Fabric Planters – project tutorial

As the holiday season nears it’s never too early to start thinking about some easy and fun gifts for friends and family. The DIY fabric plant pots (or bags) are a great addition to any plant lovers home, and honestly, these bags are good for a variety of things – not just houseplants!

They are quick and easy to make and only require a little bit of math. Once you get the hang of these you’ll be making them for all your friends and family, and maybe a few for yourself to spruce up your plastic pots.

I sewed these on my Janome HD9 using the ultraglide (teflon) foot. The Janome HD9 easily sews through vinyl like it was butter. Even topstitching over multiple layers was a breeze with this powerful machine.

To get started, you’ll need to decide what size you would like to make. The easiest way is to trace the pot you would like to place inside the bag, then add 1″ for your seam allowance. Then you’ll have your base!

To figure out how long your body panels should be, measure the widest part of your pot and multiple it by 3.14 (or pi), then add 1″ for your seam allowance.

Now you’ll just need to figure out your height. Begin by measuring the height of your pot. If you want to do a fold over cuff like I did, add 4-8″ in your height.

There, now you have your measurements – it’s really that simple! Next step is to pick your fabric and cut your pieces.

Now that you have your pieces cut – a bottom and body piece in your exterior and lining, it’s time to sew. I chose a marine vinyl for my exterior and a cotton lining. You can choose any type of fabric you’d like, and you can also interface with a fusible woven interfacing or fusible fleece for a more structured bag.

Begin by placing the short edges on each body pieces right sides together, then sew them together using a 1/2″ seam allowance. If you would like to use a smaller seam allowance you can, but you will need to adjust your measurements in the first few steps. I prefer a larger seam allowance for making bags, and especially when working with vinyl.

Once you have sewn the body seam, on your cotton piece, press seam to one side. Remember that you cannot press vinyl so you can use a seam roller if you have one, or just finger press.

Top stitch the seam to one side on both the cotton and vinyl pieces. This step is optional, but I believe gives a much nicer finish to your product. And the HD9 easily sews through the layers of vinyl, so why not let them machine do its work!

Now it’s time to attach the bottom. Begin by marking quarters on your 2 bottom panels. Once you’ve done your bottom panels, do the same on your body tube.

Line up your four marks on your bottom and your body tube right sides together, then continue to hold in place between each marking with pins or clips. Be sure to use clips w hen working with vinyl as pins will leave holes.

Once you have attached your two parts for your lining and exterior fabrics, sew them together using a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Once you have stitched together the bottom and body tube for your lining and your exterior, trim your seam allowance. Turn your exterior right side out and place inside your lining. I like to match up my seams, but it’s not necessary – although, remember the HD9 will definitely be able to sew over the bulk so don’t be afraid to line them up.

Leave a turning hole, then sew around the top of the bag with a 1/2″ seam allowance. Once you’ve sewn all around, trim your seam allowance (this is optional, I actually prefer NOT to trim my seam allowance at the top as I find it gives a nicer top stitch, but it really is up to you), turn your bag right side out, tuck the lining inside, fold in your seam allowance, and topstitch. I like to finger roll the edge and use clips to keep it in place as I’m top stitching.

And that’s it! Once you have top stitched, fold your edge down, place your plant inside, and admire your new creation! These fabric bags are perfect for all kinds of things around the house – I’ve made a few for plants, and a small one for pens and accessories on my desk at home. Because they are easily made in any size they really are the perfect quick gift for anyone to make and use!