Top 5 Secrets to Nail Your No-Sew DIY Project
When was the last time you tried a DIY project and screamed: “NEVER AGAIN!”? The struggle is real. Thanks to the lazy-and-creative fairy of the human mind, the amazing concept of No-Sew DIY was born!
If you are a beginner, don’t have enough time, or simply want to make something simple and unique without going crazy, no-sew DIY projects are right for you. (Plus, no more hassle putting the tip of the thread in the eye of the needle! Sweet salvation!)
However, even though these no-sew DIYs are relatively easy, they nonetheless need careful preparation: type of fabric, tools to use, etc.
This is why we gathered all our secrets for a successful no-sew DIY project just for you!
5.) Choose The Right Fabric
Have you ever worked on a DIY project only to realize that miles of fabric trails are lying on the table? If yes, then you know the importance of choosing the right fabric. Fabric that frays can truly become a nightmare!
Working on a no-sew DIY project means you’ll be handling the fabric for quite some time. Between taking measurements, cutting it, and assembling it, the fabric may fray faster than you’d imagine.
In general, anything woven will fray to some extent unless treated or pinked. What to choose then? Look no more, these tried and tested non-fray fabrics will be your next DIY buddies!
Felt
If you want a soft and comfy feeling to your no-sew DIY project, felt is definitely the way to go!
[amazon_link asins=’B001THXM6C,B01AZ0GY9U’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fddcf5ec-0502-11e8-8812-a3e666cd9cd9′]
Faux suede
We love the softness of faux suede. Use it to make pouches, jackets, phone sleeves, wallets… Its soft layer will protect your phone screen, credit cards, and much more!
[amazon_link asins=’B00O29SERQ,B06XS9RWPW’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’caa5476a-0503-11e8-97d8-05493cd3d5e8′]
Faux Leather
Durable and flexible, faux leather is a more animal-friendly alternative to leather. (And it also costs less, so bingo!)
[amazon_link asins=’B0725G1ZSL,B00JLPQKFO,B00JLPQNKG’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’de4da051-0503-11e8-944a-d95e9639d5e2′]
Your first faux leather no-sew DIY should absolutely be this gorgeous envelope clutch that SeeKateSew created!
Fleece
For your winter themed no-sew DIY projects, fleece is always the way to go! You can use it for clothes, blankets, pillows and more.
[amazon_link asins=’B01557SENW,B01IISKR8K,B01B50JGYY’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6a434918-0505-11e8-aa7e-1f0f01be1c99′]
This soft and woolly fabric is perfect for a delicate DIY, like what DogMomDays did with her cute and super-easy fleece blanket!
4.) Make your own (no) sewing kit
A good craftsman may not blame their tools, but they would nonetheless be doomed if these tools are not appropriate for their projects!
In the case of no-sew DIY projects, the tools we work with are of paramount importance: having no thread to secure the fabric in place, choosing the right glue and scissors can make all the difference between succeeding and failing.
For a fail-proof project, here is what your no-sewing kit should contain:
Hot Glue & Glue Guns
Are all glue guns the same? Gluegun.com says no. According to them, there are three major types of glue guns: standard temperature, low-temperature, and adjustable temperature. For your no-sew DIY using fabric, you will need to choose a low-temp or an adjustable temp one. You don’t want to burn your fabric.
The same thing goes for glue sticks, they need to match your glue gun type. For example, low-temperature glue guns must be used with low-temperature glue sticks. Or if you want more versatile glue sticks, choose all temperature ones. They can be used in both high and low-temperature glue guns.
[amazon_link asins=’B01LRBB51I,B012FCDBJ2,B00OBC4CWK’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7d3dcbb6-0504-11e8-bb4b-cb3c3a126a73′]
Fabric Glue
Maybe this will bring school days memories back? With no more stitching, fabric glue will help you go a long way!
For better results, always squeeze a thin line of fabric glue around the edges of the piece of fabric you want to glue. You can even use a brush to make sure it spreads evenly. After your project is complete and your glue is dry, make sure to wait at least 24 hours before washing it.
[amazon_link asins=’B00178QSE6,B00114RF8O’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’baadfcdb-0505-11e8-beef-73366af933ae’]
Try out this no-sew DIY project for Fried Egg Oven Mitts using fabric glue and felt!
Studs
Studs can replace zippers, join the fabric, and make you feel like a total rockstar!
[amazon_link asins=’B016JQ7EVQ,B009M12D44,B00CZ6O9HC’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e6760725-0505-11e8-8102-15efc90a0105′]
In her 5-step tutorial, Wobisobi shows you how to add some punch to your old shirts!
Pinking Shears
Pinking shears are scissors with sawtoothed blades, instead of straight. They leave a zigzag pattern instead of a straight edge. Why? Because the pinked hems they leave prevent the fabric from fraying!
Neat, right?
[amazon_link asins=’B000AXI856,B01AVVVVZA’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’top50c30-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’b05db799-0504-11e8-841b-832541a8c307′]
3.) Become a master of knotting and tying
You will knot believe what you can do with a few finger tricks!
Knotting may require some finger dexterity, but it’s all worth it! Indeed, you can design a sailor knot headband, a knot pillow, or even a braided crib bumper pillow! One thing is sure though: by the end of it all, you will deserve a Scouting Knot Award!
Image courtesy of Beth Huntington
2.) Know that there can be some turnarounds
We know that a lot of DIY projects are used to recycle our old clothes and furniture. Accordingly, we don’t always have the luxury of choosing the type of fabric for our no-sew DIY project. Does that mean we will abandon our project? Nope!
Notably, fray check might be the answer to many of your troubles! Fray check is a liquid seam sealant that prevents fabric from fraying. What does that mean? It means that even if you choose an easily frayed material for your no-sew DIY, this little baby will make it work for you!
In particular, use your creative brain to come up with new solutions! We are especially fond of this duct tape doubled iPhone case. They used duct tape to secure the fabric You can use this technique in many no-sew DIY projects and it will be phenomenal!
1.) Be prepared to fail!
Failing is one of the beauties of DIY projects, don’t shake your head, it’s true! It’s a bumpy ride full of frustration and deception, but it will feel SO good to hold something you made yourself!
To prepare yourself, make sure you have enough supply to get you through the failed parts of your project. Always add a few inches to the fabric you buy.
And if you want to feel better about yourself, browse the “Try” section of Pinterest. It’s a magical land of successes and fails that will make you chuckle.
Now get out there and start on your next crafty project!
Like this article? Make sure to pin it to come back to this Top 5 article later.
