In the mood for hand stitching? Try this DIY embellished fanny pack project! My inspiration was…being overworked! After spending many hours on client projects, I yearned to make something.
See, every day I sit at my desk and look at all the bolts of Crafty Chica fabric. And every time I have the same thoughts – I’m going to make something fabulous! should I make a batch of purses? Aprons? A QUILT?
Then I get back to work and another week passes.
Finally – I followed up and made space to create something. I kept it easy and simple – hand stitching a portion of the fabric to a fanny pack. So of course I had to make a tutorial for all of you!
And of course I made an embellished fanny pack TikTok!
@craftychica Embellished fanny pack! #easycrafts #fannypack #dayofthedead #handstitched
DIY embellished fanny pack supplies:
Cotton or woven fanny pack that is easy to sew through
Embroidery thread
Embroidery needle
Scissors
Pinking shears
Straight pins
Directions for hand stitching:
Use the pinking shears to cut out the portion of the fabric, look for a “stand-alone” motif or design.
Pin the cut out piece to the front of the fanny pack where you want it.
Now it is time to use the blanket stitch to sew the fabric to the fanny pack. This simple stitch is perfect for adding a decorative edge to blankets, towels, or even clothing. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to do!
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to sewing a blanket stitch:
1. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.
2. Insert the needle into the fabric, about a half-inch from the edge. For your first stitch, pull through the first layer only to hide your knot.
3. Pull the thread through, leaving a small loop on the surface of the fabric.
4. Insert the needle into the loop and pull the thread through until the loop is snug against the fabric.
5. Insert the needle into the fabric again, a short distance from the first stitch.
6. Pull the thread through and repeat steps 3-5 until you reach the end of the fabric.
7. Knot the thread on the back side of the fabric to secure the stitches.
Here is a blanket stitch video.
My stitches weren’t exactly even and perfect, I made it just to release some creative juices. But if I were making these to sell, I definitely would have made sure all my stitches were evenly spaced and not crooked!
Did you know September is National Sewing Month?
No matter what time of the year, here are some reasons why incorporating needle and thread into your life is a wonderful thing:
Save money: You can make your own clothes, curtains, and other home decor items instead of buying them. Other items to make to save you money are napkins, pillowcases, eye pillows, totes bags and more.
It’s a fun and creative activity: You can express your personality through sewing, and you’ll always have a one-of-a-kind result. By choosing your favorite pattern or color of fabric, you can take on the easiest project or pattern and make it look boutique-worthy.
As a relaxation aid: It’s a calming activity that can help you de-stress after a long day. This is good for batch production, something where you can go on autopilot and be happy with the final results.
Bond with friends or family: Sewing together is a great way to spend time with loved ones while also creating something special. Organize a sewing night, people can bring their machines. Or you can keep it easy and use hand stitching to make felt ornaments, gift card pouches, etc.
Develop new skills: If you’re new to the whole stitching game, it’s a great way to learn new skills and improve your dexterity. Don’t let the measurements scare you away. Start with square or rectangle type of projects to build your confidence.
If you’re looking for a fun and creative activity, sewing is a great option. There are many benefits of sewing, including the fact that it’s a great way to save money. So why not give it a try?
