Sew up some beautiful savings

To brighten your home without depressing your budget, spruce up your possessions with imaginative sewing projects. All it takes is a modest investment, and you can have custom designs.

Dinette slipcovers

Who says dinette sets must look the same? Make yours stand out with distinctive slipcovers. We chose a print for the chairs and machine-appliqued cutout flowers on the table cover.

Easy-care cottons or blends will make these covers both practical and pretty. The elasticized table cover washes as easily as any tablecloth.

Butterfly baby

Delight your baby with butterflies appliqued to his crib set.

Fabric butterflies, crib sheet and bumper cover are easy to make from our pattern and instructions. Snap openings give the set a good fit and allow quick and easy removal for washing.

That’s so crewel

Make an ordinary chair look elegant by stitching a crewel cover. This original design was created just for Better Homes and Gardens readers. Warm orange, burnt sienna and green-gold petals and leaves play on a wheat-colored background that complements the richness of wood grain.

Three basic stitches make this design easy, so don’t limit yourself to just one. You also can make it as a 14 x 14-inch pillow. Each kit contains complete instructions, needle, yarns and linen for making pillow or cover.

Stunning slipcovers

Transform ordinary or worn-looking hassocks by dressing them in stunning slipcovers. Each cover is elasticized for easy removal. Covers made of washable fabric such a broadcloth and Indianhead will prove most practical.

Design your own bedding

Wake up a dull bedroom with your own exciting designs in sheets and pillowcases. They’re simple to sew and only look costly.

Fabric for sheet trim, dust ruffle and pillowcases can match wallpaper or provide contrast. Easy-to-wash cotton and blends will work best.

Trapunto designs

Give your slipcovers a personal imprint with trapunto designs on the seat and back. The circular design we’ve shown was done by machine on ribless corduroy.

A solid color in a fabric such as twill, silk, or velveteen will show off the design to best advantage. If you are a novice at slipcovering, make the cover first in muslin, then tear it apart for a pattern.

Patchwork-style appliques

A bold appliqued design can turn a bedspread into a focal point. Ours features a contemporary version of an old patchwork motif. Make the spread from a fairly stiff, ravel-resistant fabric.