If you do a little online research to find DIY products for your home or apartment, you may find that many of them require a sewing machine - especially if it is a fabric-based project such as pillows, placemats, or blankets. Using a sewing machine isn't a skill that everyone has, however, and you may be glad to know that there are plenty of no-sew projects out there. Below you will find an overview of six simple no-sew projects to try for yourself:
  • Plush Dog Bed - To make your own plush dog bed, simply cut two large squares or circles of polar fleece fabric to about 4 inches larger on all sides than the desired size of the bed. Cut 4-inch strips along the outer edges of both fabric pieces then place them on top of each other. Line up the fringes from both pieces and tie them into knots to connect the pieces. Fill the pillow with stuffing before tying the last few fringes together.
  • Painted Curtains - Custom curtains can be expensive but it is easy to make your own at home with just a few simple supplies. Purchase a large fabric drop cloths from your local home improvement store - it should already be hemmed. Cut the drop cloth in half to create two panels and lay them out flat. Decorate the drop cloth as desired using acrylic paint, fabric paint, or other materials. Once the curtains are dry, fold over the top and glue down the hem then slide a curtain rod through it for hanging.
  • Pillow Covers - If your throw pillows could use an upgrade, don't waste your money by purchasing an entirely new set - just by new fabric! Lay your chosen fabric out flat and place the pillow in the middle of it. Fold the top and bottom of the fabric in toward the middle then fold the ends into points like you were wrapping a present. Knot the pointed ends in the middle then tuck the ends in and you have a like-new throw pillow!
  • Phone Case - Purchasing phone cases can be expensive which is why you should try your hand at a DIY phone case. Pick out some fabric you like and cut it to a little bigger than double the length and width of your phone. Fold the fabric over and glue the edges of the two sides together to create a pocket. Then, simply decorate the case as you like and slip your phone into it when it is finished.
  • Hobo Bag - If you like the idea of having a new purse every month you don't have to spend a fortune to do it - you can just make your own bags out of pillowcases. Lay the pillowcase out flat then fold in the bottom two corners and tie them together in the middle. Then, just tie some fabric cord to the top two corners to create the strap for your purse.
  • Wall Art - Fabric comes in all colors and patterns which makes it the perfect medium to use in creating your own wall art. To use fabric for wall art you do not need to know how to sew - simply pick out some wooden panels from the art supply store as well as a few pieces of fabric. Assemble the wooden panels into frames then stretch the fabric over them and staple or glue it in place. Then, just hang your new fabric panels on the wall!
While a sewing machine can help you complete certain DIY projects faster, there are plenty of projects out there that don't require sewing at all. If you want to try making your own plush dog bed, curtains, or pillow covers, try one of the projects described above!

Frugal Village