Sewing a school cone: 15 easy steps to a DIY candy cone

Starting school is an unforgettable moment in a child's life – and a handmade school cone makes this day even more magical! In this detailed guide, I'll show you how to create a unique school cone with your own hands. Don't worry, even if you're a beginner at sewing: with my step-by-step instructions, you're guaranteed to succeed!

Why sew your own school cone?

A homemade school cone offers numerous advantages over purchased models:

• You can perfectly tailor them to your child's preferences.
• It will become a unique, one-of-a-kind item with a personal touch.
• After starting school, it can be repurposed as a pillow.
• You can use fabrics and materials of the highest quality.
• Designing something together can be a wonderful project with your child.

Materials for your DIY school cone

Before you start sewing the school cone, make sure you have all the necessary materials ready:

• 0.5 to 1 meter of cotton fabric (plain and/or patterned, preferably cretonne)
• School cone blank (18 cm diameter, 70 cm length)
• Decorative ribbons (e.g. satin ribbon or sequin ribbon)
• Matching sewing thread
• Pins or Wonder Clips
• Tailor's chalk or fabric marker
• Fabric scissors
• Optional: Appliqués, embroidery thread, fabric markers or other decorative materials

Choosing the right fabric for your school cone

The choice of fabric determines not only the appearance, but also the later usability of your school cone:

• For sewing beginners: Cretonne or poplin are ideal because they have a firm structure and do not slip while sewing.
• For advanced sewers: Cotton jersey allows for a second use as a pillow, but is somewhat more challenging to sew.
• For the opening of the school cone: Tulle looks elegant and gives a glimpse of the contents. Alternatively, you can also use stretchy cotton jersey.

Sewing a school cone: The 15-step guide

Step 1: Create the pattern

Take the blank school cone and wrap it in a large piece of paper. Mark the top edge and the sides where the paper overlaps. This will give you a perfectly fitting template.

Step 2: Divide the pattern

To make a multicolored school cone, divide the pattern into three parts. To maintain the curve, wrap a thread around a pencil, hold it at the bottom point, and draw an even semicircle at any desired distance.

Step 3: Transfer the pattern to the fabric

Transfer the individual pattern pieces onto your chosen fabrics and add a 1 cm seam allowance all around. Ensure that all markings are transferred precisely.

Step 4: Decorate the school cone

Now is the perfect time for decorations! You can:

• Appliqué or embroider names
• Sew on ribbons and trims
• Paint or print on the fabric
• Use pre-printed coloring papers that your child can decorate themselves.

Steps 5-7: Applying the applications

For our example, we will use a sequin appliqué:

1. Position the appliqué on the fabric and secure it with pins.
2. Place the fabric piece with the appliqué facing down on an ironing mat.
3. Using an iron set to cotton (level 3), iron each area for about 10 seconds with light pressure.

Steps 8-10: Sew the fabric pieces together

Now it gets exciting – we're bringing the pieces together:

1. Sew the cut and decorated fabric pieces together with a 1.5 cm seam allowance and a straight stitch.
2. Insert the pins perpendicular to the seam so you can sew over it.
3. Alternatively, you can use Wonder Clips, which you clamp in such a way that the sewing machine foot can still move alongside them.

Step 11: Cut and sew on the cuff

For the upper cuff:

1. Measure the top edge of the school cone (approximately 60 cm for a standard size)
2. Cut out a rectangle 60 cm wide and 30 cm high – once from the outer fabric and once from the inner fabric.
3. Sew the cuff to the top edge of your school cone with a 1.5 cm seam allowance.

Alternative method: You can also sew on the cuff only after you have already closed the cone.

Step 12: Sew on decorative ribbons

Further decorate your school cone by stitching decorative ribbons along the seam lines. Depending on your experience, you can pin them in place beforehand or guide them along the seam as you sew.

Step 13: Sew the cone

To turn the flat triangle into a cone, fold the long sides right sides together and sew the seam with a straight stitch and a 1.5 cm seam allowance. Then turn the finished cone right side out.

Step 14: Insert cardboard blank

For the first day of school, you slide the cardboard cone into the sewn school cone. After the big day, you can remove it and stuff the cone with fiberfill – turning it into a lovely keepsake pillow.

Step 15: Filling the school cone

Now comes the best part: Fill the school cone with school supplies, small toys, and sweets. Tie the cuff closed with the ribbon, concealing the contents until the big day.

Tips for the perfect school cone sewing result

To ensure your homemade school cone is a complete success:

• Fabric selection: Choose firm fabrics that don't stretch out too much, so that the shape remains stable.
• Seam allowance: Consistently adhere to the 1.5 cm seam allowance for an even result.
• Personalization: Incorporate elements that reflect your child's interests.
• Durability: Consider its secondary use as a pillow – avoid bothersome elements like beads in areas where the child will later lie.
• Stability: Sew the tip particularly carefully, as this is where most of the stress occurs.

Filling ideas for a homemade school cone

A homemade school cone deserves thoughtful contents:

• Practical items: pencil case, colored pencils, ruler, pencil sharpener, eraser
• Creative items: coloring book, craft supplies, stickers
• Personal items: Small photo album, lucky charm, personalized notebooks
• Treats: Small sweets in moderation – these should not make up the main part.
• Surprise: A small toy or cuddly animal as a special highlight

Conclusion: Your self-sewn school cone – an unforgettable gift

A handmade school cone is more than just a container for back-to-school gifts – it symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in life and is a cherished keepsake that your child will treasure for years to come. With our detailed 15-step instructions, even beginners can create a wonderful, unique cone perfectly tailored to their child's preferences.

Let your creativity run wild and enjoy the process of sewing the school cone as much as your child's shining eyes on the big day. Have fun sewing and a wonderful start to school!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to sew a school cone yourself?

Depending on your sewing experience and the desired level of decoration, you should allow approximately 2-4 hours for sewing the school cone. Creating the pattern and preparations will take an additional hour or so.

Can I sew the school cone without a cardboard blank?

Yes, that's possible. You can use a sturdier fleece as an insert or line the school cone with a firmer fabric. However, the cardboard cone is ideal for the classic shape, as it provides optimal stability.

How can I reuse the school cone after starting school?

After the first day of school, you can remove the cardboard cone and stuff it with fiberfill to turn it into a decorative cushion. Alternatively, it can also be used to store small items in a child's room or as a special keepsake box to commemorate the school years.