embroidery designs. I’ve used many different hoop sizes, but until recently, I have not used a magnetic hoop. For this project I was able to try a Sewtech magnetic hoop and it was amazing.

SEWTECH magnetic hoop

I’ve got a few photos of my first project with this new hoop. It was SO SO easy to use. At the bottom of this short post I also have a video where I unbox this new hoop and walk you through using it my very first time. So fun!

My link to order your own amazing SEWTECH hoop – order here.

Use my code to receive a discount on your order: SEWTECHEMILY26

New to embroidery? Check out my embroidery introduction class here.

Compared to other magnetic hoops I have seen and used, this is very affordable magnetic hoop option. I can’t wait to try some of their other size hoops.

In the photo below you can see it took just over a minute to hoop my v-neck shirt. This was my first attempt {see video} and it was so smooth. Makes positioning and getting it straight so easy!

Since much of my embroidery is on pre-made clothing, I’m super excited about having this hoop option… and more magnetic hoops in the future. SEWTECH hoops make buying magnetic hoops affordable.

How amazing did this shirt turn out? I was just looking for a design to try and this was a winner! Love it. This design is on the Artspira App and built into my Stellaire 2. Not sure if its on other Brother machines as well.

Magnetic hoop – so easy to use

Check out this video of my first time using the hoop and how easy is make positioning on the shirt!

The post Sewtech magnetic embroidery hoop review appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

Today I’m sharing a fun photo and video tutorial to sew your own poodle skirt. It’s a fun and easy quick sewing project that can be used for dress up days or Halloween, or just for fun. There is also a video tutorial included below, so please refer to that if you have questions. As always, there is also a photo tutorial, walking you through the sewing process as well. Enjoy!

Felt Poodle Skirt

This is a project I’ve been wanting to make for awhile now, so when a reader sent an email asking some questions about sewing a poodle skirt, I decided it was time to make one and write about the process. This is a felt poodle skirt and is so easy to sew!

Now why do we need a poodle skirt? Good question… we don’t really {haha} But actually I think this would make a very fun Halloween costume, it sews up quickly and doesn’t cost that much to make. It’s a fun sewing project and will be fun to have this skirt around for dress up occasions.

I like using felt because you don’t have to hem the bottom, and it has some body, even without an underskirt. Quick and easy! You can use this tutorial with any fabric you want {its just a circle skirt} but felt works great and is nice and wide for skirt length.

Other fun skirt projects to sew-

• Half Circle skirt with knit waistband
• Tiered Skirt tutorial
• Double layer skirt with undershorts
• Skirt with leggings attached
• Long skirt with pockets tutorial
• Double layer circle skirt

Poodle Skirt video tutorial-

The video tutorial should be here below this text. If you don’t see it, make sure you aren’t running an ad blocker or try a different browser.

How to sew a poodle skirt tutorial-

here’s what you will need to recreate this cute poodle skirt project. The directions for this skirt are below… but if you need more tips making a circle skirt you can check out my circle skirt tutorial post.

• Free poodle printable pattern {click button below to download.}
• Ribbon for leash
• 2 yards felt for skirt {for toddler, one yard is probably enough}
• scraps of felt for poodle
• Wide elastic {mine is 2″ wide}

NOTE: the free download is a .zip file. This means you will have to download and UNZIP to use it. You cannot use as is. I use a zip file so I can give you two forms of the pattern in one download. There is a PDF and SVG included.

NOTE 2: the fabric I ordered from Amazon was a great price and worked fabulously for this skirt, however, the two yards came separate {I couldn’t quite tell in the listing} So below I will show how to sew together, and I still think this felt is a great option, so wide and the ability to make long skirts is perfect!

If you purchased two continuous yards of fabric you can skip this first step. Line up the long edges so after you sew you will have approx 72″ x 72″ square. I placed the edges together with just a slight overlap and then sewed it with a zig-zag to connect the edges.

Take your large square of fabric and fold it in half, then in half again. {see video for double fold instructions if needed} Now you should have a corner of the fabric that is all folds, no edges. This corner is the center of the skirt.

Next, figure your top circle cut by taking the hip measurement of the skirt recipient and divide it by 6.28. Use the hip measurement because the skirt will have to fit over the hips. For example, our skirt waist opening was 30″ x 6.28= 4.7″. Starting from the double fold corner. Measure and mark this to create a quarter circle from the corner.

Here is the waist marking for my skirt. Measure, mark, then cut.

Now, from the cut waistline, measure down to the intended skirt length. Keep the fabric folded as before. My skirt was 27″ from the waist. Make sure you are measuring from the new cut waist, not the original folded corner. Mark the skirt length measurement along the whole quarter circle, then cut all four layers at once.

Becuase my skirt is felt, I didn’t finish the bottom edge, this cut was the bottom.

Cut the elastic based on the waist measurement. I would cut it 1-2″ smaller than the actual waist, its best if you can try on your model, but you can cut with just the measurement as well. Overlap the cut edges 1/2″ and then sew with a zig-zag over both raw edges.

At this point if you sewed two yards of felt together, you will want to make sure that where you sewed the felt together is now on the side seams. Lay the skirt so the seams on on the sides, and the seam of the elastic is at the back. The elastic waistband should be laid over the right side of the skirt, overlapping 1/2 of the elastic and skirt. Stretch and pin the elastic to the skirt. Place pins on the right side of the elastic so you can sew from the right side.

Use a zig-zag stretch in thread color that matches the elastic and stitch on the bottom edge of the elastic, making sure to catch the skirt under. You will need to stretch the elastic as you sew to match up with the skirt. When you finish, the front will look finished and the inside will have the raw edge of the felt.

Now it’s time to prepare the poodle to add to the skirt. You can download the free pattern using the button in the supply list. {see note about .zip file} You can use the pdf file to cut black felt with scissors or the svg file on your cutting machine. When you open the file there are two layers. Image and shape

You will not cut the image layer. You can hide or delete it before cutting the shape layer.

Find the front center of the skirt and place the poodle to the left or right of the center. I used hot glue to attach the poodle. You can sew or glue the poodle.

Add a leash from the poodle neck. You can create the leash using any design you want. Take the leash from the neck to the waistband. Glue the leash in place.

There you have it! A cute poodle skirt you can make in any size.

The post How to sew a poodle skirt appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I really want a tumbler for iced coffee. I’ve gone through four glass tumblers {even with the rubber bottom} and I can’t be trusted with glass. On a trip to Hobby Lobby this spring I saw this stainless steel tumbler with a straw and I was pretty sure this tumbler could survive. Of course I wanted to add some fun design to it though before using.

Stainless steel tumbler with sublimation

If you are like me and can’t be trusted with glass, this project is for you. All the cuteness of a glass tumbler, with the strength of stainless steel. I may replace the plastic straw these came with, but for now it has the original straw.

I designed the text right in the Artspira app. I love how easy it is to import your own designs AND use font and graphics from in the app. There was no cross in the app, so I imported one and it seamlessly blends with the rest of my design.. If you have any Brother craft or sewing machines the Artspira app is a great tool. This was all done just using the free version of the app.

Other sublimation projects

• Sublimation on dark fabric
• Sublimation on Glass
• Custom sublimation ornament
• Tea towel sublimation

Sublimation on Stainless Steel tumbler tutorial

Here are the supplies needed to create your own sublimated stainless steel tumbler.

• Stainless steel tumblers. You can find on Amazon here. Or at Hobby Lobby.
• Sublimation printer
• Design – download one online or design your own.
• Tumbler Heat press – with heat gloves and heat resistant tape.
  • My exact press is no longer sold, but the one linked is very similar with great reviews. I love that one press can do all shapes and sizes of tumblers and mugs.

I looked up some fun tumbler designs online and then recreated/ adapted them to the fonts/graphics I had on hand in the Artspira App.

Measure your tumbler top to bottom and around the circumference.

Use these dimensions to create your canvas on your design software. Then create your design. OR import a complete design you purchased online. Send to your sublimation machine and print.

