How to Sew Homemade Anniversary Gifts

A homemade anniversary gift makes a thoughtful and creative alternative to a store-bought gift. This gift can be made by anyone with basic sewing skills. Use a favorite wedding photograph, print it onto iron-on transfer paper, and transfer the image to fabric. The fabric then can be sewn into an anniversary gift cushion or pillow, tote bag, hardback book cover or other gift.

Things You'll Need

• Favorite wedding photo (digital file)
• Iron-on transfer paper
• Computer
• Photo-editing software
• Printer
• Iron
• 100 percent cotton fabric
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Cushion or pillow form
• Straight pins
• Spray adhesive (optional)

Instructions

Transfer photo to fabric

1. Open the digital file of your favorite wedding photograph in a photo-editing software program. Change the size of the image to fit on one side of the cushion or pillow form. You can scale it down to fit in the middle of the cushion or size it to fill the whole side. Change the colors to black-and-white or sepia, if you prefer that look.

2. Convert the photograph to a mirror image of itself. Consult the instruction manual for your photo-editing software program if you are unsure how to do this.

3. Print the image onto a sheet of iron-on transfer paper using the print settings recommended on the paper's packaging. Print a test version on plain paper to be sure the size and resolution are perfect before using the transfer paper.

4. Trim the excess paper from around the printed photograph with scissors. Iron the cotton fabric, and position the photo on the fabric. Iron the back of the paper following the instructions on the paper's packaging. Peel away the backing paper. The photo should have transferred to the fabric.

Assemble Cushion or Pillow

1. Measure the dimensions of one side of the cushion or pillow form. With the transferred photo centered, cut the fabric 1 inch larger than the form dimensions on each of the four sides, if the form is square or rectangular. This will allow for a 1/2-inch seam all the way around the form, with a little extra room to fluff up the cushion or pillow. Cut a second piece of plain fabric the same size.

2. Put the two pieces of fabric together, with right sides together and the cut edges aligned. Sew along three edges, using the sewing machine, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Turn the piece right side out.

3. Insert the cushion form into the sewn fabric pocket. Turn 1/2 inch of the raw edges to the inside, and whip-stitch the seam by hand to close it.

Assemble Tote Bag

1. Determine the finished dimensions of the anniversary gift tote bag you'd like to make. With the transferred photo centered, cut the fabric 1 inch larger than the dimensions on each of the four sides for a seam allowance. Cut a second piece of plain fabric the same size.

2. Put the two pieces of fabric together, with right sides together and the cut edges aligned. Sew together along the sides and bottom edge, using the sewing machine, leaving a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Do not sew the top edge closed. Turn the piece right side out, making sure that the wedding image is right side up, with the bag's open edge on top.

3. Turn under 1/2 inch of the raw edge on the top, and fold and turn it under again. This will be the hem across the top edge of the bag. Pin in place. Stitch along the lower folded edge of the hem, around the bag opening. Remove the pins.

4. Create handles. Cut out two strips of fabric that are double the width and double the length of the straps you prefer. Fold each strip of fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew together the long side and one short end close to the edge. Turn each strip right side out.

5. Stitch both ends of one strap to one side of the upper inside hem of the bag. Stitch the end of the second strap to the other side of the bag's hem. You can also use just one long strap stitched to the bag hem at the side seams. Alternatively, add purchased bag handles.

Assemble Book Cover

1. To make an anniversary gift hardback book cover with the fabric, open the book, with the cover facing you.

2. Spray adhesive on the book cover. Smooth the fabric over the book with the transferred wedding photo in the front center.

3. Wrap the cover as if it were a parcel, folding the edges of the fabric to the inside of the cover and sticking them in place with more spray adhesive.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use the fabric to make a quilt top.

• If you don't have the necessary software or printer at home, save your digital photo file on a disk or data stick, and take it to your local print shop to print onto the transfer paper.

• Embellish the photograph by embroidering a decorative frame around the photo, or embroidering the wedding date somewhere on the cushion or pillow.

References

• MCG Paper: Iron On Transfer Instructions