Sewing Tutorials Archives -

Tutorial: Circle Shirt Anime Top for Cosplay

Emily Joice — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:35:58 +0000

If your costume has a loose fitting top with a neckband, use this tutorial to help you understand how to create your cosplay design. This tutorial will walk you through the basics so you understand how the flowy circle shirt works, but feel free to change and edit your shirt based on the character design you’re going for.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed:

1.5 yards of lightweight fabric
Single fold bias tape
Feather weight interfacing

Measurements needed:

Neck (Measure around your neck, but not too tight)
Shoulder (from the base of your neck to the ball of your shoulder)
Armhole (measure around the armhole and divide by 2)
Waist

You’ll need three pattern pieces to follow this tutorial:

Neckband (cut 1)
Length: Neck measurement + 1 inch (for ease)
Width: 4 inches
Belt (cut 2)
Length: your waist measurement
Width: 7 inches
Circle shirt (cut 1 on fold)
20-25 inch radius (or longer for a longer shirt)
The neck hole radius: neck divided by 3
Cut the arm holes a shoulder length from the edge of the neck

Don’t forget to add seam allowance to all of your pieces.

Step 1

Cut out your pattern

Step 2

Finish the circle edge

Use single fold bias tape to finish the outer hem of the circle skirt. Because it it curved, it’s difficult to do a standard hem, so using bias tape as a facing will make it look a lot neater in the end.

Step 3

Cut a slit along the back center

This will be to make sure the shirt fits over your head. Usually a 4-5″ slit will work.

Step 4

hem the edges of the slit

Fold over the edges of the slit in a triangle hem. You can dab a bit of fray check at the point or add a bar tack to keep it from fraying.

Step 5

apply interfacing to the neckband

If your fabric is somewhat transparent, like mine, use a color interfacing that won’t look to bag. You can also use a piece of organza fabric and baste it to the neckband to act as interfacing.

Step 6

gather the neckline

Add long gathering stitches around the circumference of the neckline, then pull the thread to gather the fabric.

Step 7

Sew the neckband around the neckline

With right sides together, sew the neckband around the gathered neckline.

Step 8

Poke a hole in the belt

Fold the neckband over with right sides together and sew along the short sides. The clip the corner and turn it to the right side.

Step 9

sew the neckband to the inside neckline

Fold over the neckband to encase the raw edges and ditch stitch or topstitch the neckband in place.

Step 10

cut the arm hole

Leave enough space for your shoulder, then cut the slit for your arm hole along the fold of the fabric.

Step 11

finish the edge of the armhole

finish the armhole with a hem or with bias tape.

Step 12

sew the two waistband pieces together

with right sides together, sew the waistband along the short sides

Step 13

fold the belt and sew

Fold the belt in half lengthwise and sew with right sides together. Leave a gap in the middle to turn it to the right side.

Step 14

Turn the belt to the right side and sew up the gap

Press the belt flat for a neat finish.

Finished!

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Tutorial: Elastic Harem Pants For Cosplay Costumes

Emily Joice — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:31:46 +0000

This tutorial will walk you through how to make basic baggy pants with an elastic waist and cuffs as a basic building block for your next costume. Feel free to change or adjust your design however you want to match your cosplay character.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed:

Any loose pants sewing pattern (for the crotch seam shape)
1 yard of lightweight flowy fabric
1/2 yard of contrast lightweight fabric
1 inch elastic

how to make your pattern

You will need to make 5 pattern pieces to follow this tutorial:

Outer Pants (cut 2):
Width: your waist measurement
Length:The length of your legs (or however long you want your pants to be)
Inner Pants Front (cut 2):
Width: 8 inches
Length: The length of your legs (same as outer pants)
Inner Pants Back (cut 2):
Width: 8 inches
Length: The length of your legs (same as outer pants)
Waistband (cut 1 on fold):
Width: Twice your waist measurement
Length: 3.5 inches
Cuffs (cut 2):
Width: Bottom of your pant leg (we’ll measure this in step 9)
Length: 3.5 inches

I used Burda 7400 for the center seam

Before starting, draw and cut the crotch lines on the front and back pattern pieces (see below in red). To do this, use any loose-fitted pants sewing pattern and copy just the center seam of the front and back pieces.

If you don’t have any sewing patterns, you can also use a pair of loose pants and copying the center seam as best you can (don’t forget about seam allowance). Since these are loose and flowy pants, it’s okay if the seam isn’t completely perfect. As long as it will fit around your bottom, your pants will turn out okay.

