If you’d told me a month ago that my crafting would have taken a sharp turn into personal protective equipment for healthcare workers, I would have thought you were bananas.

But, here we are in the middle of a pandemic. So, like many of you, I’ve been trying to figure out how to help. For me, that’s primarily staying home and sewing masks. To aid in that process, I’ve created SVG files to cut on the Cricut Maker. So far, I created three mask patterns as well as shared a no-sew mask pattern from my friend Angie at the Country Chic Cottage:

• Pleated Mask Pattern
• Fitted Mask Pattern
• Filter Pocket Fitted Mask Pattern
• No-Sew Mask Pattern
• Scrub Cap Pattern

I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to these patterns. I feel so helpless day to day, so I’m thankful that people are finding these SVGs helpful in mask-making!

Several readers wrote to me after those mask patterns went live and asked for a scrub cap pattern. As I’m basically a copyeditor-turned-blogger, my knowledge of medical gear is not exactly extensive. Thankfully one reader pointed me to a scrub cap tutorial from Lea Goes Green on YouTube.

I went ahead and digitized her PDF pattern (which I believe was created by Gavit Design) for the Cricut Maker. Please see my uploading and cutting instructions below, and then head to her video for sewing instructions. My “model” (who I have named Ted the Head) has a smaller head than most actual humans, so this scrub cap fits more like Lea’s photos above. You can also scale it up and down if you find it’s too big or small.

Cricut Scrub Cap Pattern

Supplies

• Two pieces of cotton fabric cut to 10″ x 22″
• Coordinating thread
• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat
• Small piece of elastic (optional)
• Scrub Cap SVG

After watching Lea’s video, I realized that the time making and cutting a pattern is definitely the most time intensive part of making a scrub cap. So having the Cricut Maker cut and mark the pattern made it so much easier to make. The actual assembly went pretty quickly.

This scrub cap is designed to be cut on a Cricut Maker with the rotary blade. Unfortunately, the Cricut Explore will not cut un-bonded fabric, and bonded fabric isn’t all that great for this pattern.

When you upload the file to Cricut Design Space, you’ll need to Ungroup all of the pieces. Then select all of the marking lines and change the linetype to Draw.

Then use the Attach function to connect each piece of the mask with its draw lines.

The only difference between my Cricut scrub cap pattern and Lea’s is that you will need to sew the two band pieces together in the front because that piece is longer than the Cricut Maker’s longest mat. I’ve made sure to account for the seam allowances in the pattern.

Need help with your Cricut? Get started with my Cricut Basics eBook!

Head on over to Lea’s YouTube video for sewing instructions!

If you have any questions about this Cricut scrub cap, please let me know!

Scrub Cap Options

Print

SCRUB CAP SVG PATTERN

This Cricut scrub cap SVG pattern is easy to sew and includes an elastic piece to hold your hair! Just cut the fabric pattern pieces using your Cricut Maker and the rotary blade and assemble.

Keyword Scrub Cap

Author Cori George

Equipment

• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat

Ingredients

• 2 pieces cotton fabric cut to 10" x 22"
• thread
• Small piece of elastic (optional)
• Free Scrub Cap Pattern #C289

Instructions

• After cutting this pattern, you will be directed to a scrub cap tutorial from Lea Goes Green on YouTube.

  NOTE: This scrub cap is designed to be cut on a Cricut Maker with the rotary blade. Unfortunately, the Cricut Explore will not cut un-bonded fabric, and bonded fabric isn't all that great for this pattern.
  
• When you upload the file to Cricut Design Space, you'll need to Ungroup all of the pieces. Then select all of the marking lines and change the linetype to Draw.
  
• Then use the Attach function to connect each piece of the mask with its draw lines.
  
• The only difference between this Cricut scrub cap pattern and Lea's is that you will need to sew the two band pieces together in the front because that piece is longer than the Cricut Maker's longest mat. Took into account for the seam allowances in the pattern.

  Need help with your Cricut? Get started with this Cricut Basics eBook!

  Head on over to Lea's YouTube video for sewing instructions!
  

The post Free Cricut Scrub Cap SVG Pattern appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

I had a pharmacist friend (hi Katie!) ask me this week to make her a mask, specifically with a filter pocket. The two masks SVG patterns I’ve shared so far, the pleated mask and the fitted mask, do not have a filter pocket. So I went looking for a third pattern to make using my Cricut Maker and the Rotary Blade.

If you’d asked me at the beginning of March what I planned to post on my blog in April, “a crap ton of masks” was not on my radar. Hello, 2020.

Anyway, I landed on a pattern from Julie at the Crafty Quilter. Instead of reinventing the wheel, she allowed me to digitize her pattern for the Cricut Maker and rotary blade. You can also mark your pattern using the fabric pen. THANK YOU Julie!

Not only does Julie’s pattern have a place to insert a filter, it also has casings on the sides. This means that you can use all sorts of ties, including elastic, bias tape, ribbon (non-statin works better because it won’t slip as badly), twill tape, etc. You can loop your ties around the ears, tie behind your head, or use a mask ear-saver.

