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.
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says
These are all so cute! One of my first sewing projects when I got a sewing machine of my own was to make a zipper pouch. And I still use it over four years later!
Christie says
This is a great round-up! I so agree with your tip to have a good sewing machine! It makes such a difference! Thanks for including my bow ties :).
Sandra says
Love this site!
Martina says
Hello, I wanted to thank you for such great posts, I have to definitelly try some of these ingenious projects too!:) I´m just beginner but I fell in love with it:) Thanks
Charlotte says
I would like to know where did you get flutter sleeves top/dress pattern from? I request it in different size and I will appreciate it if you reply. Many thanks
Zequek Estrada says
I might not be a kid, but I’d love to make those felt monsters. They’re so cute. I also imagine that it would be a fun project to make with my niece when she visits.
shehnaz kadri says
Hi really liked the article. Very Useful for the beginners .For the beginners i like to suggest Janome Marvela. It has 7 in built stitches and very to handle,
Elizabeth R. Herbert says
This has been a great read for me and I am sure many others will love it as well, Thanks for your efforts here.
Kairi Gainsborough says
I’ve just started sewing again after a long time between projects. Since I don’t remember the basics, these seem like great projects to try to get back into the swing of things. The tote bag is really cute and seems like a good place to start. I can’t find my old sewing kit anymore, so I’ll have to gather supplies like scissors and bobbins before I can start.
Barbara Harris @ Sewing Machines View says
Hi Autumn,
I am in need of a new sewing machine. I am 64 and retired. I have sewn most of my life learning first on and old Singer and purchased my first machine in my early 20s, Fantasia, which I still have. What brands do you recommend for an occasional sewer who wants to teach my grandchildren how to sew? The Fantasia machine has problems that are not worth the cost of repairing. Thank you?
Regards,
Barbara Harris
Shenaz kadri says
Your article is worth a read. It would be really helpful for beginners.
Yvonne Ammann says
Hi Autumn
I love your beginner sewing projects, especially the infinity scarf!
I’m a sewing newbie myself and know the feeling of being overwhelmed at the beginning. Totally agree that it’s best to get started with some easy projects to gain confidence and then build your way up to the top.
I always have a notebook with me for inspirations and projects I’m not ready for yet. I know the day will come that I can tackle the challenge. Until then, it is a great motivation.
Can’t wait to read more from you soon.
All the best
Yvonne
Amy says
Great list! I love the girls skirt with the pocket. Thanks for posting!
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.
Nikita Jonson says
Thank you very much. This post inspired me to make a carrying bag for my sewing machine.