Step 1

Sew the front pants to the outer pants

With right sides together, sew the Inner Pants Front to the Outer Pants along the length.

Step 2

sew the back pants to the outer pants

With right sides together, sew the Inner Pants back to the other side of the Outer Pants.

Step 3

sew the inseam of the front and back pants

Fold the pants leg in half with right sides together, lining up the inseam. Then sew the Front and Back of the pants together. Repeat steps 1-3 with the second pant leg.

Step 4

sew the pants together along the center seam

With right sides together, put one pant leg inside of the other and line up the crotch seam. Then sew the pants together along that center seam.

Step 5

Pleat the top of the pants

Pleat the top of the pant legs so the Outer Pants meet at the center seam. Press this pleat and baste along the top of the pants to hold the pleat in place. Repeat this step for the back of the pants.

Step 6

sew the waistband to the top of the pants

With right sides together, sew the Waistband along the short sides so that it forms a loop. Then sew the Waistband to the top of the pants.

Step 7

fold the waistband and sew a casing

Fold the waistband in half toward the inside of the pants, and sew it along the bottom edge to create a channel for the elastic. Leave a small gap in the stitches for inserting the elastic.

Step 8

insert elastic into the casing

Cut a piece of 1″ elastic that is the length of your waist. Use a safety pin to add the elastic through the waistband casing. Try on the pants, and pull the elastic until the waistband feels comfortable around your waist. Then sew trim the elastic, sew it into a loop, and sew up the gap in the waistband.

Step 9

cut your cuffs and sew to the bottom of your pants

Measure the distance around the bottom of your pant legs, and cut your cuffs to the correct length (don’t forget about seam allowance). Just like the waistband, sew the cuffs into a loop and then sew them to the bottom of each pant leg.

Step 10

fold the cuffs and sew to form a casing

Fold the cuffs in half to the inside and sew them closed to create a channel for the elastic.

Step 11

insert elastic into the casing

Cut two pieces of elastic that are about 12″ in length and insert them into the cuff casing. Pull the elastic until you are comfortable with how tight your cuffs are. Then sew the elastic into a loop and sew up the gap in the cuffs.

Step 16

Optional: add a pocket

If you want, you can add patch pockets to the sides of your pants. I had a little fabric left over and add a pocket to one side as an afterthought.

You just need to cut a rectangle of fabric, hem the top of it and fold over the sides. Then topstitch the pocket to the side of your pants (I usually sew patch pockets about 4″ down from the waistband). I made a quick pocket pattern you can print out using the button below (it will fit a standard size phone), or you can make your own.

PDF pocket pattern

Finished!

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Tutorial: How to Make an Adorable Appa Fur Purse

Emily Joice — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:27:46 +0000

Avatar the Last Airbender was one of my favorite shows growing up, so I decided it was time to make a bag to show my love for it. I used the iconic Appa to design a purse using the arrow as a flap. You can print out the pattern and create your very own flying bison purse.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yard of faux fur
1/2 yard of brown or gray contrast fabric
1/2 yard fabric for lining
12″ Zipper
Strap clips
Heavy weight interfacing

Sewing Pattern PDF

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Step 1

trace the bag pattern onto the back of the faux fur and cut it

Trace the front and back bag pieces onto the bag of the faux fur. Then cut it out very carefully using small snips of the scissors up close to the fur backing. The goal is to cut the backing without cutting too much of the fur.

Step 2

apply interfacing to the lining and side bag pieces

Apply interfacing to the lining top, lining bottom, and side bag pieces.

Step 3

sew the side bag

Comb the fur toward the inside of the pattern pieces. This is to keep the fur from getting caught in the seam. Then sew the front and back to the side bag piece. Leave half an inch (the seam allowance) unsewn at both sides.

Step 4

sew the tabs

fold the tab in quarters (like belt carriers) and sew them closed.

Step 5

baste the tabs to the side bag

Fold the tabs in half and baste them to the sides of the bag.

Step 6

interface on side of the arrow flap

Step 7

add one side of the magnet to the arrow

Step 8

sew the two arrow pieces together

with right sides together, sew the two arrow flap pieces.

Step 9

turn the arrow flap to the right side

clip all the corners, then turn the arrow flap to the right side.

Step 10

press and top stitch the arrow

Press the arrow so it’s nice and neat, then topstitch along the outer edge.

Step 11

sew the arrow flap to the back of the bag

Sew the arrow flap to the back of the bag one and a half inches down from the top of the bag. The magnet should be facing up.