Bonus—I also found it the easiest of the three to sew up (though none of the three patterns are particularly difficult).

For my masks, I used a piece of elastic ribbon designed for making hair bows for babies. I’d ordered them a while back for a baby shower, but didn’t end up using them. This elastic is working pretty well, as long the ends are “sealed,” which you can do with a little bit of fabric glue or by touching it against an iron. This elastic will melt, so don’t iron it!

Supplies

• Coordinating Thread
• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat
• Cricut Fabric Pen
• Bias tape, ribbon, hair ties, elastic
• Safety pin for inserting straps through casing
• Paper clip or other wire
• Pocket Filter Fitted Mask SVG

This Cricut Maker SVG is free (I’m not even asking for your email!) so that as many masks can be made as possible. Need help with your Cricut? Get started with my Cricut Basics eBook!

Setting Up Your Mask File in Cricut Design Space

Upload the SVG to Cricut Design Space. You will see two types of layers: the fabric mask pieces, and a bunch of lines.

In the Layers Panel, select all of the lines and change the linetype to Draw in the Edit Toolbar at the top. Your Cricut Maker can use a fabric pen to draw your markings instead of having to mark them by hand.

Then Ungroup all of the pieces (using Ungroup at the top of the Layers Panel). Use the Attach tool to attach the draw lines to the correct fabric piece. Each set will have its fabric piece and draw lines under a heading of Attach in the Layers Panel.

Once you have all of your pieces correctly attached, hit Make It in the upper right.

In the Prepare screen, select the 12″ x 24″ mat. Then move and rotate your shapes to fit more pieces on your piece of fabric.

Then mark and draw your file using the fabric pen and the rotary blade.

See Julie’s post for detailed sewing instructions!

What You Need to Know About Sewing Masks

Like I said in my other mask posts, before you start churning out masks, talk to healthcare folks you know. What do they actually need? I made this mask because my pharmacist friend asked for this type of pattern. Don’t just churn out masks without finding a need first.

You can also ask your friends and family members which mask they might prefer. There’s no “right” mask to make, so find out what people want, and then get sewing. Here are a few options:

• Pleated Mask Pattern
• Fitted Mask Pattern
• Filter Pocket Fitted Mask Pattern
• No-Sew Mask Pattern
• Scrub Cap Pattern

I designed this mask to be cut on a Cricut Maker with the rotary blade. Unfortunately, the Cricut Explore will not cut un-bonded fabric. If you iron on interfacing before you cut, you can use the Bonded Fabric blade and your Cricut Explore, though the results aren’t quite as clean as the rotary blade.

As always, the best defense for COVID-19 is to STAY HOME!

The post Filter Pocket Mask Pattern for Cricut Maker appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

Last week I created a pleated mask SVG pattern to cut on your Cricut Maker. The response to that mask cut file has been overwhelming—it’s been my top post for the last 30 days. I’m so glad it’s been helpful to folks, and I’m also still so sad that it’s needed at all.

Today I’m partnering with my friend Kim from Sweet Red Poppy. She designed a sewing pattern for a fitted mask. Because I’ve had several requests for a fitted mask pattern that can be cut on the Cricut Maker, with her permission I’ve digitized her pattern for you and created an SVG!

This mask is designed to be cut on a Cricut Maker with the rotary blade. Unfortunately, the Cricut Explore will not cut un-bonded fabric. If you iron on interfacing before you cut, you can use the Bonded Fabric blade and your Cricut Explore, though the results aren’t quite as clean as the rotary blade.

About Homemade Masks

It looks as though authorities are moving toward suggesting the general public wear masks while COVID-19 is spreading. Homemade masks are designed to protect others more than the person wearing the mask. Even if you don’t feel sick, asymptomatic people can still transmit the virus. Wear a mask to protect others as much as yourself! It’s a great way to love your neighbor. Here are a few options:

• Pleated Mask Pattern
• Fitted Mask Pattern
• Filter Pocket Fitted Mask Pattern
• No-Sew Mask Pattern
• Scrub Cap Pattern

Masks can also help protect you from touching your own face—I know that’s something I struggle with.

From what I understand, many medical professionals won’t want a fitted mask, they’ll want a pleated mask. Fitted masks are good for the general public. If you are sewing for healthcare workers, make sure you know what they want before you start sewing.

Note that masks are NOT a replacement for following public health mandates like social distancing, staying at home, and washing your hands. Stay home and keep everyone as safe as possible!

Fitted Mask SVG for Cricut Maker

Supplies

• Cotton Fabric cut to 12″ x 24″
• Coordinating Thread
• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat
• Double Fold Bias Tape
• Paper clip or other wire
• Fitted Mask SVG

I reworked Kim’s pattern as an SVG for the Cricut Maker so that masks could be cut quickly and easily. Cutting has always been the most difficult part of a pattern for me because of tendonitis in my hands, so I am hoping others find this pattern useful.

