4 No-Sew DIY Fabric Projects You Can Finish This Weekend

These four projects were chosen because they're useful every day, use inexpensive materials and teach the main no-sew techniques: knotting, wrapping and gluing. Once you've made them, you'll be ready for any of our 41 no-sew fabric projects.

1. No-sew fleece tie blanket

Two hours · Easy · Great for gifts

The classic. Two layers of fleece knotted together around the edges make a warm, washable blanket for any size bed or sofa.

You'll need

• 2 coordinating fleece pieces (2 yd each for a 50" × 60" throw)
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
• Cutting mat and ruler
• 4" cardboard square template

Steps

1. Lay the backing fleece face-down and the top face-up, edges aligned.
2. Trim off the selvedges and square up both layers together.
3. Cut a 4" square out of every corner, through both layers.
4. Cut 1"-wide, 4"-deep fringe strips along every side.
5. Double-knot each top strip to the backing strip beneath it.
6. Tie the corners last and shake the blanket out.

Tap each step to tick it off — progress saves on this device.

2. Knotted no-sew pillow cover

20 minutes · Easy · Renter-friendly décor

A square of fabric wrapped around a pillow form and tied at the front, like a Japanese furoshiki. Change it with the seasons in seconds.

You'll need

• Pillow form (16–18")
• Fabric square 2½× the pillow width (about 1 yd for an 18" pillow)
• Scissors
• Optional: fabric glue or a safety pin

Steps

1. Lay the fabric face-down and place the pillow diagonally in the center.
2. Fold the bottom corner up over the pillow and tuck the point under.
3. Fold the top corner down over the pillow.
4. Bring the left and right corners to the front and tie them in a square knot.
5. Tuck the tails into the knot or spread them into a bow.
6. Secure the knot with a hidden safety pin if it will be used a lot.

Tap each step to tick it off — progress saves on this device.

3. T-shirt tote bag

15 minutes · Easy · Upcycle

Turn an old T-shirt into a washable shopping bag. The fringe knotted along the bottom closes the bag — no sewing at all.

You'll need

• An old T-shirt (thicker cotton is sturdier)
• Sharp scissors
• A bowl to trace the neckline
• Washable marker

Steps

1. Turn the shirt inside out and lay it flat.
2. Cut off both sleeves just inside the seam — these become the handles.
3. Trace a bowl around the neckline and cut it out to make the bag opening.
4. Cut 3"-deep fringe strips, 1" wide, through both layers along the bottom hem.
5. Knot each front strip to the back strip below it, then knot neighboring pairs together to close the gaps.
6. Turn the bag right side out so the knots are hidden inside.

Tap each step to tick it off — progress saves on this device.

4. Fabric-wrapped storage bins

45 minutes · Easy · Organization

Cardboard delivery boxes become pretty, matching shelf storage with fabric and a little Mod Podge or spray adhesive.

You'll need

• Sturdy cardboard box
• Fabric (fat quarter for a small box, ½ yd for a large one)
• Mod Podge or spray adhesive and a foam brush
• Scissors and a craft knife

Steps

1. Cut the flaps off the box (or fold them inside for extra strength).
2. Cut fabric to wrap around the box with 2" extra at the top and bottom.
3. Brush adhesive on one side at a time and smooth the fabric on, working out bubbles.
4. Fold the bottom fabric under like wrapping a gift and glue it down.
5. Fold the top 2" over the rim and glue it to the inside.
6. Line the bottom with a cardboard insert covered in matching fabric.

Tap each step to tick it off — progress saves on this device.

What to make next

Loved working without a needle? Browse the full list of 41 amazing no-sew DIY fabric projects, try our fabric scrap ideas, or learn a few basic hand stitches to open up even more projects.