Step 12

flip the arrow and sew to encase the raw edges

Flip the flap over the seam, and topstitch through all layers a quarter inch from the end.

Step 13

sew a magnet to the front of the bag

Fold the flap around the front and sew a magnet where the flap meets it.

Step 14

hem the upper edge of the pocket

Step 15

baste the seam allowance of the pocket

Step 16

sew the pocket to the lining

Step 17

sew the zipper to the zipper strips

Place the zipper face down on the zipper strip and sew. Then repeat the process with the other side of the zipper. Press the strip away from the zipper and topstitch if you want to.

Step 18

sew the upper lining to the zipper strip

Sew the top lining to both sides of the zipper strip

Step 19

sew the bottom lining

With right sides together, sew the top and bottom lining. The zipper strip will be sandwiched between the lining layers. Leave the seam allowance on both sides unsewn.

Step 20

turn the bag inside out

Step 21

sew the bag to the lining and understitch the lining

Place the lining inside the bag with right sides together. Then sew along the upper edge, NOT the sides. Understitch the lining layer, by edgestitching the lining to the seam allowance.

Step 22

sew the side to the lining

Sew the side lining to the lining, leaving a gap in the bottom. You also want to leave the seam allowance at the ends unsewn.

Step 23

sew the lining to the side bag

Now you want to sew the the side a side lining together (this is why we left the seam allowance unsewn in previous steps, you’re sewing that now)

Step 24

turn the bag to the right side

Reach through the gap in the bottom and through the zipper to turn the bag to the right side.

Step 25

sew the lining closed

Hand stitch or machine stitch the bottom of the lining closed

Step 26

Tuck the lining inside the bag

Step 27

sew along the length of the strap pieces

With right sides together, sew the two strap pieces along the length.

Step 28

Turn the strap to the right side and press

It’s useful to use a loop turner or similar tool to help if you’re struggling to turn the strap out. You can also edgestitch the strap if you desire.

Step 29

add clips to both ends of the strap

Fold the fabric over the clips and sew in place. Then all you have to do is clip the strap to the tabs on the bag and you’re finished.

Finished!

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Tutorial: Anime-Style Newsboy Hat

Emily Joice — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:23:21 +0000

This tutorial will walk you through how to sew an anime-style lined newsboy hat. You can use this for any anime character that has a cute, puffy hat design. Print out the free pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step instructions.

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yard fabric or scraps
1/2 yard lining fabric or scraps
Buckram or heavy interfacing

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Sewing Pattern PDF

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Step 1

sew the panels together in groups of three

With right sides together, sew the hat panels in two groups of three.

Step 2

sew the two sides of the hat together

Line up the two sides of the hat with right sides together, and sew along the center line.

Step 3

apply buckram to the brim

You can also use a heavy weight interfacing if you prefer.

Step 4

sew the brim together

With right sides together, sew the two brim pieces along the curved edge.

Step 5

turn the brim to the right side

Turn the brim to the right side and top stitch for a clean finish

Step 6

sew the brim to the hat

Center the brim on one of the panels and sew it around the hat opening.

Step 7

sew the lining together

Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the lining.

Step 8

sew the lining to the hat

Place the hat inside the lining and sew around the perimeter. Leave a gap in the stitches so that you can turn it to the right side.

Step 9

turn the hat to the right side

Step 10

close the gap and topstitch the edge

Sew the gap in the lining closed and topstitch all the way around the edge of the hat to give it a clean finish.

Finished!

The post Tutorial: Anime-Style Newsboy Hat appeared first on .

Tutorial: How to Make a Carrot Pillow

Emily Joice — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:21:26 +0000

Do you need a carrot pillow for your cosplay? Or maybe you just want a cute pillow to make with fabric scraps. Print the free carrot sewing pattern below and follow along with the step-by-step tutorial.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed:

Orange Fabric Scraps
Green Fabric Scraps
Something for stuffing the pillow (I use fabric scraps, but you can use Fiber Fill or something similar for a less lumpy pillow)

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

sewing Pattern pDF

Step 1

Arrange Your Orange Fabric Scraps

Collect orange fabric scraps from your recent sewing projects. Start playing around with the scraps and lay them out in a collage. The overall shape of the scrap layout doesn’t matter right now, but it should be big enough for your pillow pattern to to fit on top of.

Once you’re satisfied with the scrap layout, cut straight edges on all of your fabric pieces where they will be sewn together. Also, be sure to keep in mind that there will be some overlap of the pieces due to seam allowance.