This Cricut Maker mask SVG is free (I’m not even asking for your email!) so that as many masks can be made as possible. See more about Cutting Fabric on a Cricut Maker. Need help with your Cricut? Get started with my Cricut Basics eBook!

Please see Kim’s post for sewing instructions!

Make sure to wash the mask in very hot water before wearing and in between uses.

Modifications

If you’d like to create more of a filtered mask, you can use a non-woven iron-on interfacing. You can use this pattern to cut four pieces of the interfacing, and iron to the wrong side of the fabric. This may help stop the spread of germs even more.

In her pattern, Kim used two different fabrics to show front and back (this is also how I designed the cut file). I have heard from several people that instead of using a different fabric for the back, use the same fabric but make it wrong-side out. Then that side is clearly the inside of the mask and helps avoid confusion.

If using bias tape, I found it easier to sew it before assembling the mask, rather than the last step.

Have any questions? Please let me know in the comments! Stay safe out there!

Print

FITTED MASK SVG PATTERN

Make sewing a fitted mask pattern easier by cutting in your Cricut Maker! Get the free SVG to make this easy-to-sew fitted mask with ties or elastic.

Keyword Fitted Mask

Author Cori George

Equipment

• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat
• Paper clip or other wire

Ingredients

• Cotton Fabric cut to 12" x 24"
• Coordinating Thread
• Double Fold Bias Tape
• Free Fitted Mask File #C285

Instructions

• NOTE: My friend Kim from Sweet Red Poppy, designed a sewing pattern for a fitted mask and with her permission her pattern has been digitized for you and turned into an SVG that can be cut on the Cricut Maker.

  This mask is designed to be cut on a Cricut Maker with the rotary blade. Unfortunately, the Cricut Explore will not cut un-bonded fabric. If you iron on interfacing before you cut, you can use the Bonded Fabric blade and your Cricut Explore, though the results aren't quite as clean as the rotary blade.

  This Cricut Maker mask SVG is free (I’m not even asking for your email!) so that as many masks can be made as possible. See more about Cutting Fabric on a Cricut Maker. Need help with your Cricut? Get started with my Cricut Basics eBook!

  Please see Kim's post for sewing instructions!

  Make sure to wash the mask in very hot water before wearing and in between uses.
  
• Modifications

  If you'd like to create more of a filtered mask, you can use a non-woven iron-on interfacing. You can use this pattern to cut four pieces of the interfacing, and iron to the wrong side of the fabric. This may help stop the spread of germs even more.

  In her pattern, Kim used two different fabrics to show front and back (this is also how the cut file was designed). Instead of using a different fabric for the back, use the same fabric but make it wrong-side out. Then that side is clearly the inside of the mask and helps avoid confusion.

  If using bias tape, it easier to sew it before assembling the mask, rather than the last step.
  

The post Fitted Mask SVG Pattern for Cricut Maker appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

Before I get into this post, ALL the credit goes to Jessica Nandino, who is a nurse, for this pattern and instructions.

Jessica, you are a hero. Thank you.

Making masks hits particularly close to home for me because my sister-in-law is a nurse. Because her hospital was prioritizing PPE for presumptive COVID-19 cases, she was not wearing a mask when a patient coughed on her. The patient had come in for an unrelated reason and later was shown to have COVID-19 symptoms. All my SIL had on were gloves. Thankfully it looks like she’s virus-free, but as more and more cases come up, the more and more unsafe our healthcare professionals are.

So, my deepest gratitude to all of the healthcare workers who are risking your lives for us. You deserve more than a hand-sewn mask. It is criminal that you don’t have the personal protective equipment (PPE) that you need. Our system has failed you and for that I am deeply sad.

Making the Right Masks

It’s looking more and more likely that authorities are going to suggest the general public wear masks to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This mask can be worn over a healthcare worker’s respirator as I talk about below, or it can be worn on its own by the general public.

Before you start churning out masks, talk to healthcare folks you know. What do they actually need? The reason I settled on this pattern is because I know someone who wanted this particular style to cover her respirator.

There’s no reason to make a bunch of masks that won’t be used, so talk to someone before getting started. DO NOT drop off hundreds of masks at a hospital that hasn’t asked for them. They will be trashed.

Find the specific need. Meet the specific need.

Remember that other healthcare workers, like those in nursing homes, retirement communities, and birthing centers, may be looking for masks as well. Here are a few options:

• Pleated Mask Pattern
• Fitted Mask Pattern
• Filter Pocket Fitted Mask Pattern
• No-Sew Mask Pattern
• Scrub Cap Pattern

My friend Cheryl also has a super helpful mask lanyard tutorial, which is a must for keeping your (or your kid’s!) mask from dropping to the ground.

