You would not believe what you can sew with just 1 yard of fabric. And one of the perks of using just 1 yard (or less) is that you can easily find a yard of perfect fabric at thrift stores!
Start your sewing journey, or get inspired for your next pro project with these free sewing patterns.
What You Will Need
If you’re just getting started, welcome to the rewarding world of sewing! I sincerely hope you find this art/skill enjoyable. All you need to get going is a sewing machine, scissors (or rotary cutter and mat), thread, and a pattern. The approach is entirely up to you: ‘Good enough is good enough’, ‘sew and resew until it’s perfect’, ‘mistakes are proof of a handcrafted item’, ‘perfectly coordinate the colors of fabric and thread’, and even ‘adjust this pattern to make it mine’.
Whatever your approach, grab your fabric and dig in. You’ll find your rhythm and you’re own style. Enjoy the process!
All of these Sewing Patterns and Tutorials are Free
- Some patterns call for several pieces of fabric that add up to one yard.
- If your fabric is less than 40″ wide, you may need more than a yard for some of these projects.
- Scraps are perfect for adding interest.,
- If all you have (or want to use) is a single one-yard piece of fabric, that’s fine, too!
- Almost all the following projects are designed to be sewn with cotton.
And if you’re interested in a few more sewing projects, check out my 30 Fabulous Sewing Patterns You Can Make with Fat Quarters: All Free!
Easiest projects first!
Infinity Scarf
Calling all beginners! An infinity scarf, with pretty cotton fabric is a perfect place to start. There is nothing complicated, and the result is fabulous.
One Yard Messenger Bag
The 1 Yard Magic Messenger Bag is a great size, and a simple pattern. You will find it useful, too.
1 Yard Hobo Bag
The One Yard Magic Hobo Bag pattern is a cute hanging style with a simple design. You will be happy with how this turns out.
Pillowcase
One yard of fabric, check. No waste, check. Here is a perfect pattern for a pillowcase.
Cloth Napkins
Sew four coordinating cloth napkins with just 1 yard. A bonus in this tutorial shows two different ways to sew the hems.
Microwave Bowl Cozies
Homemade soup bowl cozies are a treat. A fat quarter will make one, and a yard will make four!
Kitchen Apron
I love the combination of beauty and functionality. This full apron pattern is exactly that using only 1 yard of fabric.
Table Runner
A pretty table runner can really elevate your space, and protect your table. You can make this one in less than 30 minutes.
Hostess Apron and Tote Bag
Match your styles with this hostess apron and tote bag pattern. It’s a simple tutorial, and would make a thoughtful gift.
Pretty 1 Yard Bench Pillow
Pillows create a lovely space. There’s a trick for making this beautiful pillow. If you want a top and a bottom to your print, purchase 1/2 yard for the front and 1/2 yard for the back.
Toddler or Child Romper Pattern
It’s back in style! This adorable romper pattern is a sinch to make! The free PDF pattern includes sizes 12 months through 6 years.
Girls Ruffle Skirt
You can mix and match prints to make some little girl skirts (or skorts) with this free downloadable pattern for cotton fabric.
Fish Drawstring Bags
This unique and useful 1 yard drawstring laundry bag pattern can be used to make a backpack, too! You can also use mesh to make a beach toy bag. Really, the uses are infinite.
Girls Leggings
This free leggings pattern for little girls is so easy you won’t believe it. Make a pair in every color with just 1 yard!
Dog Coat
Cold? Need a costume foundation? Want matching Christmas jammies? If your dog is large, you might use more than a yard for this dog coat, but this free pattern includes a video tutorial showing how to properly measure your fur baby.
Canvas Book Bag
I like the look of a quilted handle on canvas. Sew my 1 yard book bag pattern for a perfectly wonderful tote.
Big Pocket Baby Clutch
You can sew up this cute diaper clutch as a perfect (useful) baby shower gift. Load it up with baby supplies for an extra treat.
Animal Cage Comforter
Donate or keep! Did you know that animal shelters use small quilts or blankets (called cage comforters) in the animals’ cages to provide a soft bed and a sense of security? It doesn’t take much at all.
Adorable Owls
This easy owl sewing pattern can be made in 3 sizes or more by simply altering the pattern template. The biggest owl requires 1 yard of fabric.
Easy Bag with 1 Yard of Quilting Cotton
These easy totes are perfect to use as Halloween treat bags. Grab 1/2 yard of your favorite fabric for the exterior, and any other 1/2 yard for the lining! Once Halloween is over, you can wash it and use it for countless other things.
Cute Tote Bag with Optional Applique Bunnies
Upholstery weight fabric is best for unlined bags like this. The 1 Yard Easy Tote Pattern has a free (optional) bunny applique too. Check out my other free applique patterns.
Drawstring Ditty Bags
Choose coordinating fabric to sew these easy 1 yard drawstring bags. They are handy for sorting and storing toys, or keeping things tidy in your car among other things.
Rope Handled Totes
My rope-handled tote pattern is so quick to sew, especially when you use rope handles. All you need is 1 yard of fabric, but you can also learn how to make your own handles with my free tutorial.