Step 2

Sew Your Orange scraps together

One by one sew your scrap pieces together. I usually start with smaller pieces and then add on any larger pieces.

Step 3

Cut out the carrot pillow pattern from your scraps

Place your pattern piece on top of your scrap layout and cut it out. Cut two so that you have one for both sides of the pillow

Step 4

Repeat steps 1-3 for the carrot top

Arrange the green scraps, sew them together, and cut out the pieces for the top of the carrot.

Step 5

sew the carrot to the carrot top

With right sides together, sew your carrot to your carrot top.

Step 6

sew the two carrot pillow sides together

With right sides together, sew around the perimeter of the carrot. Leave a small gap in the top so you can flip it to the right side.

Step 7

Clip corners and Curves

Clip very close to the stitching on all corners, and clip the curved tip of the carrot.

Step 8

Turn the pillow right side out

Use a long pointy tool (I used a loop turner) to help get all the edges turned out. You can also press the pillow seam flat at this point.

Step 9

Stuff the pillow

You can use what ever you want to stuff your pillow. I like to use leftover fabric scraps that are too small to use for anything else as my pillow stuffing, but this does make the final pillow a little more lumpy than it otherwise would be. So, if you don’t like that, you can always use poly-fill or another type of pillow stuffing material.

Step 10

sew up the gap

Hand sew the gap closed.

Finished!

The post Tutorial: How to Make a Carrot Pillow appeared first on .

Tutorial: How to Make a Rainbow Pillow

Emily Joice — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:25:29 +0000

Supplies Needed:

Fabric scraps in a rainbow of colors

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

sewing Pattern pDF

Step 1

Arrange the scraps for the red colored section of your pillow

Collect your red fabric scraps. Start playing around with the scraps and lay them out in a collage. The overall shape of the scrap layout doesn’t matter right now, but it should be long enough for your pillow pattern to to fit on top of.
It’s a good idea to cut straight edges between the fabric pieces to make it easier to sew them together. Also, be sure to keep in mind that there will be some overlap of the pieces due to seam allowance.

Step 2

sew the scraps together

One by one sew your scrap pieces together. I usually start with smaller pieces and then add on any larger pieces.

Step 3

cut out your pattern piece from the scraps

Place your pattern piece on top of your scrap layout and cut it out. Here’s where things get interesting. Instead of keeping those straight lines, you can rotate your pattern piece to make some cool-looking diagonals. This is what makes the final pillow look so complex, even though you’re just cutting out a wonky rectangle.

Step 4

repeat the process for the rest of the colors

Repeat steps 1-3 for each of the colors (orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Make your scrap collage, sew it together, and then cut out the pattern.

Step 5

Sew the slices of colors together

Line up your slices in order (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) and sew each of them together along the long side.

Step 6

fold the pillow in half and sew the sides and bottom

With right sides together fold the pillow in half according to the fold line on the pattern (so that all the colors are showing on both sides). Then sew the sides and bottom leaving a small gap for turning the pillow.

Step 7

turn the pillow to the right side

clip the corners and turn the pillow to the right side.

Step 8

stuff the pillow

Step 9

sew up the gap

Hand sew the gap closed.

Finished!

The post Tutorial: How to Make a Rainbow Pillow appeared first on .

Tutorial: How to Make a Pillowcase With Scrap Fabric

Emily Joice — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:26:27 +0000

Supplies Needed:

Soft fabric scraps (I recommend medium-sized scraps just because small scraps will take a long time to sew together)

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

sewing Pattern pDF

Step 1

Arrange the scraps for your pillow

Lay out your fabric scraps and start organizing them into a collage. Make sure the scrap collage is big enough for your pillow pattern to fit. Remember to overlap the fabric pieces to account for seam allowance.

Note: This is significantly easier with straight edges, so I recommend cutting straight lines and right corners on your scraps.

Step 2

sew the scraps together

One by one sew your scrap pieces together. I usually start by sewing smaller pieces into chunks, and then add on the bigger pieces.

Step 3

cut out your pattern from the scraps

Place your pillow pattern on top of your scrap layout and cut it out. Now you have a one side of your pillow.

Step 4

repeat the process for the second side of the pillow

Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side of the pillow.

Step 5

sew the front and back of the pillow together

With right sides together, sew your two pillow faces around the edge. Leave one side open.

Step 6

fold over the side of the pillow according to the dotted line

Fold over the open side of the pillow along the dotted line on the pattern (or 4 inches from the end). Sew this flap down to hem the side of the pillow. Then turn the pillow to the right side.