DIY N95 Mask with the Cricut Maker

These DIY N95 mask covers are not intended to replace the real thing. This particular mask is primarily designed to be worn over an existing N95 respirator mask. A respiratory therapist friend, for whom I am sewing masks, says these particular DIY masks potentially extend the life of the hospital-grade N95 respirators, keeping healthcare workers protected for longer.

It can also be worn alone by individuals, even if they feel healthy—COVID-19 can be spread even if you’re not showing symptoms and wearing a mask is one possible way to prevent that. The best way to prevent spread, however, is by staying home.

I reworked Jessica’s pattern as an SVG for the Cricut Maker so that masks could be marked with a fabric pen and cut quickly and easily. Cutting has always been the most difficult part of a pattern for me because of tendonitis in my hands, so I am hoping others find this pattern useful.

Supplies

• Cotton Fabric cut to 12″ x 24″
• Thread
• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat
• Cricut Fabric Pen
• Double Fold Bias Tape
• Pleated Mask SVG

This Cricut Maker SVG is free (I’m not even asking for your email!) so that as many masks can be made as possible. As Jessica said in her post, do not sell this pattern or sell masks made using this pattern. Masks are for personal use or should be donated to healthcare workers (not sold).

There are two versions of the pattern. One with Jessica’s original 1/2″ seam allowance and notches, and one with a 1/4″ seam allowance and fabric marks instead of actual notches.

Each pattern has two layers, but only one of the layers has markings.

Both versions have pattern pieces to make the side binding, but you will need to cut the longer binding pieces for the top binding / ties by hand since the Maker cannot cut such lengths. See below for a modification using bias tape.

Please see Jessica’s post for assembly. I have made some suggestions below for ways that you can change up the pattern based on the materials you may have.

Want a fitted mask? Check out my fitted mask SVG post.

Setting Up Your Cricut Mask File to Mark and Cut

Upload the SVG to Cricut Design Space. You’ll see five layers—two mask layers, a markings layer, and two binding pieces.

Click ungroup so you can manipulate each layer individually. Click on the markings layer and change the linetype to draw in the top Edit menu.

Select the markings layer and the single mask piece right below it and click Attach. This will ensure the Cricut Maker writes on the correct layer of fabric.

You’re ready to cut your mask. You can fit both mask pieces and the binding pieces on a piece of 12″ x 18″ fabric. If you are making more than one mask, use the Project Copies tool at the top of this screen to increase the number of masks.

Choose cotton as your fabric, and insert the fabric marker and rotary blade into your Cricut Maker. You can learn more about Using the Fabric Pen.

You’ll want to put your fabric face-down on the mat, particularly if you are using a darker fabric. The fabric pen will show up better.

Update: A nurse suggested using two different fabrics for each layer, so she could tell which was the front of the mask and which was the back. If you do use the same fabric, keep the inside layer wrong-side out so that it’s clear it’s the inside of the mask.

Then click Go and your Maker will mark and cut your pattern pieces for you! Head over to Jessica’s tutorial for how to sew your mask.

Modifications

If you want to save yourself the step of trimming the pattern, use the 1/4″ seam allowance SVG and skip the trimming step.

Use the fabric pen in the Cricut Maker to mark your notches/darts. So much faster than notching and marking by hand.

Instead of making my own binding, I used double-fold bias tape. You’ll need one package of bias tape per mask (I raided my stash). Cut the two long pieces at 48″ each, and the two side bias pieces at 6″ each (I find the extra bit on the ends of the side binding makes it easier to pull through my machine as I’m sewing—my feed dogs get fussy if there are too many layers). Do the sides, then the longer pieces. All you need to do is sandwich the mask in between the two layers and sew from end to end.

You can size this Cricut N95 mask cover pattern up by an inch or down by an inch to make it work better for smaller or larger faces. People of all sizes are on the front lines of this COVID-19 crisis.

Have another free tutorial or pattern? Let me know and I will link it here!

If you have any questions about sewing this pattern, please let me know. I am so sad that this blog post even needs to exist. Support our healthcare workers, demand real PPE, and STAY HOME.

Print

DIY N95 MASK

This free Cricut N95 Mask Cover pattern is designed to go over an N95 respirator mask or worn alone. Make it easily by marking and cutting the pattern with your Cricut Maker's rotary blade.

Keyword N95 Mask

Author Cori George

Equipment

• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Large FabricGrip Mat
• Cricut Fabric Pen

Ingredients

• Cotton Fabric cut to 12" x 24"
• Thread
• Double Fold Bias Tape
• Free N95 Mask Cover + Free SVG Pattern #C281

Instructions

• NOTE: ALL the credit goes to Jessica Nandino, who is a nurse, for this pattern and instructions.

  This Cricut Maker SVG is free (I'm not even asking for your email!) so that as many masks can be made as possible. As Jessica said in her post, do not sell this pattern or sell masks made using this pattern. Masks are for personal use or should be donated to healthcare workers (not sold).

  There are two versions of the pattern. One with Jessica's original 1/2" seam allowance and notches, and one with a 1/4" seam allowance and fabric marks instead of actual notches.