My design was the right size, but it printed on a full sheet, so I had to trim the paper down.

Remove the top and straw from the tumbler. Wrap the paper/design around your tumbler and secure with heat resistant tape. {my tape came with my machine and I’m still using the first roll.}

More tape is better than less to avoid slipping. My press has a small crack where the tumbler is not pressed, so make sure that a blank sport is on the area. If your design is a full 360, you will have to press your tumbler, then rotate and press again.

Follow the instructions on the tumbler for time and temperature. You should be able to put these settings into your heat press. While the time is ticking, I put on my heat gloves.

When the timer goes off, remove the tumbler from the press. Let cool for a few minutes. If you have more sides to press, rotate and press again before cooling.

I like to try and peak at a corner of the design before removing the whole paper to make sure the color fully transferred. Remove all the paper if satisfies with the design.

Place the top and straw back in place and enjoy!!!

The post Sublimation on Stainless Steel tutorial appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

Prime Day is back!! June 23-26, 2026!! So many amazing deals to check out. This post will focus on deals for sewing and crafting and home, but there is so much more on Amazon for sale. Over the next few days I’m going to be updating this post as I see amazing deals on sewing and crafting supplies. I apologize up front if the item isn’t on sale when you click the link. These deals can be short lived!

Prime Sign up and other Promotions

If you don’t have a prime account sign up for a FREE trial here >> Prime Trial

Also… have you seen the Prime for young adults? Students or 18-24 year olds can enjoy Prime as well as an extra 5% cash back on eligible purchases and monthly perks. Plus, it’s $0 for the first 6 months. Sign up here.

Another great new option is prime access! Eligible government assistance recipients and income verified customers can access all of Prime (fast, free delivery, Prime Video, Amazon Music, and more) for just $6.99/month (50% off) Check it out here.

Need a Kindle? Check out Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Fires here. {my kids have these simple inexpensive ones!}

Amazon video is a super fun streaming subscription. Tons of shows and Movies. Try Amazon video here.

My kids LOVE audio books and Audible is a lifesaver! We don’t have a yearly subscription, but do subscribe when we need {summer!!} You can try Audible plus here.

I love to read and I do subscribe to Kindle unlimited. It’s so easy to always have a book at my fingertips!! Try Kindle Unlimited here.

Prime Day Deals for Sewing and Crafting

Are you a prime day shopper? Over the years I’ve found several really great deals on Prime Day. When it used to be in the fall I would do a lot of Christmas shopping during these sales. Now that it falls in summer I’m not as excited to Christmas shop in July, but we will see what I find.

Below you will find categories of sales and several items in each. Again, when I post the item it was on sale, but I can’t always be sure it will last the full two days. This post was written for Prime Day 2024.

Deals on Sewing and Crafting Machines

• Brother basic sewing machine {great starter machine!}
• Dress forms!! so many good ones on sale!
• Brother Mechanical sewing machinene
• Brother Strong and Tough Sewing Machine
• HTVront heat press
• Folding sewing table
• Label Maker

Deals on Sewing Supplies

• Sewing Kit
• Sewing Book – Half Yard Christmas
• Stitch Book – 32 Stitches with room to practice and create a beautiful book
• Machine Presser Foot Set
• Sewing Machine muffling mat
• Polymer Clay 50 colors
• Seam ripper kit
• 600PCS Sewing Pins Straight Pin for Fabric
• Sewing clips – my favorite!!
• Bobbin Cases- pre wound!
• MOHOM 17″ x 13.5″ Wool Pressing Mat 100%
• Thread clipping embroidery scissors

See all kinds of small sewing notion deals HERE

Deals on Crafting Supplies

• Chalk Markers
• Journal Markers
• Craft Scissors
• 40 pack Crayola markers
• 3000+ Pcs Arts and Crafts Supplies for Kids
• Heat Gun for Crafting
• Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun,

See all kinds of smaller item craft sales HERE

Other home deals and items I’m eyeing!