Finished!

The post Tutorial: How to Make a Pillowcase With Scrap Fabric appeared first on .

Tutorial: Easy Easter Egg Pillow

Emily Joice — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:27:23 +0000

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed:

Scraps of fabric in multiple colors and sizes
Lace or other decorative trim
Something for stuffing (I use leftover fabric scraps)

sewing Pattern pDF

Step 1

sew the pieces of the egg together

Sew the egg pieces together in order (it can help to line them up first). Repeat for both the front and back of the egg pillow, and then press your seams open.

Step 2

add the lace or trim

Measure your lace or trim along the top and bottom of the egg design. To sew the lace, you want a line of stitching along the top edge and bottom edge of each lace strip.

You can also use any type of trim you want to use. I try to shop for trims second hand and this is what I happened to find. So, if you find a different trim that you like, feel free to use that instead.

Step 3

sew the front and back of the egg together

With right sides of fabric together sew the front and back of the pillow. Leave a gap in the bottom of the pillow.

Step 4

clip the curves and trim the seam

Clip the curve all the way around the egg, and then trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch.

Step 5

Turn the pillow right side out

Use a long tool to help get all the edges turned out. You can also press the pillow seam flat at this point.

Step 6

Stuff the pillow

Step 7

sew up the gap

You can hand sew this closed if you want a seamless finish, or machine sew it closed with matching thread for a quicker option. It just depends how perfect you want your final pillow to look.

Finished!

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Tutorial: Cute Penguin Pillow

Emily Joice — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:28:14 +0000

Supplies Needed:

1/2 yard of black fabric
scrap of white fabric
small scrap of orange fabric
Something for stuffing

sewing Pattern pDF

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Step 1

reinforce the upper corner of the front white piece

Stitch along the seam line at the top corner of the white piece to reinforce it.

Step 2

Clip to the stitching

Step 3

Sew the front white to the front black piece

With right sides together, flip the front pieces around to sew them together. For the upper point, you will need to spread the slashed corner on the white piece. You will also need to ease the fabric pieces together around the curve at the top, being careful not to create puckers in the fabric.

Step 4

prep the eye pieces

Fold over the edges of the eye pieces and baste them in place.

Step 5

prep the beak

Fold over the seam allowance on the orange beak piece and baste it in place. After basting, you will need to clip off the overhanging fabric.

Step 6

sew the face on the penguin

Use the pattern as a guide to place the eyes and beak of the penguin face. Then edgestitch the pieces in place. After sewing, you can remove the basting stitches from the previous steps.

Step 7

sew the front and back of the pillow together

With right sides together, sew the front and back of the pillow. Be sure to leave a gap in the bottom so you can turn the pillow to the right side.

Step 8

trim the seam and turn to the right side

Clipping the seam with pinking shears can help get a more rounded edge. Then turn the pillow right-side out.

Step 9

stuff the pillow

You can use what you want to stuff your pillow. I like to use leftover fabric scraps that are too small to use for anything else as my pillow stuffing, but this does make the final pillow a little more lumpy than it otherwise would be. So, if you don’t like that, you can always use poly-fill or another type of pillow stuffing material.

Step 10

sew up the gap

Once you’re finished stuffing, be sure to sew up the gap by hand sewing.

Finished!

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Tutorial: Pumpkin Pillow (with free pattern)

Emily Joice — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:29:12 +0000

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed:

Orange scraps of fabric
2 yards of black piping
Little scraps or some kind of stuffing

sewing Pattern pDF

(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)

Step 1

baste the black piping to the side pumpkin pieces

Add the black piping to all of the far-side and center-side pumpkin pieces along the inner curves.

Step 2

sew the pumpkin pieces together, sandwiching the piping

Do this for the front and back of the pillow.

Step 3

Sew the pumpkin stem

with right sides together, sew the stem pieces.

Step 4

turn the stem right side out

Trim the seam, clip the curves and turn the stem to the right side.

Step 5

Baste the stem to the top of the pumpkin pillow

Step 6

sew the front and back of the pillow together

With right sides together, sew your two pillow faces around the edge. Be sure to leave a gap on the bottom of the pillow so that you can turn it right side out.

Step 7

Trim the seam allowance and turn the pillow to the right side

Trimming the seam allowance with pinking shears can help to get a smoother curve around the sides of the pumpkin.

Step 8

stuff the pillow

Step 9

sew up the gap

Hand sew the gap closed to finish up the pillow.

Finished!

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