  Each pattern has two layers, but only one of the layers has markings.

  Both versions have pattern pieces to make the side binding, but you will need to cut the longer binding pieces for the top binding / ties by hand since the Maker cannot cut such lengths. See below for a modification using bias tape.

  Please see Jessica's post for assembly. Some suggestions are below for ways that you can change up the pattern based on the materials you may have.

  Want a fitted mask? Check out my fitted mask SVG post.
  
• Setting Up Your Cricut Mask File to Mark and Cut

  Upload the SVG to Cricut Design Space. You'll see five layers—two mask layers, a markings layer, and two binding pieces.
  
• Click ungroup so you can manipulate each layer individually. Click on the markings layer and change the linetype to draw in the top Edit menu.
  
• Select the markings layer and the single mask piece right below it and click Attach. This will ensure the Cricut Maker writes on the correct layer of fabric.
  
• You're ready to cut your mask. You can fit both mask pieces and the binding pieces on a piece of 12" x 18" fabric. If you are making more than one mask, use the Project Copies tool at the top of this screen to increase the number of masks.
  
• Choose cotton as your fabric, and insert the fabric marker and rotary blade into your Cricut Maker. You can learn more about Using the Fabric Pen.
  
• 
• You'll want to put your fabric face-down on the mat, particularly if you are using a darker fabric. The fabric pen will show up better.

  Update: A nurse suggested using two different fabrics for each layer, so she could tell which was the front of the mask and which was the back. If you do use the same fabric, keep the inside layer wrong-side out so that it's clear it's the inside of the mask.
  
• Then click Go and your Maker will mark and cut your pattern pieces for you! Head over to Jessica's tutorial for how to sew your mask.
  
• Modifications

  If you want to save yourself the step of trimming the pattern, use the 1/4" seam allowance SVG and skip the trimming step.

  Use the fabric pen in the Cricut Maker to mark your notches/darts. So much faster than notching and marking by hand.

  Instead of making your own binding, for this project double-fold bias tape was used. You'll need one package of bias tape per mask. Cut the two long pieces at 48" each, and the two side bias pieces at 6" each (the extra bit on the ends of the side binding makes it easier to pull through the machine while sewing—because the feed dogs get fussy if there are too many layers). Do the sides, then the longer pieces. All you need to do is sandwich the mask in between the two layers and sew from end to end.

  You can size this Cricut N95 mask cover pattern up by an inch or down by an inch to make it work better for smaller or larger faces. People of all sizes are on the front lines of this COVID-19 crisis.
  

The post Cricut N95 Mask Cover + Free SVG Pattern appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

This last weekend, we took our twin boys to the movie theater for the first time to see Toy Story 4. We were a little nervous for our first theater experience with them (two four-year-olds in a theater…what could go wrong?), but it went really well!

We ate (and spilled) popcorn and enjoyed watching Woody and Buzz return to the big screen. We all loved the addition of Forky to the team (Tony Hale is just so funny), watching Bonnie’s mom and dad struggle with parenting was basically real life, and it was so fun to see Bo’s life as toy with no kid. There were a few suspenseful moments (the Bensons!) that had the boys in our laps, but overall I’m so happy with how well they did.

I’m sewing up another project with this colorful Toy Story 4 fabric today! Make sure to check out my first project, a handy pocket tote bag. Both of these projects can be made using the Cricut Maker and the Rotary Blade.

These adorable alphabet stuffies are perfect for this age group—my boys are obsessed with finding “their letter” on signs and in books, as well as writing their C and S on every piece of paper imaginable. I knew they’d love these personalized alphabet stuffies, particularly because they feature characters from the movie they just saw!

Alphabet Stuffies: Supplies

• 1/3 yard fabric in two patterns/colors
• Cricut Maker with Rotary Blade
• Pink FabricGrip Mat
• Brayer (optional)
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Poly-Fil or other stuffing
• Hand-sewing needle

Alphabet Stuffies: Instructions

Make Your File in Cricut Design Space

We’re going to start in Cricut Design Space. Technically you can cut these letters by hand, but the Cricut Maker makes it so easy to make perfect letters, every single time.

Find a chunky font with fairly consistent thick/thin strokes. I ended up using the same font as I used on my tote bags: Kristoff Block. It’s perfect for this project!

In Design Space, type your initial. I am making both a C and an S—obviously choose the letter or letters you want to make.

Then change the size of each letter to 11.5″ wide—the width of a Cricut mat. Duplicate each letter and use the Flip tool to flip the copies. (Note that I zoomed way out so I could see all my letters).

Next, change the colors of your letters to reflect the fabrics you are using—this helps you keep your fabrics straight when cutting.

Then click Make It in the upper right! You’ll be taken to the prepare screen where you’ll get a warning that you’re going to need the bigger mat—click OK.

Your mats should be good to go as is, so hit Continue to go to the Make screen.