• Ninja Foodi Double Air fryer.. I have this one! Love it!
• Shark Robot vacuum {almost 1/2 off!!}
• Veggie Chopper-I bought this last prime day
• Airtight food storage containers
• Ninja Crispi Airfryer – 5.5 qt
• Kitchen Aid Oven Mitts
• Soda Stream...
• Just ordered these two tents as ours broke last summer
  • 6 person dark tent
  • small backpacking style tent

The post Prime Day Deals for Sewing and Crafting appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I have a couple embroidery machines, but they are all flatbed, single needle machines. This means that you use a flat hoop and your fabric/item must be flat. BUT… with the machines I do have I can still make amazing embroidery items. Here is my DIY custom patch, sewn on a hat tutorial.

Custom Patch Hat

It’s SUMMMMER! Also known as hat season {haha}. I found this adorable persunality design on the Artspira App. I decided we needed it on a hat.

I love the way this looks. A truly custom hat… you can make any size or shape or design of patch and then sew it on a hat. I’ll give you a quick tutorial on how to make custom patch, then show you how to sew it on a hat.

Here’s what you need to create this project…

• Adhesive stabilizer
• Twill patch fabric
• Embroidery Thread
• Simple Trucker hat {this is a link for a pack of hats like mine, I got my single hat at Hobby Lobby}
• Embroidery design {I found mine on the Artspira App}

Other fun embroidery projects

• Puff Embroidery Tutorial
• Logo pocket embroidery
• Double Layer embroidery
• Couching and embroidery
• Create custom clothing
• Embroidered Bag tags
• Applique and Embroidery shirt
• Flower bouquet embroidered shirt

How to make a custom patch

Place a piece of the stabilizer in your hoop. Make sure the paper side is facing up. Cut a piece of twill larger than you need for your patch and place in the center of the hoop.

Use a design on your machine or transfer from Artspira, then import to your machine screen.

Use the square/rectangle designs built into your machine. I added one rectangle single stitch, then directly overtop I added a satin stitch rectangle. You can see the layers of colors. Make sure the rectangles are in the order I mentioned and after the design, this will give the correct order of stitching.

Stitch out the design. This only had three colors, so it didn’t take too long.

After the design stitches, the next layer will be the single stitch. After this, you will remove the hoop and trim around the single stitch rectangle.

Start the final layer of stitching, which is the satin stitch and will finish the patch.

The patch should pop right out of the stabilizer as the stitching perforates the stabilizer.

How to sew a patch on a hat

Now that you have a fun, custom patch, it’s time to sew it onto your hat. remove any packaging that will get in the way while sewing.

Pin or glue the patch in place on the hat.

While pinning and sewing, make sure to keep the hat sweatband out of the way. I kept the same thread as the patch border. This will

I kept the same thread as the patch border. This will make the stitching blend right in with the patch.

Now, here’s a tip that is SUPER helpful. If your machine has directional sewing, then you never have to rotate the hat. I started near the brim and stitched to the left, then forward, and then right.

For the final side {the one hear the brim} it can be hard to sew close to the brim. I like to use my zipper foot and then also move the needle several places to the right.

Now your patch hat is finished and should look amazing.

The post DIY custom patch sewn on hat appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

Embroidered Bag Tag

We’ve marked our suitcases with ribbon in the past, but no more! Now we have the cutest bag tags. You can use just as a marker, or as an actual address tag, by adding your address to the back with permanent marker.

Embroider all your tags the same or make a bunch of cute ones. I found this travel embroidery pack and used a few to make theses tags. There are more cute designs so I will have to keep sewing! I don’t think anyone else will have tags like this on their baggage.

Other Travel Themed Tutorials

• Toothbrush Roll tutorial
• Water bottle/Phone Carrier
• List of patterns and tutorials for travel
• Diagonal Zipper pouch for your devices
• Padded Sunglasses case
• Passport Holder

Bag Tag with embroidery tutorial

Supplies for making embroidered bag tags

• Embroidery Machine
• Tear away stabilizer
• Embroidery thread
• Fun travel themed embroidery designs
• Poly patch twill

Ok! Here’s my set up to making these embroidered bag tags. I have this poly twill for making patches of all kinds, but it also worked great for these bag tags.

