Inside: How to Make Fabric Alphabet Letters
Sometimes we need a simple sewing project that qualifies as self-care. This type of project should allow you to do some sewing but not leave you frustrated because the project is too large or complicated.
It’s a way to get you into your sewing space and have a quick win. If it’s a great scrap buster, even better because the pressure of using up scraps has just been eliminated.
That’s why I created this perfect self-care project. It’s fast. It’s easy. It uses scraps. And, it has the potential to make a great gift (which I’ll talk more about below).
How to Make Fabric Alphabet Letters
Fabric Alphabet Letters couldn’t be easier. You don’t need a lot of skills or a ton of fabric. Here’s the best part: If you can sew a straight stitch then you can make these fabric letters.
Ideally, this project is perfect for 5″ charm squares, but you could cut the scrap squares a little larger (6″ x 6″) for slightly larger letters.
Materials
- Assorted Fabric Scraps
- Sewing Machine
- Aurifil 50 wt. Cotton Thread
- Extra Loft Polyester Batting (affiliate)
- Fabric Marking tool (Frixion Pen)
- Rotary Cutter with sharp blade
- Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
- Acrylic Ruler
- Havel’s Serrated Embroidery Scissors
- Computer Letter Fonts
- Printer/Printer Paper
- Paper Cutting Scissors
Get a free PDF Download with these instructions:
Printing Alphabet Letters
Choose an appropriate font on your computer. In this tutorial I’ve used a free font called Intro. Each letter was sized to 400 px. Other fonts would work for this project.
Experiment with a few until you come up with one that works best for your project. Stay away from script fonts or ones with any type of flourish.
Print out the letters, trim, and set aside.
Making the Fabric Alphabet Letters
Step 1:
Charm squares are ideal for this project; however, if you’re not using 5″ charm squares you will need to cut out squares of fabric from your Letter Front fabric, Letter Back fabric, and the batting.
Step 2:
This will ultimately depend on the size of your letters and font so it’s best to audition the letters on top of a quilt sandwich. Leave at least 1″ around each letter for sewing and trimming.
Step 3:
Once you have the squares cut out, trace the letter onto Letter Front fabric and then pin around the sides.
Make a Quilt Sandwich
Step 1:
Create a quilt sandwich with the Letter Front fabric, batting, and Letter Back fabric.
Step 2:
Using a contrasting thread, stitch on the traced line. There is one place you might run into an issue: Because you’ll be trimming close to the edge I recommend sewing around each letter two or three times.
Step 3:
Trim close to the stitching. I recommend using really sharp scissors for trimming, especially the cut outs.
How to Use the Fabric Alphabet Letters
Now here’s the best part. The possibilities are endless.
- You can create an assortment of words that spell out a child’s name.
- Create an entire alphabet for babies or toddlers. Add in a matching fabric basket and you have a unique shower gift.
- Spell out special days like Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, etc. A simple way to display these would be to make a banner using a piece of bias tape and clip on the letters with mini-clothespins.
- Wash and dry them so they get a little frayed for an even better look!
Can you see the possibilities?
Pull some scraps, print a few letters, and have an awesome self-care sewing moment.
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LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS IDEA.
I can’t find the download button for the letter project.
There is no Download button for this project. Instead you will just use a font on your computer. See inside the post for instructions.
I love this, I can see making the complete alphabet for our Amish neighbors, then each grandchild’s name to put on their bedroom door!
Beautiful ideas!
This is such a great idea! Thank you for posting.
A lovely and easy project. What’s the best way to cut the inside of a letter i.e. “A” “B” etc.
Really sharp snips work best. I tried using appliqué scissors, but found that they weren’t the best fit. Here’s a link to the ones I use: Havel Serrated Embroidery Scissors
I love your idea really is a good idea of getting rid of your scraps i have lots of them,thank you for sharing your ideas.
What a great idea! I’m a preschool teacher and I’m going to make a set for my classroom. We do a letter each week and this is a great visual for the little people! I’m already thinking about fabric stash…apple print for “A”, monkeys for “M”, zebra print for “Z”!! Thanks so much for the idea!
I did a set of numbers for my newest great granddaughter for Christmas. One side was all the same material and the other side was different pieces of children type material. After I sewed them I used my pinking scissors to trim the edges which made them that much cuter. Now she can throw them, spit up on them, get them dirty and what have you, they can be thrown in the washer and dryer and be used over and over again. Love your ideas. MG
This looks so fun! I am going to make so many letters! Does felt or stuffing work as batting?
Stuffing would definitely work and so would felt.
THANNKKYOUUUU,
LESLIE!!!!
☆love it☆
What a great idea! Could you please tell me what program you used to make your letters? thanks again!
I love this, thank you! Great project to just work on as time and fabric permit.
Your sample letters seem to be on the stiff side, but how are they stiff if there’s no cardboard or other stabilizing material involved? (Or are they meant to be kind of floppy?)
I used Extra Loft Poly Batting (see link in post) and this makes the letters both soft and stiff.
Is there a way to print your instructions without all the ads in-between?
Not at this time. In order to do this I have to hire a graphic designer and then would need to charge for the downloads. I prefer to keep things free on the blog. I do have a few posts with free downloads of the post.