What a sash is and why you might sew one
A sash is a strip of fabric worn around the waist or across the body, often tied at the side or back. You sew one by joining two pieces of fabric along the long edges, turning it right-side out, and finishing the short ends. The whole project takes two to four hours for a beginner and requires only a sewing machine, thread, fabric, and scissors.
Sashes work well as a first sewing project because the steps are straightforward and forgiving—mistakes in a seam are less visible on a long strip than on a fitted garment. You can make a sash from cotton, linen, silk, or any fabric you have on hand. Many people sew sashes to cinch dresses, add definition to loose clothing, or straightforward as a decorative accessory.
Key Takeaways
- A sash is two rectangles of fabric sewn together along the long edges, then turned right-side out and pressed flat.
- You will need two pieces of fabric cut to the same size, thread that matches or complements your fabric, and a sewing machine set to a straight stitch.
- The most common mistake is sewing the seam too close to the edge, leaving no room to turn the sash right-side out without tearing the stitches.
- After sewing three sides closed, you turn the sash through a small opening in the fourth side, then stitch that opening shut by hand or machine.
Choosing your fabric and cutting the pieces
Pick a fabric weight that holds its shape without being stiff—cotton quilting fabric, linen, and lightweight cotton blends all work well. Avoid very stretchy knits or very heavy fabrics like canvas for your first sash. Measure how long you want the finished sash to be (typically 60 to 80 inches for an adult) and how wide (typically 3 to 5 inches). Add half an inch on all sides for seam allowance.
Cut two identical rectangles from your fabric. Use a ruler and rotary cutter if you have them, or mark your lines with tailor's chalk and cut with sharp fabric scissors. Lay both pieces on top of each other and cut them at the same time to may support they match exactly. Uneven pieces will be harder to sew together neatly.
Pinning and sewing the long edges
Place your two fabric rectangles with the right sides (the pretty sides) facing each other. Pin along both long edges, placing pins every 4 to 6 inches perpendicular to the edge. The pins should go through both layers and hold the fabric flat against your work surface.
Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.5 to 3 millimeters. Sew along one long edge, starting at one corner and sewing a quarter inch from the edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the thread. Remove pins as you approach them. Sew the second long edge the same way. You now have a long tube with two open ends.
Sewing one short end closed
Sew across one short end of the tube, again a quarter inch from the edge. Backstitch at the start and finish. This end will remain closed. The other short end will be your opening for turning the sash right-side out, so leave it unsewn for now.
Trim the corners of the closed end at a 45-degree angle, cutting away the fabric triangle at each corner without cutting into your stitches. This step, called clipping corners, prevents the corners from bunching when you turn the sash right-side out. Trim about a quarter inch from the corner point.
Turning the sash right-side out
Reach into the open end of the tube and grab the closed end from the inside. Pull gently and steadily until the sash turns inside out and the right sides of the fabric face outward. This takes patience—pull slowly to avoid tearing the seams. Once the sash is turned, use a blunt tool like a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil to push the corners out from the inside so they form sharp points.
Press the sash flat with an iron on a medium setting, paying special attention to the seams. Fold the raw edges of the open end inward by a quarter inch and press them as well. This folding makes the final seam look neat and professional.
Closing the opening by hand or machine
You have two options for closing the open end. The machine method is faster: fold the open end so the pressed edges meet, pin it closed, and sew it shut with a straight stitch a quarter inch from the fold. Backstitch at the start and finish.
The hand method is slower but nearly invisible. Thread a needle and knot the end. Slide the needle between the folded layers of fabric so the knot hides inside, then use a ladder stitch (also called a slip stitch) to close the opening. Bring the needle out through one fold, cross to the opposite fold, and slide the needle along inside that fold for about a quarter inch before bringing it back out. Cross back to the first fold and repeat. The stitches will be hidden inside the fold. When you reach the end, tie off the thread inside the fold and trim it.
Pressing and finishing touches
Press the entire sash again with an iron to remove any wrinkles and set the final seams. If you used the machine method to close the opening, you may want to press that seam flat so it matches the rest of the sash.
Your sash is now complete and ready to wear. You can tie it around your waist, drape it across your body, or use it however you like. If you want to add decorative elements, you can sew on buttons, beads, or trim before closing the opening, or add them afterward by hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I sew the seam too close to the edge and can't turn the sash?
If your seam is less than a quarter inch from the edge, you risk tearing the stitches when you turn the sash. If this happens, carefully cut away the damaged section and resew it. For future projects, mark your quarter-inch seam line with tailor's chalk before sewing, or use a quarter-inch presser foot on your machine to keep the distance consistent.
Can I use fabric that is not pre-washed?
Yes, but be aware that some fabrics shrink when washed. If you plan to wash your finished sash, wash and dry your fabric before cutting to prevent the sash from shrinking unevenly after you sew it. Cotton and linen shrink more than blended fabrics.
What if my two fabric pieces are slightly different sizes?
Trim both pieces to match the smaller one before sewing. Sewing pieces of different sizes will result in puckering and uneven seams. Always double-check your measurements and cut carefully.
Do I have to clip the corners?
Clipping corners is not required, but it makes a noticeable difference in how neat the finished sash looks. Without clipping, the corners will be bulky and rounded rather than sharp. It takes only a few seconds and is worth doing.
Can I make a sash from two different fabrics?
Yes. Use one fabric for the outside and a different one for the inside (the side that touches your body). Cut both pieces to the same size, place them right sides together, and sew as usual. When you turn it right-side out, one fabric will show on the outside and the other on the inside.