Start by hooping two layers of tear aways stabilizer in your hoop. You can make this project in a small hoop one at a time, or in a larger hoop and sew a few in a single hoop. I added all my travel files to a usb stick to transfer to my embroidery machine.

Here is how I created the embroidered bag tag. Start by adding a straight stich rectangle. Most machines have these basic shapes built in. Adjust the rectangle to be the size you want your tag.

Add the travel design {or any design you want to add} Place it to one side of the rectangle.

Now add a satin stitch rectangle and place it on top of the straight stitch one. When looking at the layers of the embroidery, this satin stitch outline needs to be after the other embroidery.

Add a tiny circle to the other side of the rectangle {this will be cut out to add a ribbon} Check the placement of the design in the hoop, then add your twill fabric.

Stitch the straight stitch outline, then trim twill {if you didn’t already} This other piece will be the back of the tag.

Stitch out the suitcase. You can see here how I’ve arranged my layers.

I forgot to photograph the backing stop on the suitcase tag, so I will now show you on the tree tag. After stitch out the outline and design, remove hoop from machine.

Flip hoop over and place the backing right side out over the back of the design. Use the outline for placement.

Turn the hoop back over and place two pins to hold the back in place. Put the hoop back on the machine and add the final two layers. The satin outline and the small circle. If you want the satin outline to blend in, match your bobbin thread with the twill color.

If you want to make several of these, you can just delete out the travel design and keep the other layers all in place. Replace the travel design and then stitch it out again.

When you have all your bag tags finished, remove the stabilizer from the hoop and then tear out the patches/tags from the stabilizer.

Cut around the satin stitch outline with sharp scissors.

Now you have the finished front and back.

Use sharp snipping scissors to cut out the tiny circle and thread a piece of ribbon or chord through the hole.

Now you have adorable luggage tags to add to your bag or backpack.

The post Embroidered Bag Tag for travel tutorial appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

I was looking through my previous posts on this topic and I was noticing that I had several posts on this topic, but were all basically similar. So I’ve redirected all former Reusable Fabric Snack Bag posts to this one, and now this will be the go-to post for my Fabric Snack Bag tutorial.

Reusable Fabric Snack Bags

I’ve been making bags like this since my boys were little. Originally I used some cotton on the outside, and clear vinyl on the inside, but since then I’ve refined my fabric choices and the size and shape of my reusable snack bags.

Today I’m going to be sharing my favorite fabrics as well as the two styles I think work the best. I use both KAM snaps and Velcro as closure, but you can use just one of these if that works better for you.

I like to make different sizes of snack baggies. Small enough for just a few carrots, and large enough for a sandwich. My favorite fabrics are rip-stop and PUL fabric. Links below.

Other lunch tutorials

• Lunch Box name tags
• Insulated Lunch bag tutorial
• Personalized Snack boxes
• My favorite lunch boxes

Reusable snack bag tutorials

Fabric and supplies to make reusable snack bags:

• Rip Stop Nylon fabric {slippery fabric with the little squares… like kite fabric}
  • I recently purchased on Amazon
• PUL {Polyurethane Laminate} This is a water proof fabric often used for cloth diapers
  • I have bought here on Amazon or here on Etsy
• KAM Snaps
• Velcro

The Ripstop fabric makes the perfect lining for your snack bags, if I’m also using the PUL fabric I will put that on the outside as a leak proof layer {so apple juice doesn’t leak}. You can also use two layers of Ripstop. I will show both options.

My smaller bag is 5 x 10″, cut two pieces of fabric {I used on ripstop and one PUL}. Cut velcro just a bit shorter than the width of one short end. {approx 4″}

The larger sandwich size is 7 x 13/14″ – cut a rectangle, then round two corners on one short end.

For the smaller pouch I start with sewing the two rectangles together, right sides facing. Leave one short end open for turning. Sew with a 1/4″ seam allowance.

After sewing, clip the sewn corners, then turn right side out. You may need to use a blunt point to poke out the corners. Fold in the top seam allowance and sew shut.