In the Make screen, you’ll select cotton as your fabric. Then insert the Rotary Blade into your machine.

Cutting the Fabric on Your Cricut

Prepare your fabric to cut. Cut it down to 11.5″ wide, plus the height of your letter. I always iron it as well. Then place it on the large pink FabricGrip mat. Use a brayer to smooth it out, particularly if your mat is a little old and less sticky than it was originally.

Insert the mat into your Cricut Maker and press the arrow button to pull it into your machine. Double-check you have the Rotary Blade installed and click the blinking C to cut!

Once your files are cut, peel off the extra fabric from your mat and then carefully remove the fabric letter. Check out this post for more on removing materials from your FabricGrip mat.

Sewing Your Alphabet Stuffies

Place the front and the back of your letter, right sides together and pin. I tend to pin curves heavily—it’s so easy for fabric to shift!

Using a 1/4″ seam, sew along the edge of your letters, going slowly around the tight curves. Leave a 1.5″ gap for turning. Note that if you have a letter with an “inside” piece, like an A or an R, you will need to hand-sew that interior piece. Do not sew around the interior piece, or you will not be able to turn it.

Once you’ve sewn your letters, clip the curves and turn them right side out. Press.

Stuff with Poly-Fil or another fiber stuffing, Letters tend to be a little floppy, so stuff them well.

Then hand sew the small hole shut. Again, if you are using a letter that has an interior piece, you’ll have to hand sew that. Tack it in a few places to keep the stuffing inside, and then whipstitch around the whole thing.

My boys LOVE how these turned out! Cal saw his and said, “It’s BUZZ, mama! To infinity, let’s be gone!” Which maybe is the cutest misquote in history, don’t you think?

Print

ALPHABET STUFFIES

These alphabet stuffies, made using the Cricut Maker, are the perfect gift for a child learning their letters! Make one of out their favorite character fabric, like these fun Toy Story 4 patterns!

Keyword Stuffies

Author Cori George

Equipment

• Cricut Maker 3 or
• Cricut Maker
• Rotary Blade
• Cricut Pink FabricGrip Mat
• Brayer
• sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Poly-Fil or other stuffing
• Hand-sewing needle

Ingredients

• 1/3 yard fabric in two patterns/colors

Instructions

• Make Your File in Cricut Design Space

  We're going to start in Cricut Design Space. Technically you can cut these letters by hand, but the Cricut Maker makes it so easy to make perfect letters, every single time.

  Find a chunky font with fairly consistent thick/thin strokes. For this project, Kristoff Block was used

  In Design Space, type your initial. For this project making both a C and an S—obviously choose the letter or letters you want to make.
  
• Then change the size of each letter to 11.5" wide—the width of a Cricut mat. Duplicate each letter and use the Flip tool to flip the copies.
  
• Next, change the colors of your letters to reflect the fabrics you are using—this helps you keep your fabrics straight when cutting.
  
• Then click Make It in the upper right! You'll be taken to the prepare screen where you'll get a warning that you're going to need the bigger mat—click OK.
  
• Your mats should be good to go as is, so hit Continue to go to the Make screen.

  In the Make screen, you'll select cotton as your fabric. Then insert the Rotary Blade into your machine.
  
• Cutting the Fabric on Your Cricut

  Prepare your fabric to cut. Cut it down to 11.5" wide, plus the height of your letter, and iron it as well. Then place it on the large pink FabricGrip mat. Use a brayer to smooth it out, particularly if your mat is a little old and less sticky than it was originally.
  
• Insert the mat into your Cricut Maker and press the arrow button to pull it into your machine. Double-check you have the Rotary Blade installed and click the blinking C to cut!

  Once your files are cut, peel off the extra fabric from your mat and then carefully remove the fabric letter. Check out this post for more on removing materials from your FabricGrip mat.
  
• Sewing Your Alphabet Stuffies

  Place the front and the back of your letter, right sides together and pin. Pin the curves heavily—it's so easy for fabric to shift!
  
• Using a 1/4" seam, sew along the edge of your letters, going slowly around the tight curves. Leave a 1.5" gap for turning. Note that if you have a letter with an "inside" piece, like an A or an R, you will need to hand-sew that interior piece. Do not sew around the interior piece, or you will not be able to turn it.
  
• Once you've sewn your letters, clip the curves and turn them right side out. Press.
  
• Stuff with Poly-Fil or another fiber stuffing, Letters tend to be a little floppy, so stuff them well.
  
• Then hand sew the small hole shut. Again, if you are using a letter that has an interior piece, you'll have to hand sew that. Tack it in a few places to keep the stuffing inside, and then whipstitch around the whole thing.
  
• 

The post Toy Story Alphabet Stuffies with the Cricut Maker appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.

It’s been a while since I broke out my sewing machine, but this fun Toy Story 4 fabric was the perfect reason to get sewing! This fabric line was exclusive to my favorite craft store, JOANN, and featured all your Toy Story 4 favorites, including Forky, Ducky, and Bunny. And, of course, old favorites like Woody, Buzz, and the aliens (my personal fave…”the clawwww…”). Now that JOANN has closed, you may be able to find similar fabrics elsewhere online!