Handy Travel Pouch
My handy travel pouch has a cross-body strap, and it’s perfect for holding all your necessities safely in one place. There are 3 interior pockets in 3 sizes.
Perfect Rectangle Basket
My rectangular fabric basket is so sturdy it can stand up by itself! Make lots for a pretty and functional storage system.
Chair Pocket
Chair pockets (or seat sacks) are practical for elementary school or children’s church. It’s fun, easy, and only takes one yard of cute fabric.
Flat Travel Bag
Traveling? Keep your shoes separated with this shoe storage bag. Make two with one yard, and don’t stress about shoes and clothes touching and snagging inside your bag.
Staci’s Out the Door Organizer
This smart organizer was designed by my friend, Staci from Crafty Staci. It provides maximum functionality, and 10/10 for cute style. There are pockets and hanging loops for everything you need. Slip it into any purse, or carry it solo!
Sweet Quilted Bag
Quilting is optional, but really adds a nice touch. Sew this quilted tote for your next handmade project.
Boxy Zipper Bag or Purse Pattern
Handles, a strap, or not, my Boxy Zipper Bag Pattern can be made with or without bag hardware. Remember that you can find some great purse handles/hardware at second-hand stores.
Chubby Lunch Tote
My Chubby Lunch Tote is a medium skill-level bag for holding much more than just your lunch.
Convertible Cross Body Tote
This cross-body bag pattern may just be your new favorite purse!
2 Bags from 1 Yard of Fabric
Mix and match with this One Yard Magic Bag Pattern: one yard makes one bag, but you can always sew two! This one is fun to make with a different lining.
Yarn Project Bag
The Yarn Project Bag would make a great gift for a yarn and string enthusiast! There is a convenient hole at the top so you can draw the yarn out without the ball rolling everywhere.
The Arial Bag
I love the unique braided strap on the Arial Tote Pattern. It has a cell phone pocket on the inside!
Fall Leaves Table Runner
It’s almost autumn already! Decorate for the season with this free Autumn Leaves Table Runner pattern. The tutorial includes all the applique files and instructions that you need.
Mini Oven Mitts
Insulated batting and cotton fabric are used for my oven mitt pattern. This is another functional beauty!
Pretty Hobo Bag
This hobo bag-style purse pattern is easier than it looks! I wanted it simple enough to sew in a day, but still have all the features I want in an everyday purse.
Baguette Bag
This Baguette Bag includes a professional finish! Learn how to sew cording so your seams are as pretty as your bag.
DIY Clutch Bag
A zipper pouch inside and a phone pocket make this little clutch bag the perfect run around bag.
Triple Zipper Bag Pattern
Get your zipper on with my Triple Zipper Bag Pattern. This is an intermediate-level pattern. If you are a zipper bag novice, I suggest trying my free Designer Zipper Bag video course first.
Clamshell Bag
This clamshell bag pattern is a perfect handbag. You can use it exclusively for traveling, but it’s just what you need every day.
Perfect Square Basket
A cute square basket is pretty perfect for storing and displaying just about anything.
Couch Caddy
Make a your couch monster jealous with this organized couch caddy Ideally you won’t have to dig in the couch cracks to find your things any more. Sorry couch monster!
Handy Purse Organizer
No more digging with my free purse organizer sewing pattern! Nothing needs to be jumbled at the bottom of your bag, and no need to spend extra time transferring everything you need to your other purse. Just grab this baby and get going.
Hang Up Family Organizer
My easy-to-sew hang-up family organizer has 5 pockets. Use it for homeschool, office supplies, or sewing notions. It’s handy anywhere!
Twice as Nice Double Sided Pouch
This double sided zipper pouch is useful for a million things. I would call this an intermediate-level sewing pattern, and worth every minute!
Car Diddy Bag
My Car Diddy Bag keeps everything where I want it. I appreciate not having to dig in the cracks for pens and hair ties.
Car Trash Bag
This easy-to-sew car trash bin has an adjustable strap to make it functional anywhere. There are even snaps to keep the plastic bag in place. I feel like it’s got everything to keep your space tidy.
Kids Bike Messenger Bag
Keep your phone in this messenger bag instead of your back pocket (or your hand) while you’re riding that bike!
Jewelry Travel Pouch
The jewelry travel pouch only uses 3/4 yard of fabric! Coordinate the fabric with your other travel bags.
Quilted iPad Case
My Pretty Quilted iPad case pattern will protect your tablet, and you’ll love carrying it around. More functional beauty? Yes, please!
The Perfect DIY Wallet
It’s not famous designer, but this DIY wallet sewing pattern is just as stylish!
The Perfect First Tote
Here’s another bag; I just can’t resist! This tote is a beginner level pattern believe it or not, and I’m sure you will love the results.
Japanese-Style Square Bag
Sew a Japanese-style square bag using my free pattern. It’s beautiful, super functional, and not difficult.
Two Totes from 1 Yard
Sew a set (two sizes) of totes with just 1 yard of fabric. I made mine at Christmas time, but I would love to see what yours look like. Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe!
You can sew this ombre table runner with fat quarter fabrics, or 1 yard of an ombre print.
Tea Towels
Sew a few tea towels for your kitchen or a friend’s. You can add machine embroidery or appliques for a personalized touch.
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Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
