Things to Do With One Yard of Fabric
If you have an extra yard of fabric lying around the house, there are a myriad of things you can do with it. The Internet is filled with a variety of creative and useful patterns that you can customize to make bags, clothing and even flatware holders for yourself or to give as gifts.
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Laptop Sleeve
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You can create a sleeve for you laptop easily and inexpensively in just one afternoon. All you need is 1 yard of fabric, Velcro tape, flannel for the inside lining and fusible fleece. Lay out the fabric, lining and fleece and cut them into three pieces, two for each side of the sleeve and one for the flap. Create the flap by ironing the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the lining. Sew the fuzzy side of the Velcro tape to the right side of the lining. Pin the lining to the exterior flap fabric and sew them together. Create each panel the same way. Center the loop side of the Velcro tape on the exterior side of the front panel and sew in place. Secure the flap to the top of the back panel. Turn the panels inside out, pin them together then sew them securely.
Tote Bag
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To create a tote bag, you need 1 yard of fabric and Velcro. Begin by cutting a 4 inch strip from the selvage side of the fabric to create the tote's handles. Cut that strip in half. Fold the remaining fabric in half and stitch three of the sides together to create the tote. Sew the Velcro about an 1 1/2 inches away from the top of the inside of the tote on either side. Fold the bag top over about an inch on each side, pin on the fabric handles, and sew them into place.
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Baby Pants
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To create pants for your baby, you need 1 yard of fabric, a pants template, elastic and thread. Download the pant leg templates and place them on the fold of your fabric. Cut out the pant legs, turn each leg inside out and sew from the ankle to the crotch. Match the two legs and sew them together from the crotch to the waist. To create the waistband, fold the top of the fabric over and sew the bottom seam to the pants. Cut a small slit into the waistband you just created, insert the elastic, sew the ends of the elastic together and turn the pants right side out. Add embellishments if you desire.
Flatware Holder
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To create a flatware holder, you need 1 yard of fabric or less, thread and a ribbon. Cut your fabric into a long rectangular strip. Fold the bottom of the fabric up about two-thirds of the way, then beginning at the bottom fold the fabric up again this time about halfway up. Pin the sides together and stitch around the complete perimeter of the fabric. Create individual pockets for silverware by stitching from the top of the holder to the bottom. Fill with silverware and tie it together with ribbon.
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References
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