Since they started walking, one of my twin boys’ favorite games has been “move stuff from one part of the house to another.” I know this is not an official kid game, but I’m pretty sure most parents know it! At four, my boys still carry things around our house—just the other night I found at least two dozen small cars in our master bathroom. They are always borrowing my reusable grocery bags for these escapades, so I thought I’d sew them up a couple of tote bags!

With an angled front pocket, these easy-sew tote bags are perfect for carrying all of your child’s treasures—books, toys, car games, and snacks. They aren’t large, so they are easily carried by tiny arms. You can can also use iron on vinyl to personalize each bag—a special keepsake for your child.

This pattern is designed to be cut on the Cricut Maker using the rotary blade, saving you time in the cutting process. I love my Maker for fabric projects. I’ve had it for almost two years and I’m still impressed at how well the rotary blade slices through fabric—if you sew, it’s definitely worth the upgrade from the Cricut Explore.

Want more information on cutting fabric with your Maker? Check out these posts:

• Cutting Fabric on the Cricut Maker
• How to Clean Your Cricut FabricGrip Mat
• How to Use the Cricut Fabric Pen

I have also included hand-cutting dimensions to make this project if you do not have a Cricut Maker!

Tote Bag with the Cricut Maker Supplies

Note: because of the fabric direction, you will need 1/2 yard vs. 1/3 yard for each pattern. If the fabric you choose does not have a pattern that needs to go in a specific direction, you can use 1/3 yard of each.

• 1/2 yard of exterior fabric
• 1/2 yard of interior fabric
• 1/3 yard of solid fabric
• Sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Dritz belting
• Pins
• Iron
• Cricut Maker
• Iron on Vinyl
• Cricut EasyPress (optional)

Tote Bag with the Cricut Maker Instructions

All seams are 1/4″.

Cut the Fabric with the Cricut Maker

Cut out all three fabrics using the SVG file you downloaded above. If you need help uploading an SVG to Cricut Design Space, check out this post.

I like to use my brayer to get good adhesion between my fabric and my mat.

In the file, the blue rectangles are your exterior pieces, the pink are the interior pieces, and the yellow are the pocket pieces. You’ll want to cut your fabric down to 12″ wide to fit on the mat. I usually let the length fall off the end of the mat—this allows me to save as much fabric as possible.

Once your pieces are cut, you’re ready to assemble your bag!

Hand Cut Dimensions

If you do not have a Cricut Maker, cut the following:

• Exterior Fabric: 11.5″ x 13.5″ (cut 2)
• Interior Fabric: 11.5″ x 13.5″ (cut 2)
• Pocket: 11.5″ x 9″ (cut 2)

For the pocket, measure down 2″ on the left side and create a mark. Then cut from the top right corner down to the mark you made to create the angled pocket.

Sew the Exterior Pocket

Place the two pocket pieces right-sides together and sew the angled edge using an 1/4″ seam.

Turn the two pieces right side out and press the seams. Then top stitch along the edge to finish it.

Sew the Exterior Fabric with the Pocket

Place the two exterior pieces right-sides together with the pocket nestled between the two exterior pieces, with all three pieces of fabric aligned at the bottom. Pin and sew the bottom and sides of the bag.

Trim the corners and press your seams open if desired.

Sew the Lining

Place the two lining pieces right-sides together and sew the bottom and sides, but leave a 4″ gap in the middle of the bottom seam for turning the bag right-side out later. Trim the corners and press the seams open.

Cut the Straps

Cut two pieces of Dritz Polypro belting, each 18″ long. You can make the straps shorter or longer if you desire. I like this belting—saves you the time of having to cut and sew fabric straps, plus it’s sturdy and comes in a wide range of colors. Do NOT iron the belting—it will melt. Instead, spritz with a little water and the creases will mostly come out.

Assemble the Tote Bag

Turn the exterior of the bag right-sides out and place it within the wrong-sides out lining. Then nestle and pin the straps between the exterior of the bag and the lining of the bag, 2″ from the edge on each side. The straps will be in between the layers of the bag, with the raw edges of the strap lining up with the top raw edge of the bag.

Make sure your straps are not twisted!

Sew all the way around the top of the bag, making sure you catch the straps as you go around. Backstitch at the start and finish.

Turn the bag right-side out through the hole in the bottom of the lining. You’ll see that the straps and the pocket are now on the outside of the bag.

Stitch the hole shut, either with your machine and a stitch very close to the edge (my preference), or by hand sewing.

Topstitch around the top edge of the tote — first 1/8″ away from the top edge, then 1/4″ away from the top edge. This will help secure the handles.

