How to Make Fabric Koozies

These simple fabric koozies are among the easiest sewing projects to do. They are sewn very fast and you can add extra trims and appliqués to further personalize them. After making them for your family you will discover how wonderful and unique the fabric koozies will be as gifts for your friends. There are many novelty fabrics to choose from that will reflect the recipient's style and interests. If you are involved with teaching a group of young people to sew, a fabric koozie provides a wonderful alternative to the standard tote bag project.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 yard novelty fabric (make several) 1/4 yard lining fabric Measuring tape Scissors Straight pins Sewing machine Iron Hand sewing needle and thread

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a piece of novelty fabric for the outside of the fabric koozie 9 1/2 inches wide by 7 1/2 inches long. If your fabric design has a designated direction, keep in mind the 9 1/2-inch width runs horizontally. Measure and cut a piece of lining fabric 9 1/2 inches wide by 7 1/2 inches long.

2. Fold the koozie fabric in half, matching the short ends with the right sides together. Pin the ends. Sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance along the pinned edge. Iron the seam open. You now have a tube.

3. Place the tube on its side and position the seam centered on one side. Press the tube flat. Pin the bottom edge together with the seam in the middle. Sew a 1/2-inch seam allowance along the pinned edge. Iron the seam open and crease the sides of the koozie.

4. Find the center of the bottom seam. Mark 1 1/4 inch on each side of the center. Match the creased sides of the fabric koozie with the bottom seam at the marks and pin. Sew across the span of the pinned points. Cut off the excess points 1/4 inch from the sewn seams.

5. Repeat steps 2, 3 and 4 for the koozie lining, leaving a 2-inch opening along the short side seam for turning the koozie right side out.

6. Turn the fabric koozie right side out. Insert the fabric koozie inside the lining. Match the top edges and the sewn seam. Pin and sew a 1/- inch seam allowance around the pinned edge. Trim the seam to 1/8 inch and turn right side out through the opening in the lining. Hand sew the opening closed. Press the top edge of the fabric koozie. Topstitch around the top edge 1/4 inch from the edge.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to add an appliqué, attach it to the fabric koozie before sewing it together. Attach trim around the topstitched edge.