1 Yard Wonders: 65 Free Sewing Projects for 1 Yard of Fabric

Are you holding onto a gorgeous yard of fabric waiting for the perfect project? If you’re searching for a quick and fun project, look no further! I’ve put together a huge list of 65 completely free sewing patterns that need a yard or less of material.

This collection is perfect for making anything from chic tote bags to personalized gifts and stylish little accessories. Stop saving that beautiful fabric—it’s time to transform it into something wonderful today!

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.

If you don’t already have a spare yard lying around, try checking a local thrift store—you might get lucky! I bet you’d even find a perfect piece hiding in your own scrap stash. So, take a moment to sort through your fabrics, then sit down and sew something truly wonderful.

Pillowcase

One yard of fabric, check. No waste, check. Here is a perfect pattern for a pillowcase. Did you know that some children hospitals give away pillow cases to patients? Arnold Palmer, in Orlando, definitely does.

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.

Microwave Bowl Cozies

Homemade soup bowl cozies are a treat. A fat quarter will make one, and a yard will make four! Are you making gifts for anyone this season? It’s that time for hot soup after all…

Kitchen Apron

I love the combination of beauty and functionality. This full apron pattern is exactly that using only 1 yard of fabric. It’s also a great beginner pattern.

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.

Baguette Bag

This Baguette Bag includes a professional finish! Learn how to sew cording so your seams are as pretty as your bag.

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.

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.

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.

About These Free Patterns:

• 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 quilting cotton.

And if you’re interested in a few more sewing projects, check out my article 40 Free Sewing Patterns For Your Favorite Pre-Cut Fabric… Fat Quarters!

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.

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.

Heart Zipper Pouch

This adorable pouch takes less than a yard of fabric. My friend, Sarah, has a beautiful free pattern on her website. I hope you love making this one; Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it!

Origami Pouch

You can use beautiful cloth napkins to make this pouch or just a few fat quarters. Check out the free pattern from Indygo Junction.

Planner/Organizer

Let’s start the new year off right! Sew this fabulous planner/organizer to put your thoughts and goals in one place. The free pattern is from HeyLetsMakeStuff.com; you will love it!

Lunch Bag Pattern

Sew a sweet and tidy lunch bag using the free sewing pattern from CraftPassion.com. It’s super practical and great for sewists of all experience levels.

The Perfect DIY Wallet

It’s not from a super famous designer, but this DIY wallet sewing pattern is just as stylish! Try it out and show me how you did; tag me @sewcanshe on Instagram. I love seeing what you’re working on.

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.

DIY Clutch Bag

A zipper pouch inside and a phone pocket make this little clutch bag the perfect run around bag.

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.

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!

2 Bags from 1 Yard of Fabric

Mix and match with this One Yard Magic Bag Pattern: one yard makes both totes! This one is fun to make with a different lining.

Catch-All Rectangle Bin

This cute basket is super practical. It would look great on a shelf or a counter top. If you have lots of fabric you could sew a set!

• Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.

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.

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.

Dice Rolling Mat

The pattern calls for faux leather, but you can also use cotton fabric. It will wear differently over time, and will not be as thick of a rolling surface, but it will function well. Give it a try – craft fairs and gift giving opportunities abound!

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.

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!

Cross Body Bag

I called this a fanny pack, but it needs a new name to come back in style. Maybe part of the reason it went out is because of what it was called! Either way, here is a free sewing pattern for a cross body bag.

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! You can choose to have the strap long or short depending on your mood.

Pro Tip: Check out bags at the thrift store to get great hardware; that’s not usually the worn out part.

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, and is perfect for your essentials.

Red Braid Table Runner

Use up your jelly roll or some fat eighths from your stash to make this gorgeous braided table runner. You can add hand quilting for an extra special touch. Give it a try and fall in love!

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.

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. You’ll feel great about this simple and functional project.

Handy Purse Organizer

No more digging around 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.

Foldable Fabric Bins

I have three sizes of free sewing patterns for my fabric bins that fold when not in use. This size uses a few fat quarters. These bins are practical, and easy to sew. They are also reversable, so all your cute fabric gets a chance in the spotlight.

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

Did you get a new tablet for Christmas? My Pretty Quilted iPad case pattern will protect it, and you’ll love carrying it around. More functional beauty? Yes, please!

Sturdy Rectangle Bin

The pattern for this bin is totally resizable. You could make a set for your shelves, or different sizes for your home spaces.

Easy Leather Hobo Bag

You can use any fabric that can keep a raw edge for this cute bag. You will use just half a yard for the outside of the bag, and another half yard for the lining. You will find a free pattern, and a video tutorial for this great bag by Sara Lawson, from Sew Sweetness.

Ombre Table Runner

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.

Tips for Beginners

If you’re just getting started, welcome to the rewarding world of sewing! I sincerely hope you find this art and skill to be a new favorite passion. All you need to get going is a sewing machine, scissors (or rotary cutter and mat), thread, and a pattern.

Whatever your level of perfectionism, grab your fabric and just get started. You’ll find your rhythm and you’re own style. Happy sewing!

More from SewCanShe:

• 20 Free Apron Patterns to Sew For Thanksgiving!

50 FREE Sewing Patterns to Make Your Kitchen Look Beautiful Today!

• 50 FREE Sewing Patterns to Make Your Kitchen Look Beautiful Today!

35 FREE Tote Bag Patterns: Quick & Easy 1-Yard Designs You’ll Love to Sew!

• 35 FREE Tote Bag Patterns: Quick & Easy 1-Yard Designs You’ll Love to Sew!

45 FREE Children’s Sewing Projects: Sewing Fun for Kids

• 50 Free Sewing Patterns For A Lovely Handmade Kitchen