On the lining side of the snack bag, place the two strips of velcro and sew around the edges.

Fold the ends together and pin or clip the side. Sew down the two sides, stitch as close as you can to the edge, still catching all four layers. Around 1/8″. Now you have a cute and secure snack bag.

For my larger sandwich bag made with two layers of Ripstop, there isn’t really a wrong or right side of the fabric. But sew bother layers together and leave a 2″ opening on one long side to turn.

Clip the bottom corners and turn right side out. You may need to use a blunt point to poke out the corners. Fold in the seam allowance on the turning hole.

Fold the bottom up to match the straight sides. Pin or clip to hold in place.

Carefully transfer your pins of clip from the turning opening to the side, keeping the seam allowance turned in. This way you can sew only once and close the hole and sew the sides.

Add snaps or velcro for closure. I added two snaps just off the center. Use a fabric pen to rub on the inside of the snap, then when you fold it over it will mark where the other side should be placed.

Place the snaps on the front of the pouch.

These two snaps will match with the flap snaps.

Now you have a finished sandwich size bag. You can also make this smaller for snacks.

Here are some examples of the sizes and shapes I have sewn. The animal pouch on the left is a larger snack bag, with a seam down the middle to hold two different snacks.

The post Reusable Fabric Snack Bags appeared first on Life Sew Savory.

We live in very dry Colorado and my lips are very very dry! There are a few months of the year where I think they are ok, but most of the year I have multiple chapsticks in all the places to keep my lips moisturized. These cute chapstick holder keychain DIY is a fun and easy sewing proejct.

DIY Chapstick holder pattern-

So cute right? This chapstick holder template is perfect for keeping that moisturizing goodness near you at all times. Add one to your bag, your keys, your car, anywhere! I’m still using these that I sewed up last year, super handy.

I’ve included a couple of different ways to make these keychain chapstick holders, but either way it is a simple sewing project and one that you can make quickly. These also make adorable gifts, so when you start sewing, make several.

Other cute accessories to sew:

• sunglasses holder
• drawstring bag
• Mug Cozy

Chapstick holder template free

Ok! First let’s talk supplies. Here is what you will need:

• Fabric scraps
• Keychain rings
• Interfacing OR Iron – on Fabric applique sheet

As I mentioned there are two main ways to create these cute DIY chapstick holders. You can used your electronic cutting machine or just print the template and cut out. I use a ScanNCut for the example, but you can use any brand machine.

Download the free template using this button or the one below.

The file you will download is a zip file. Unzip the file and you will see three file types. The SVG file is for cutting machine, the PDF pattern is for printing and cutting and the layout view is to open and see how to layout and cut the fabric.

How to make a chapstick holder

If you are printing the pattern make sure to print at 100% or actual size so the template is the correct size. Once you have printed the template will show you how many to cut of fabric and from interfacing.

If you are using a cutting machine, open the svg in your software and see the two layers. One is the logo and that will not cut, just the template lines will cut. Export to your cutting machine.

To use your cutting machine, prep the fabric by ironing on the applique adhesive. This allows for easier cutting as well as adds a layer of stability. You do not need interfacing if using this method.

Prep your machine by installing a fabric blade {if needed} then layout your fabric. If using interfacing, place fabric and interfacing side by side on the cutting mat so two of each get cut. If using the applique sheet backed fabric, you only need to cut two of the fabric.

Press and fuse interfacing to the back side of the fabric pieces. Then pin or clip right sides together. I’m showing to versions here.

Sew around the outside of the fabric using a narrow 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the top edge open for turning.

Clip the curved edges and extra fabric on the bottom corners. Then turn the project right side out.

Press to flatten and make the edges crisp. Thread the keychain ring into the curved part of the fabric.

Fold the top over to the back. You can fold the seam allowance inside and straight stitch, or zig-zag to hold down and finish the raw edge.

To finish, fold the bottom edge up to the line you just sewed and the stitch the sides. This will create the little pocket for the chapstick. What a fun and easy project!

The post Chapstick holder template – free appeared first on Life Sew Savory.