14+ Trendy and Fun Sewing Projects Perfect for Teens
Do you have a teen or tween looking for a new hobby? Or are you a teen searching for a creative outlet? Sewing might be the perfect fit! I’ve got some beginner-friendly project ideas that are great for teens.
With the growing popularity of “grandma hobbies” thanks to the grand millennial trend, why not dust off your mom’s (or grandparents’) old sewing machine and try making your own zip pouches, bags, or clothes? The possibilities are endless.
Why Sewing is Great for Teens
Being a teen can be stressful with school, friendships, college preparation, and the challenges of growing up. Having a creative outlet can help.
Many people turn to sewing during difficult times because it helps them focus and keeps their hands busy. Following a pattern takes mental energy, which helps distract the mind. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of successfully creating something.
Here’s another reason sewing is a great way to destress: it ties into the idea of dopamine dressing. Dopamine dressing means wearing bright colors and patterns that boost positivity and happiness. You can take it a step further by sewing clothes and projects with colorful, cheerful fabrics to help trigger those same feel-good responses in your brain.
Creating things with bright colors can help your teen express themselves with the things they make, which can help them build their confidence. There is a reason these “grandm hobbies” have gotten so popular with younger generations lately: they are a good outlet for their mental health.
Please note: This is not medical advice. While sewing is a great mood booster, it’s not a substitute for mental health care. If you are experiencing mental health challenges, please consult a qualified mental health professional.
Where Do I Start?
With all the benefits of starting a new hobby like sewing comes the daunting, overwhelming feeling of not knowing where or how to begin. Well, don’t worry, I am here to help.
There are plenty of beginner-friendly sewing and quilting projects and many great tutorials available.
You don’t have to go far to find these projects and tutorials! I have made many projects on this site with beginners in mind.
Recommended Supplies to Get Going
Before we get to some beginner-friendly project ideas, what will they need to get going? Here is a list of some of the supplies I suggest getting to start your new hobby.
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Fabric ruler
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Pins
- Pin cushion
- Seam ripper
- Fabric chalk
- Organizer
- Cute fabric
- Book of Project Ideas
Easy and Fun Sewing Projects to Try
One: Simple Zipper Pouch Tutorial
Zipper pouches are a great way to start, and they are super useful too. They are great for storage or to give as a gift. There are many ways to make a zipper pouch your own, such as through unique fabric choices or fun personalized details. BONUS: This tutorial includes video instructions.
Two: Upcycled Quilt Block Sweatshirt
Does your teen have old t-shirts or sweatshirts they haven’t worn in forever? Why not try a project that allows them to create a unique piece of clothing, but also recycles those old clothes and gives them a new life?
Three: Upcycled Designer Ribbon Zip Pouch
Now I realize this tutorial focuses on the ribbons you get with designer items, but the great thing about this project is that it can be done with any ribbon your teen likes or has on hand. This way, they can take that simple zip pouch and add a little something extra to it.
Four: Quilted Box Zip Pouch with Ruffle Details
Has your teen perfected the simple zip pouch and wants to take their sewing projects to the next step? This is a great option to create a more elevated and bigger zip pouch.
Five: Patchwork Quilted Tote Bag
Thinking about trying quilting, but don’t want to commit to a whole quilt? Why not try this tote bag? You get the practice of quilt piecing simple squares to see how you like the quilting process, but instead of a blanket, you end up with this super cute tote bag.
Six: Drawstring Laundry Bag
This bag utilizes fat quarter precut, which can be handy when learning to sew. Drawstring bags like this are great for beginners. When my daughter took a beginning sewing class one summer, this was one of the projects they made.
Seven: Pillow Sham with a Ruffled Edge
Is your teen wanting to cozy up their room with cute pillows? Why not let them make their very own? These ruffled pillow shams are super cute and trendy right now, making them a great project idea to add fun to their room.
Eight: Duffle Bag
Going on a weekend trip? Does your teen frequent sleepovers with friends or participate in dance or sports? This bag is the perfect size for any of these activities.
Bonus: This pattern comes with video instructions!
Nine: All Ears Zip Pouch Pattern
This is another fun idea to take those zip pouches to the next level. What teen wouldn’t love to make their cute little animal pouch, and help their sewing skills expand past the simple zip pouch?
This pattern comes with video instructions!
Ten: Braided Padded Headband
I made these at the request of my daughter. Let your teen’s new hobby show in their style with these adorable headbands.
Eleven: Patchwork Quilted Placemats
qIf quilting feels intimidating, and the quilted tote bag in this list still feels like too much, why not start with quilted placemats?
The great thing about placemats is that you can make as many or as few as you want; they would also make excellent homemade gifts for mom or dad.
Twelve: Beginner Friendly Irish Chain Quilt
Another great way to ease into quilting is with baby quilts. You get the whole experience of making a quilt on a much smaller scale, so it is less overwhelming to make. These don’t have to be for babies; make one for yourself, as a picnic blanket or as room decor.
Thirteen: Easy to Sew Pillowcase
This might be one of the best projects to start with to see if they like sewing. This project is nice and straightforward and doesn’t require sewing a zipper. Let them personalize their bedding with their favorite fabric in these pillowcases.
Fourteen: Self-Binding Sweatshirt Blanket
If your teen is involved in any activities in or out of school, they probably have accumulated a lot of sweatshirts. Why not let them recycle those into a keepsake quilt? This is also a great way to try out quilting with the large, easy-to-sew quilt blocks.
Ways to Personalize Projects
Some of the easiest ways to make truly unique and personalized projects are through fabric choice. Let your teen choose their own fabric that matches their style and personality; it will make getting into this hobby that much more exciting.
Fabric choice, though, is not the only way to personalize projects.
(Hogwarts house inspired zip pouches with patches)
Some other great ways your teen can add a personal touch to their projects are through patches, appliques, drawing, painting on fabric themselves, or printing on printable fabric.
They can also upcycle old clothes in multiple ways, like the patchwork sweatshirt project or the sweatshirt quilt listed above; the possibilities are endless!
