In today’s post: Find 20 fantastic beginner sewing projects – clothes, purses, pillows, scarves, accessories, and more!
If you haven’t ventured too far into the world of sewing, chances are you’re intimidated by the thought of getting started. It seems like there’s so much to learn: fabric types and sewing jargon and what to do when the thread gets all bunched up. In reality, sewing is actually pretty easy, especially if you have a reliable machine. The key is start with a couple of simple projects you can have success with, and build your skills from there. Today I’ve gathered up 20 easy sewing projects that are perfect for beginners (and fun & fast for experienced sewists!).
20 easy beginner sewing projects
Note: if you’re starting out sewing, nothing is more frustrating than using an unreliable machine. If you’ve inherited an older machine from someone, it’s SO worth the money to take in and get it serviced. If you’re looking for a new machine that will grow with you without a huge price tag, I recommend this brother sewing machine, available on Amazon for under $150 (affiliate link).
Another note: if you’re brand new to sewing, check out this Learn to Sew series from Crazy Little Projects – it will get you going in no time!
1. This felt crayon holder from Skip to My Lou is a simple sew with just straight lines – a perfect beginner project (and great for kids learning to sew, too!).
2. This handy purse organizer from Five Sixteenths Blog is super simple to sew because it starts with placemats that are already hemmed!
3. A bowtie seems like a harder project, but this kids’ version is just sewing rectangles together – you can do this! Tutorial from A Lemon Squeezy Home.
4. A free printable pattern makes this envelope clutch from See Kate Sew totally doable even for a complete beginner.
5. Quilts can be a labor of love, but Cloud9 Fabrics shows you how to put together this cute baby quilt in just 2 hours (no binding!).
6. Envelope pillow covers are a great first sewing project – super easy and super cute! Great beginner sewing tutorial from Hey There Home.
7. Once you’ve mastered the basic pillow cover, learn how to add giant pompoms with this tutorial from Living With Punks.
8. This cute girls’ skirt from It’s Always Autumn might look complicated, but it’s not: it’s made from a pair of sweatpants, meaning there’s only a few seams and a hem involved! This easy sewing project even comes in a ladies’ version as well!
9. You won’t believe how easy it is to make this chic double sided infinity scarf! Check out the tutorial at Merrick’s Art.
10. This flattering maxi dress only takes one seam to put together, making it perfect for a beginner. Find out how at It’s Always Autumn.
11. This simple tote bag tutorial from Crazy Little Projects is easy to follow and will teach you how to line a bag and make your own straps!
12. A free printable pattern makes this cute teddy bear top & bloomers set easy to sew, even for a beginner.
13. This tutorial from The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood for knit swaddling blankets and stretchy baby headbands is a good intro to working with knit fabrics.
14. This art smock from Crazy Little Projects is a quick beginner sewing project that will teach you about using bias tape to finish edges.
15. If you’re teaching kids to sew, these mix-n-match felt monsters are a great place to start! They turn out cute even if seams aren’t perfect and are a great way to practice straight and zigzag stitches. Get the pattern from It’s Always Autumn.
16. When you’re ready to tackle zippers (it’s easier than you think!) a cute zipper pouch is a good way to learn – and these guys only take about 20 minutes to make. Find the easy sewing tutorial at Melly Sews.
17. This dolly towel by Mommy By Day Crafter By Night is another good beginner sewing project that turns out so cute!
18. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start making clothes! This free flutter sleeve top or dress pattern from It’s Always Autumn only has a couple of pieces and comes together really easily.
19. Learn how to make a circle skirt (it looks impressive but it’s super easy!) with an easy to follow video tutorial from Dana Made It.
Or, try your hand at a half circle skirt from It’s Always Autumn.
20. Finally, make a shirt for yourself! This slouchy tee doesn’t require any hemming or set-in sleeves, and the roomy fit means there’s no finicky adjustments. Get the free pattern from It’s Always Autumn.
21. This beginner sewing project is super easy: make a kids’ pillow bed. It’s perfect for lounging or travel and only takes one flat sheet and five straight seams!
I’d love to know if you give any of these easy sewing projects for beginners a try! Good luck and happy sewing 😉
For even more sewing projects, check out the sewing archives. And learn how to take in a shirt here.
Olive B. says
The circle skirt might be the simplest project on this list, haha, although it looks a bit complicated…
Nikita Jonson says
Thank you very much. This post inspired me to make a carrying bag for my sewing machine.
Joe says
This post inspired me to make a carrying bag for my sewing machine. The old wooden cases can be fragile and a simple tote was perfect to solve the problem. Now I can safely carry my grandmothers model 99 singer to any sewing class I want to go to thanks in part to your tote bag tutorial.