By Stella Fried
Summer is in full swing. The days are long, the sun is shining, and it is hotter than the Fourth of July outside, literally. More and more, you might find yourself wanting to spend the weekends inside, escaping the heat or riding out a thunderstorm, instead of basking (or rather sweating) in the sun.
Great news: Staying in for the dog days of summer does not mean you have to be bored! Keep reading for our favorite ideas for summer makes that will keep you inspired and creative all summer long.
Explore New Craft Techniques
When is a better time to learn a new craft technique than on a long summer day spent inside? At Sew to Speak, our calendar of in-person classes is always evolving, so makers constantly have the opportunity to learn and make something new! Below, we’ve compiled some of our favorite summer make techniques that you might not have tried with the hopes of inspiring you to adventure in your projects this summer.
Clothing Embroidery
Whether you picked up a cute new jean jacket or jeans at your local thrift store, or have an item that’s been abandoned in the back of your closet, embellishment with help you upcycle your new or old find. One man’s trash is another maker’s treasure, and you can breathe a whole new life into a simple piece of clothing with just a little creative flair.
Adding a few basic embroidery stitches, you can turn a plain shirt, jean jacket, or pair of jeans into a unique work of art that is custom to your personality and style. Use your own intuitive design, or learn ways to transfer a design to your clothing.
We recommend practicing a few basic stitches, such as a running stitch, back stitch, chain stitch, and French knots, before getting started on your embellishment masterpiece.
Need a little help? Check out "Clothing Embelishment," an embroidery class with Mary Lee Hahn.
Give a whole new life to an old piece of clothing with the magic touch of embroidery!
Quilt as You Go Method
If you haven’t experimented with Quilt As You Go (QAYG), now is the perfect time to start! This can be a perfect way to use up the assorted fabrics you have collected, or a wonderful excuse to shop for some new ones! QAYG takes a twist on traditional quilting and can be a fun mix-up for quilters or sewists. Craft something that is 100% unique as you let your creativity guide you. We recommend a scrappy, dumpling-shaped pouch with a zipper, and even teach an in-person class on this project, but you can find a ton of QAYG projects online to explore this method — including the QAYG Scrappy Zipper Pouch class with Kam Chin.
Learn to Sew Clothes
Sewing clothes can be one of the greatest joys for a new sewist. If you’ve stuck to simple projects or mostly worked with quilting, take some time this summer to learn more about garment making. Sewing your own clothes is a secret superpower that leads to a perfectly-fitted wardrobe and the ability to make truly one-of-a-kind gifts.
From tops, dresses, cardigans, pants, skirts, and coats, the sky is the limit with these summer makes! Keep reading for a whole list of project ideas for sewing summer garments. And if you're just getting started, go to Garment School with Tina Hughes, a four-part class teaching you how to create garments you'll be proud to wear.
Make Your Own Clothes for Summer
Spend some time this summer adding to your warm-season wardrobe. There is still plenty of summer left to show off a new swimsuit or skirt, and you’ll be ready with a stunning closet come next spring.
Make Your Own Swimsuit
Every body is a beach body! Sewing your own swimsuit ensures it will fit you perfectly, and that makes you feel like your best you. We’ve all been there; shopping for swimsuits and trying to find the magic one where both the top and the bottom fit well and are in a color you like. Make your own to finally have the perfect swimsuit!
Looking for the right fabric can be one of the toughest obstacles with swimsuits. Check out this swimsuit fabric in blue and black, then find the pattern that suits your style.
Proudly rock a swimsuit that is custom-tailored to you, by you!
Make Your Own Towel
If you’re going to sew up a fabulous swimsuit, you should also make a towel to match! There is so much beautiful toweling you can use to create a simple craft or explore using this fabric to create a unique, absorbent piece of clothing or accessory. You can make beach bags, cute bucket hats for the pool, cover-ups, and more! Pick one fabric and make a whole set of matching accessories, or mix and match — the sky is the limit!
Make Your Own Tote Bag
A tote bag is the perfect beginner-friendly summer make! Plus, the finished product will be wonderful for running errands and farmers markets, but still stylish for coffee dates and evenings out.
Make a simple tote bag or experiment by sewing a lined tote bag that folds up into its own pocket! You can also revamp an old or thrifted tote bag with a little fabric paint and stamps for a new and unique bag!
Upcycle your old totes with just a little paint and inspiration!
Make Your Own Skirt
An elastic waist skirt is another simple sewing project that results in a wonderful wardrobe staple. Start with a lightweight fabric for the perfect summertime skirt. Pair it with a t-shirt or tank top, and move through the rest of summer in style, comfort, and with the pride of knowing you created your outfit!
Make Your Own Yogawear
Just because it is hot out doesn’t mean we can’t get moving. Sew up some athletic wear for your next yoga class, or some athleisure that is simply for running… errands. This yogawear is the best fabric for all of your athletic-wear makes, including tops, pants, dancewear, and more
Start Working on Gifts Now
Do you have a Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, or Capricorn in your life? It may feel far off, but their birthdays are fast approaching! This is not to mention Christmas, Hanukkah, and all of the other holidays that are just around the corner. Take time this summer to get ahead on gift-giving projects so you won’t be stressed when the seasons change. Your summer makes can turn into your winter gifts!
Here are a few of our favorite ideas, but if you want even more, check out our Winter in July blog.
Tea Towels
Who doesn’t love a little cottage-core charm in their kitchen? Spice up a cute tea towel with a crochet border for a precious little housewarming or holiday gift. You can start with ¾ yards of the toweling of your choice, hem it, then add a cute crochet border, or you can upcycle a thrifted tea towel or one you already love with the special border touch.
A crochet border adds a unique touch to any tea towel!
Halloween Time Gifts
Whether you're a fan of all things spoo-ooky or just thinking ahead for gifts for Halloween-lovers, the Glow Garden collection from Ruby Star is full of fun and funky options for all your nocturnal projects, from themed throw pillows to journal covers to personalized project bags.
Christmas Time Gifts
Christmas is early this year in the form of the Tiny Christmas collection from MODA! This precious little collection is perfect for all of your holiday needs, from dog bandanas to bed sheets and more!
Cozy Fall Gifts
One of the best gifts for a fall or winter birthday is a comfy handmade garment. This aran weight yarn from Blue Sky Fibers comes in a variety of colorways and is just dying to be made up into a cute knit cardigan.
Consider giving the gift of a refreshed favorite overworn item, or upcycle a gorgeous piece that just needed a little love. This darning yarn in several different colorways from Clover is perfect for patching up sweaters, socks, and more.
While scarves and blankets are a lovely gift, sometimes they can be overdone. Consider gifting comfortable workwear, check out these wool flannels that are perfect for a new pair of stylish work pants and a matching blazer. Your recipient will love being comfy and cute in the office, all while thinking of you!
Embrace the dog days of summer by diving into creative sewing, knitting, and embroidery projects that keep your hands busy and your mind inspired, all while staying cool indoors. Whether you’re stitching up breezy summer accessories or crafting cozy pieces for cooler days ahead, these projects are the perfect way to make the most of those hot summer afternoons! For even more new project ideas and to learn new techniques, check out our calendar of rotating in-person classes!
About the Author
Stella Fried has been a versatile team member at Sew to Speak since May 2023, but they have been a passionate maker for years. While they love to knit, crochet, and sew, they also express their creativity by making marketing magic on our Instagram and Facebook and when writing our fantastic newsletter.