Can you believe the Queen has been on the throne for 70 years? That's longer than any other monarch in British history. Such a momentous occasion calls for a big celebration.
On the 2nd-5th June, we'll all come together to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee with a special four-day bank holiday weekend.
In some parts of the UK, plans for Platinum Jubilee street parties are already in full swing, but there's no reason why you couldn't have a smaller celebration at home with friends and family. You could have a barbecue in the garden, a sophisticated afternoon tea with friends or organise a memorable Jubilee party for the children in your life with games and party food.
However you choose to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, you can make the occasion your own by sewing your own Jubilee decorations and accessories at home – from bunting to cushions and crowns. Simply choose some regal fabrics and make the patterns your own!
Homemade decorations always look better than shop-bought ones and you'll be able to stash them away for future celebrations too.
Read on to discover our favourite sewing projects which would be perfect for the Jubilee – we've even included some Jubilee fabric recommendations to help you find the supplies you need to get started…
Featured image by iStock/MaxCab.
Jubilee fabrics
Our friends at Fabrics Galore London have created an array of beautiful fabrics to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. We've recommended fabrics to use for each project to inspire your crafting…
20 Jubilee sewing projects
1. Jubilee Crown block cushion
Make a commemorative cushion that you'll treasure forever with this beautiful Jubilee Crown block design by Paula Hope! We love its vintage-inspired design and the way it showcases iconic British fabric designs. This would make a wonderful family heirloom to pass on to your children, too.
Recommended fabrics:
- Plain Red Cotton Poplin
- Plain Union Jack Blue Cotton Poplin
- High Tea Cotton
- London Sightseeing
- Union Jack Cotton
- Printed Blue Cotton – Heavy is the Head
2. Bunting
No celebration is complete without a string of bunting! This easy project is perfect for beginners to attempt and we've even included a video tutorial to guide you through the tricky parts. Learn how to make bunting for your party.
Recommended fabrics:
3. Crowns
Make your little ones feel like kings and queens for the day by making them their own party crowns. These denim crowns can be made using some colourful jubilee fabrics and lined using old jeans – they're hardwearing and perfect for playtime. Finish them off with your choice of buttons and embellishments.
Recommended fabric:
4. DIY fabric pom poms
If you're not a fan of traditional bunting, these stylish fabric pom poms are a great alternative. You can make them in bold Jubilee fabrics or keep the colours more neutral if you want to use them for other occasions. If the weather's good, hang them up in your garden to create a party atmosphere! Learn how to make DIY fabric pom poms.
Recommended fabrics:
5. DIY floor cushions
If you're having a garden party, your guests will need somewhere to sit while they tuck into their party food. These floor cushions are great if you're having a party or a picnic outdoors (or if you're short on chairs) – they're both pretty and practical. Add a pom pom trim as a fun finishing touch. Find out how to make your own DIY floor pillows.
Recommended fabrics:
6. DIY party coasters
Protect your surfaces by making these stylish DIY party coasters. This is a great project to make if you have some leftover fabric to use up. You can add your own embroidered lettering to the coasters or leave them plain. Learn how to make coasters.
Recommended fabric:
7. Fabric flower brooch
If you want to make a more subtle Jubilee accessory, have a go at making this beautiful vintage-inspired fabric flower brooch by textile artist Gemma Nemer. This thrifty pattern can be made using any fabric remnants you have around and would look great on a tea dress or blouse. You could also attach it to a hairband to make a cute party accessory for a child.
Recommended fabrics:
8. Pom pom apron
Jubilee parties call for tea, scones and lots of other delicious homemade treats. If you're planning a baking session ahead of the celebrations, why not make your own jubilee apron to get in the mood? This pattern comes with an optional pom-pom trim.
Recommended fabrics:
9. Fabric letters
Fabric letters make great party decorations and they're a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your celebrations. Spell out the word "party" or "Jubilee" if you're feeling really ambitious. Learn how to sew fabric letters with our step-by-step guide.
Recommended fabrics:
10. Teddy bear
Make a keepsake for a young child by making this adorable teddy bear. You can use an old t-shirt to make the body and make it jubilee-themed by adding a bow tie in your choice of fabric. Alternatively, if you're looking for a more traditional bear design then try this free teddy bear sewing pattern.
Recommended fabrics:
11. Butterfly tote
Heading out to a Jubilee celebration? Stash all of your belongings away safely in this gorgeous patchwork butterfly tote bag. It's a beginner-friendly introduction to the English paper piecing quilting technique and the results are truly stunning.
Recommended fabrics:
12. Bow clutch bag
Make an accessory fit for a queen with this lovely bow clutch bag pattern. It'll keep all of your possessions together if you need to head out to a garden party – with enough space for your phone, money and keys.
Recommended fabrics:
13. Weekend table runner
Bring a traditional look to your Jubilee table with this lovely quilted table runner project designed by the talented Sheila Donnachie. It's quick enough for an experienced quilter to make in a weekend or over a few evenings. Mix and match your Jubilee fabrics to add a splash of colour to your table runner.
Recommended fabrics:
14. Play mat for a baby
It's healthy for babies to spend some time wriggling around and moving their arms and legs – and if they're learning to crawl, you'll want to protect the delicate skin on their knees. If you're spending time outside with your baby, this small quilted play mat will help them to crawl and play in comfort.
Recommended fabrics:
15. Patchwork flags
We love these cheerful little patchwork flags! This colourful bunting is bound to set the scene for a lively Jubilee celebration – and you could make it in an afternoon if you wanted to. Discover how to make your own patchwork bunting.
Recommended fabrics:
- Plain Red Cotton Poplin
- Plain Cotton Poplin Union Jack Blue
- Jubilee Iconic London
- Printed Blue Cotton Heavy is the Head
- London Baby
16. Mini hearts quilt
Show your love by making this mini hearts quilt – it can be used as a picnic blanket on dry grass or used as a throw for a sofa or armchair. Fill the centre of the heart with Jubilee fabrics and keep the outside of the shape plain. By creating a contrast, your heart design will really stand out.
Recommended fabrics:
17. Cross stitch sceptre
Every queen needs a sceptre! This sweet sceptre cross stitch pattern is a great way to bring the jubilee theme into your home this year. It would look great on a card or on a bookmark too.
18. Contemporary table runner
If you prefer a more modern-looking quilted design, have a go at sewing this delightful chevron table runner by Laura Jane Taylor. It's bright and bold look makes it a real party showstopper.
Recommended fabrics:
- Plain Cotton Poplin Union Jack Blue
- Plain Red Cotton Poplin
- London Baby
- Afternoon Stroll Cotton
- High Tea Cotton
- Jubilee Cotton Red Crown Jewels
19. Union flag cross stitch
This small cross stitch flag makes a brilliant cake topper. This cute union jack cross stitch pattern can be used to celebrate royal occasions or sporting events – make a whole batch to decorate your cakes.
Find your Jubilee Fabrics
Now all you need to do is decide which of the Jubilee projects you’re inspired to make and choose which of the gorgeous Jubilee Fabrics are going to bring them to life. Don’t leave it too late to buy your Jubilee fabrics so that you can be ready for your perfect Platinum Jubilee.
New to sewing? Check out our sewing guides before you begin. Take a look at our sewing for beginners and how to use a sewing machine tutorials – or stock up with our sewing kits for beginners and best sewing machines for beginners guides.
