DIY Projects & Crafts Sewing Sewing Projects for the Home By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Published on January 26, 2011 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Decorate your home with hand-sewn pillows, blankets, curtains, placemats, and other customizable accessories. 01 of 34 Custom Window Shade Whether you have an odd-shaped window or want to use a pretty fabric, try this easy treatment. It's a quick and inexpensive way to get the look of a Roman shade. How to Make the Custom Window Shade 02 of 34 How to Sew an Art Supply Organizer This lovely artist's organizer is the perfect way to easily store all of your children's art supplies for use at home or on the go. Get the Artist's Organizer How To 03 of 34 Quilted Potholders Thickly quilted with scraps from retired dish towels, these pot holders can take the heat. 04 of 34 "Oilcloth" Gingham Coasters Dana Gallagher Coasters with contrasting stitching pop when placed on a smaller-check gray gingham tablecloth, turned into oilcloth with iron-on vinyl. 05 of 34 Wool Blanket with Trim Create a cozy companion to your sofa or bed that fits your exact color -- and texture -- specifications. Have a length of your favorite woolly fabric cut (50 by 60 inches for a small throw; 60 by 90 inches for a large one); then customize the edges. 06 of 34 Framed Quilt Squares These striking silk-taffeta squares, which we've framed, resemble a deconstructed quilt. There are only a few shades of yellow and gray here, but so many varying effects (especially since a lustrous fabric like this has a different appearance depending on the angle). This project is perfect for beginners. 07 of 34 Smocked Gingham Curtains Dana Gallagher Put a twist on the classic cafe curtain by smocking the upper edge. Use the gingham’s pattern as your grid. How to Make the Smocked Gingham Curtains 08 of 34 Seersucker Napkins Raymond Hom These easy-to-make seersucker napkins are the perfect addition to your home, especially during the summer months when you're hosting outdoor parties. The classic fabric is inexpensive and available at almost any cloth store, so you can mix and match a few colors. Even better, seersucker's slightly puckered texture means there's no ironing required. 09 of 34 Basket with Liner Easy to make and functional, the liner for this basket is essentially a tube of fabric cut from the bias. It gets cinched at one end (for the bottom of the basket), while the other end is folded over the edge of the basket. 10 of 34 Log Cabin Pillows The lovely old log cabin pattern gets a new look that's far from the frontier. Stitch these chic building blocks into wall hangings, totes, quilts and more. 11 of 34 Striped Rug Pillows Ditte Isager Nautical stripes in faded blues combine with neutrals and naturals for a room that's modern and inviting. We used the same rugs to make two kinds of pillows: a large one (bigger than a bed pillow) and a smaller one with an envelope-style opening. How To Make A Striped Rug Pillow 12 of 34 Doily Tablecloth Dress up your table for an elegant dinner party with a tablecloth made from rows of stitched-together doilies. 13 of 34 Stitched Lampshade Kate Sears Use a simple stitch to create an interesting pattern on a basic lampshade. How to Make the Stitched Lampshade 14 of 34 Bedding and Pillows with Stitched Designs Kate Sears Different versions of the running stitch can unify any assemblage of bed linens, whether you embellish an existing pattern or create a new design. 15 of 34 Homemade Duvet Cover Ready-made duvet covers can be pricey, and you may not be able to find one with just the right color or pattern to complement your sheets. Make your own perfect match with two flat sheets. 16 of 34 Pulled-Thread Table Runner A neutral-colored runner with a fringed edge makes the perfect backdrop for festive table settings and tabletop decorations. 17 of 34 Knife-Edge Pillow This easy knife-edge pillow can be made in two basic styles: with a cover sewn closed by hand, or with a button closure in the back that allows the pillowcase to be removed for laundering. 18 of 34 Window Shade with Leather Border Modernize plain window shades by adding a colorful leather border. 19 of 34 Runner Tablecloth Two crisscross runners make an elegant tablecloth that protects a surface completely without obscuring the table. 20 of 34 Slipcovered Headboard A simple fabric cover refinishes an old wooden headboard (and footboard) without requiring any scraping, sanding, or painting. Choose heavyweight fabric for this project; it works like instant upholstery, softening the lines of the wooden form underneath. 21 of 34 Fruity Button Napkins It takes only a few oddball buttons and embroidery floss to transform plain napkins into a harvest of whimsical linens. 22 of 34 Plastic Bag Organizer Plastic bags seem to multiply, even if you try to take fewer of them from stores. Make sure you reuse them; it's easy when they're in a handy holder that matches your kitchen decor. How to Make a Plastic Bag Organizer 23 of 34 Patchwork Throw Turn a diverse collection of castoffs into a dashing throw with a flexible design of squares and rectangles. 24 of 34 Tuxedo Pillow The key to easy, embellished pillows? Fabrics with built-in details. A tuxedo shirt creates an elegant cover with a ready-made closure. 25 of 34 Quilted Coaster Set Anna Williams These coasters make a great housewarming gift. Each takes about 15 minutes to complete, so it's easy to plan on making a set of four or six for a generous gift. 26 of 34 Handkerchief Valance The tailored look of men's handkerchiefs can add punch to more than just pockets -- it's easy to turn a set of hankies into a room-brightening window valance. 27 of 34 Floral Pillows Store-bought cushions spring to life when adorned with pretty, handmade Ultrasuede florets. 28 of 34 Color-Coded Towel Tags Johnny Miller Your family and guests won't confuse their white towels if you color-code them with hanging loops 29 of 34 Tailored Throw Pillows Tailor your throw pillows to have neat right angles, perfect for window seats and benches. 30 of 34 Button-Up Window Shade This simple shade is quickly and easily sewn and can be raised to two heights to let in varying amounts of light. All you need is French ticking, raw linen, twill tape, and buttons. 31 of 34 Hanging Dining Nook Pillows Johnny Miller Add comfort and color to a dining nook with pillows that hang from knobs on the wall. 32 of 34 Textured Pillows Subtler than graphics, textural accents give pillow covers a decorative extra without being distracting. 33 of 34 Leaf Table Runner Add a pop of color to your table with this bright, nature-inspired table runner. 34 of 34 Custom Bed Skirt It's hard to decide which is the bigger eyesore: an exposed box spring or some of the froufrou dust ruffles currently on the market. One easy, low-cost solution is to cover the box spring with a drape of pretty rectangular fabric. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit