Sew Pink 2026

by Kaitlyn HowellOct 23, 20260 comments

October is here, and that means it's time for one of my favorite sewing traditions of the year — ByAnnie's #SewPINK Initiative!

If you're new to SewPINK, it's an initiative started by ByAnnie to bring awareness to breast cancer and other cancers, encourage early detection, and remind us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves and supporting those around us. Each October, makers come together to share their pink projects, personal stories, and encouragement through the SewPINK Blog Hop.

Why SewPINK Means So Much to Me

Breast cancer is something that has touched my family personally. I have multiple family members who have been affected by breast cancer, and because of that, this initiative is so important to me.

When someone you love faces a cancer diagnosis, it changes the way you think about health, family, and all those little things we sometimes take for granted.

As women, I think it's so easy to get caught up in taking care of everyone else. Between our families, work, kids, and all the everyday things that fill our schedules, taking care of ourselves can quickly fall to the bottom of the list. As I've just had another baby I am realizing just how hard it can be to prioritize our physical and mental health. But we matter, too!

One thing I really hope you take away from this post is the importance of being your own advocate when it comes to your health and wellness.

Know your body. Pay attention when something feels different. Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and don't ignore changes or concerns. Make those doctor's appointments, talk with your healthcare provider about when you should have mammograms and other screenings, and ask questions.

I hope we can all encourage each other to make our health a priority, not just during October, but all year long.

My 2026 SewPINK Project: The Zuri Crossbody Tote!

Now, let's talk about the sewing!

For this year's SewPINK project, I decided to make my Zuri Crossbody Tote in PINK!

The Zuri Crossbody is one of my favorite bags, and I thought it would be the perfect project for this year's SewPINK celebration. I love any excuse to make something in PINK fabric.

This bag is cute, small, and SO fun to make! It's honestly one of my favorite patterns to carry personally. It's not too big, but still holds all the necessities, making it the perfect everyday bag. I used Rashida Coleman-Hale's Speckled Canvas fabric designed for Ruby Star Society. It's the perfect compliment to the amazing Ruby Star Webbing that I picked. This darling floral print is designed by Melody Miller. I also couldn't resist using the Stitch Supply Co. hot pink hardware.

I love how practical this little bag is, and it's always fun to make another one in a new fabric combination. Of course, making a pink version for SewPINK made it even more special!

That's one of my favorite things about sewing. We get to create beautiful, useful things, but sometimes those projects carry a little extra meaning.

Annie, and the ByAnnie team put this event on every year along with other Cancer awareness campaigns through the year. I am so grateful for their efforts and care in the opportunity to share such a cause. Don't forget to check out the projects made by mother makers for this year's SewPink Initiative!

The #SewPINK Initiative’s mission is to raise awareness, promote screenings, foster community, and support cancer research throughout the year.

Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but our commitment to cancer awareness and support continues year-round.

AAANNNND we have a little Giveaway for you!

The ByAnnie team has given me all the supplies to pass on to one lucky person to make your very own Zuri Crossbody Tote (+ a few favorite extra supplies). Go to this post on Instagram and tag a woman you admire and love!

Looking back on Sewing Pink!

I've made lots of pink projects over the last few years, and each year it's so fun to dream up something new. But what keeps me coming back year after year isn't just the projects.

It's the community.

I love seeing so many talented makers come together to support one another, share their stories, and raise awareness. Sewing is already such a wonderful way to connect with people, and SewPINK makes that connection feel even more meaningful.

I'm so grateful to Annie and the entire ByAnnie team for continuing to organize this initiative and giving our sewing community a way to make a difference. Check out my past Sew Pink Projects:

Sew Pink 2020: The Truvy Bag