Sew Spooky

Here are the step-by-step instructions, including photos of every step, from the “Sew Spooky” feature in the fall 2025 issue of Spooky Little Halloween—The Magazine.

SUPPLIES:

• 1 yard of Halloween advent calendar panel, available in five colors at spoonflower.com/profiles/britnijadedesign

• 1 5/8 yards of fabric in addition to this panel for the back and binding
  Note: This measurement is for binding cut on straight of grain. You may need to purchase additional yardage if you wish to have your binding cut on bias.

• 1 5/8 yards of single-sided fusible fleece or batting (or a 56"x23“ piece)
  Note: These dimensions include excess for migration during topstitching.

• 5 yards 1/2" double-fold bias tape OR 6-8" extra fabric for DIY binding

• Dowel rod or ribbon for hanging

• Halloween advent calendar cards

• Cardstock (80 lb. recommended)

Optional:

• Treats or trinkets to tuck into each pocket

• Small tags or numbers for labeling the countdown days

• Decorative buttons, felt shapes, or iron-on patches for embellishment

TOOLS:

• Sewing machine

• Printer

• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter

• Cutting mat

• Quilting ruler or straight edge

• Pins or fabric clips

• Iron and ironing board

• Thread to match or contrast

• Dowel rod or ribbon for hanging

• Fabric-safe marking pen or chalk

• Seam gauge or measuring tape

INSTRUCTIONS:

Images pair with the step listed immediately below.

Step 1:

Cut out the Halloween advent calendar along the indicated line. Also cut calendar backing material and fusible fleece/batting to be 56"x23". Be sure to cut backing near one selvage to provide the most remaining material width for binding. If you’re not opting for pre-made bias tape, cut three strips the length of the fabric (56") by 2 1/2" for the binding. Lastly, cut out your hanging tabs.

Step 2:

Sew a 1/2" seam joining the bottom edge of main calendar to the top edge of days 25 through 30, then press seam open.

Step 3:

Create your 'calendar sandwich' by first ironing single-sided fusible fleece to the wrong side of the calendar. You can also use quilt batting, then lay calendar backing fabric on top of fusible fleece/batting right side out. Pin or tack your layers together to stabilize for topstitching in the next step.

Step 4:

Machine stitch all your calendar layers together. I opted for a a diagonal pattern using the calendar’s squares for reference.

Step 5:

Once topstitching is complete, create your calendar hangers:

a) First, iron a single-sided fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the tabs to reinforce the material.

b) Once your interfacing is applied, fold the hangers in half lengthwise, then fold the long edges toward the center fold (about a 1/4" on each side). Fold your hangers in half lengthwise once again, concealing the folds made in the previous step, and pin in place.

Step 5 Continued:

Once topstitching is complete, create your calendar hangers:

c) Edge stitch along the folded edge of each hanger.

d) Attach each hanger evenly spaced along the top edge of the calendar on the back side. I positioned mine one in the center, 3/4" in from the sides, and about a 1/4" in from the edge.

Tip: Attach your hangers so that the raw edges of the ends will be concealed inside the binding later.

Step 6:

Now you’re ready to bind your calendar! If you are creating your own binding, follow steps A through B; otherwise, proceed to step C if you’re using pre-made binding.

Tip: For best results, machine stitch the binding to the front side of the project, then slip stitch the binding to the back side.

a) Take your three binding strips and join them with a diagonal seam at the short ends (reduces bulk) by placing them on top of each other, right sides together, forming a right angle and stitch corner to corner (see image at spookylittlehalloween.com/sewspooky).

b) Once you cut away the excess material of each binding seam, press these seams open, and press the whole binding strip in half lengthwise.

Step 6 Continued:

Now you’re ready to bind your calendar!

c) To begin attaching your binding to your calendar, place your binding end at the center bottom of the calendar, being sure to open up the folded binding and fold the end to form a 45-degree angle. Stitch the binding end for approximately three inches 3/8" from the edge.

d) Lift the presser foot and trim the threads. Fold the binding back in half. Leave the length of the previously made stitch line and about an inch more unsewn, and continue sewing the binding up to the corner of the calendar.

e) Once you near the corner, discontinue sewing straight 3/8" from the calendar’s side and sew towards the corner at a forty-five degree angle.

Step 7:

Fold your calendar like an accordion, creating the pockets in between each week, and match up the print so that only the full color print is visible.

Step 8:

Stitch on top of the vertical lines that separate each pocket including along the sides right along the edge of the binding, making sure to back stitch at the top of each pocket to reinforce your stitch line.

STep 9:

Attach rod or ribbon to hang. Print Halloween advent calendar cards to stuff into calendar pockets or fill with candy or trinkets.

Looking for DIY projects to make your entire home spooky?

Visit youtube.com/@britnijadediy for upcycling ideas, furniture makeovers, and more.