Personalize with Iron On Vinyl

If desired, use your Cricut Maker to cut out your child’s name in iron on vinyl (make sure to mirror your iron on before cutting!). I have several extensive posts for you about iron on vinyl:

• How to Use Iron On Vinyl (<—seriously everything you want to know!)
• Warm Peel vs. Cool Peel Iron On Vinyl
• Weeding Iron On Vinyl

I made my names about 2″ tall using the font Kristof Block, one of my system fonts. Of course, you can use whatever size, font, and color you’d like.

Then adhere to the front of the pocket using your Cricut EasyPress or iron.

The entire time I was making these bags, my boys were obsessively asking me when they’d be done. And now that they have them? They won’t put them down! Sebastian even slept with his last night, along with Woody.

Want to make a tote bag using the Cricut Maker for yourself? Grab some of this adorable fabric and sew one up in less than an hour!

Want some more Toy Story fun? Check out my blog for the easy sew Toy Story Alphabet Stuffies!

Print

TOY STORY TOTE BAG

Use your Cricut Maker and the rotary blade to cut out your fabric! Then get the instructions to make this easy-sew tote bag, and then personalize using iron on vinyl.

Keyword Fabric, Tote

Author Cori George

Equipment

• Cricut Maker 3 or
• Cricut Maker
• Cricut Pink FabricGrip Mat
• Cricut EasyPress optional
• household iron
• sewing machine
• Coordinating thread
• Dritz belting
• Pins
• Brayer

Ingredients

• Free Toy Story Tote Bag Files #C206
• 1/2 yard exterior fabric
• 1/2 yard interior fabric
• 1/3 yard solid fabric
• Iron on Vinyl

Instructions

• All seams are 1/4".

  Cut the Fabric with the Cricut Maker

  Cut out all three fabrics using the SVG file you downloaded above. If you need help uploading an SVG to Cricut Design Space, check out this post.
  
• Use your brayer to get good adhesion between the fabric and the mat.
  
• In the file, the blue rectangles are your exterior pieces, the pink are the interior pieces, and the yellow are the pocket pieces. You'll want to cut your fabric down to 12" wide to fit on the mat. Let the length fall off the end of the mat—this allows you to save as much fabric as possible.

  Once your pieces are cut, you're ready to assemble your bag!
  
• Hand Cut Dimensions

  If you do not have a Cricut Maker, cut the following:

  Exterior Fabric: 11.5" x 13.5" (cut 2)

  Interior Fabric: 11.5" x 13.5" (cut 2)

  Pocket: 11.5" x 9" (cut 2)

  For the pocket, measure down 2" on the left side and create a mark. Then cut from the top right corner down to the mark you made to create the angled pocket.
• Sew the Exterior Pocket

  Place the two pocket pieces right-sides together and sew the angled edge using an 1/4" seam.
  
• Turn the two pieces right side out and press the seams. Then top stitch along the edge to finish it.
  
• 
• Sew the Exterior Fabric with the Pocket

  Place the two exterior pieces right-sides together with the pocket nestled between the two exterior pieces, with all three pieces of fabric aligned at the bottom. Pin and sew the bottom and sides of the bag.
  
• 
• Trim the corners and press your seams open if desired.
  
• Sew the Lining

  Place the two lining pieces right-sides together and sew the bottom and sides, but leave a 4″ gap in the middle of the bottom seam for turning the bag right-side out later. Trim the corners and press the seams open.
  
• Cut the Straps

  Cut two pieces of Dritz Polypro belting, each 18" long. You can make the straps shorter or longer if you desire. This belting saves you the time of having to cut and sew fabric straps, plus it's sturdy and comes in a wide range of colors. Do NOT iron the belting—it will melt. Instead, spritz with a little water and the creases will mostly come out.
• Assemble the Tote Bag

  Turn the exterior of the bag right-sides out and place it within the wrong-sides out lining. Then nestle and pin the straps between the exterior of the bag and the lining of the bag, 2″ from the edge on each side. The straps will be in between the layers of the bag, with the raw edges of the strap lining up with the top raw edge of the bag.
  
• Make sure your straps are not twisted!

  Sew all the way around the top of the bag, making sure you catch the straps as you go around. Backstitch at the start and finish.

  Turn the bag right-side out through the hole in the bottom of the lining. You’ll see that the straps and the pocket are now on the outside of the bag.
  
• Stitch the hole shut, either with your machine and a stitch very close to the edge (my preference), or by hand sewing.
  
• Topstitch around the top edge of the tote — first 1/8″ away from the top edge, then 1/4″ away from the top edge. This will help secure the handles.
  
• Personalize with Iron On Vinyl

  If desired, use your Cricut Maker to cut out your child's name in iron on vinyl (make sure to mirror your iron on before cutting!).

  The names for this project are about 2" tall using the font Kristof Block. Of course, you can use whatever size, font, and color you'd like.
  
• Then adhere to the front of the pocket using your Cricut EasyPress or iron.
  
• 

The post Toy Story Tote Bag with the Cricut Maker appeared first on Hey, Let's Make Stuff.