Looking for some inspiration for a craft project? We've curated a selection of things you can make with linen, perfect for both experienced crafters and those new to sewing. Using linen as a base fabric means you can maximise its inherent simplicity and beauty, choosing to add a bit of bling if you like. Pom poms, ric-rac, buttons and beads all look fab against a linen backdrop. Get creative with these easy ideas:
Bed Canopy
What could be cosier than tucking up into bed with a sumptuous linen canopy around you? Make like a Tudor queen and cocoon yourself with a canopy that will keep out draughts and regulate your body temperature. Perfect for a child's bedroom too, you can keep it plain and simple or embellish and make a feature out of it. Instructions for a genius easy version are in this tutorial.
If you're nifty with a needle and thread, this is a great way to bring life to an old, past-its-best piece of furniture. You get to choose just the right fabric for your colour scheme, or to revamp a room based around this one upholstered piece. Bespoke upholsterer and fabric curator Elizabeth Rose shows how it's done with this beautiful mid-century chair, shown last month at London Design Festival's Design Junction. She's used a monochrome pattern for the main fabric and a pop of our own bright linen to lift the design. If upholstery is beyond your skill-set, you could find a professional to help, or whip up some easy cushions in a neon linen for a similar effect.
Apron
Add a helping of Japanese utility chic to your kitchen with a beautiful linen apron. Linen is durable and washable, making it ideal for protecting your clothes from spills and stains. We think this pattern has just the right mix of practicality and style - an urban twist on something our grandmothers might have worn. You won't want to take it off. And if you don't want to sew your own, you can always buy one of ours. You're welcome.
4. The Essential Boxy Tee
Every wardrobe should contain one of these staples: a loose-cut, boxy t-shirt or top that you can wear with anything and it always looks fab. Based on this gorgeous top by Zara, this clever crafter designed her own simple pattern so you can create your own. Just as you want it. Linen is perfect for this style as it creates a soft, flowing shape whilst retaining the kimono-esque structure. Beautiful.
If you've got any spare scraps of linen or larger remnants, why not make some easy little lavender hearts (ideal Christmas gifts!), pretty drawstring bags to hide kitchen clutter, or even a couple of napkins? You will need a good pair of scissors, whatever you're making, to avoid snagging or wobbly edges. These dressmaker's shears will give you the perfect sharp, crunch as your cut and help to keep your seams precise.
And if all this sounds a bit too much like hard work, you can always get in touch with us. Because we have our own manufacturing unit, unlike many other linen retailers, we can custom make our products according to your individual needs. So, if you have a table that's a funny length and need a cloth, or fancy some pretty monogramming on your pillows, hit up our Design Your Way service. Tell us what you want and we will make it bespoke for you.
If you've got any craft ideas that use linen do drop us a comment. We'd love to hear from you.
(Images via: cotedetexas.blogspot.co.uk, studioelizabethrose.com, theheartyhome.blogspot.co.uk, greeniedressesforless.com and zara.com)