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50+ Simple, Fun & Free Beginner Sewing Projects

I am frequently asked what the best sewing projects for someone who is learning how to sew are.  I’ve spent a lot of time going through my archives and visiting the websites of some of my favorite sewing friends and have rounded up more than 50 Free Beginner Sewing Projects and patterns for you. This list includes everything from pillows to clothing to bags to sew.

woman sewing hair tie in collage image

Looking to start sewing but not sure where to begin? Check out our list of over 50 simple and enjoyable sewing projects for beginners that won’t break the bank!

The New Year has me thinking a lot about beginnings. I have been planning out the things I’d like to learn and do this year.  If learning to sew (or improving your existing sewing skills) is on your “to-do” list I thought I’d see if I can help you out a little bit. Here are some of my favorite easy sewing projects.

If you like this list, then you may also like this list of 45 Recommended Beginner Quilting Projects.

First, if you want to learn how to sew,  I would like to share a few tips with you.

Must-Know Sewing Tips for Beginners!

Sewing Tip #1:

Take a few minutes and read the directions from start to finish before you begin. Make sure you understand each step.

Sewing Tip #2:

Take your time when cutting out and prepping your fabric. Precisely cut pattern pieces and well-pressed fabric will make a world of difference in the outcome of your finished project.

Sewing Tip #4:

If you mess up, don’t worry! You’re a beginner; remember, EVERYONE was a beginner at some point. You can only improve with more practice. Messing up is a sign that you are trying.

Sewing Tip #5:

Have Fun. My first sewing projects were a disaster! I used to go through my Grandmas’s scrap bin and make clothes for my Barbie dolls. You should have seen those clothes (eeekk)!

Even though they were far from perfect, I had a great time making them, and it helped to instill a love of sewing in me at a young age.  So relax; this is supposed to be fun!

Sewing Tip #6:

Get to know your sewing machine! A lot of frustration that beginning sewists feel is due to frustration with their sewing machine. If you take a few minutes to watch a YouTube video or read your sewing machine manual, it can make a really big difference! Many sewing shops also offer free sewing machine classes when you buy a machine from them.

What is the Best Sewing Project for a Beginner?

If you are new to sewing, I recommend starting with a pillow project. You can make a simple pillow cover or a pillowcase.

Pillows are great places to start because you don’t have to fit them on someone’s body (as you would have to with clothing) and because they are comprised of all straight lines!

What Can I Sew as a Gift?

If you’re looking for something easy to sew to give as a gift, I recommend starting with either our Chapstick Holder or a Simple Drawstring Bag. These are also great projects for kids who want to learn how to sew.

What Can I Sew in an Hour?

First, I don’t really recommend setting time limits on your projects, especially when you are first starting. It could easily lead to unnecessary frustrations if you’re looking for things to sew something fast. I’d start with our Library Tote Tutorial.

What Fabric is the Most Forgiving?

By far, 100% cotton and cotton blends. They are a good medium-weight fabric and can be ironed traditionally. Many synthetic fabrics will melt with an iron and can be difficult to manipulate for beginners. Avoid fabrics that are very lightweight or very heavyweight.

Video Tutorials

We have a YouTube channel where we regularly post beginner-friendly sewing and quilting tutorials; you should totally subscribe! If you’re new, watching videos is a great way to learn!

screenshot of youtube chanel page

50+ Free Sewing Patterns; Fun and Simple Easy Beginner Sewing Projects

This is just a small sampling of all of the projects we have created for beginner sewers or sewing novices. Check out our Beginner Sewing Archives for even more easy projects!

Some of these projects feature free PDF downloads, and others have a print button built into the instructions on the blog post. Regardless of the format of these simple sewing tutorials, they are hand-picked to be perfect for beginners!

Simple and Fun Beginner Sewing Projects

I’ve broken the list down into sections. First are projects that you can find here on the Polka Dot Chair. The list is broken down by type of sewing project. You will find:

  1. Accessories to Sew
  2. Tote Bag, Purses and Zip Pouch Pattern for Beginners
  3. Easy Pillow and Home Dec Projects
  4. Things To Wear including scarves and skirts.
  5. Easy Blankets and Quilts to Sew.

I’ve also included a list of beginner sewing projects from some of my sewing blogger colleagues. Enjoy!

More than 50 Beginner Sewing Projects = from bags to clothes to accessories, there are so many cute things to sew on this list!

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13 Comments

  1. My baby sister started sewing practically the same way you did. Really, it was even more basic – she would safety-pin pieces of felt and fleece around a happy meal pokemon toy back in like 2002. Now she makes custom plushies (some as big as 8-ft tall!) for a living!! She graduated with a degree in art with a focus on “sculpting” using fabric as her medium, and she made her own wedding dress with a completely self-drafted pattern.

  2. I LOVE this list! It’s very inspiring, thank you for sharing it 🙂 I’m going to start with the reading pillow for my daughter. And then maybe I’ll attempt the travel infinity scarf. I just started sewing and love it. My push to learn was because we have pet rats, hamsters and a mouse, and the fabric beds in the store are crazy expensive. Convinced I could make some, I set out to get it done. Happy dance! And happy pets 😉
    I “must ” ask, did you make the white bunny that’s in a couple of the photos? She’s adorable! Is that a possible future project for a beginner? I haven’t thought about trying a stuffed animal, but your bunny has me so tempted 🙂
    Thank you again! b.

  3. Hi Melissa!
    Love this list of projects. I am sort of a new beginner. Haven’t sewn in years. I am also from good old KY.
    Taking classes at Sr. Citizens Center.

    Is it possible to save this list for beginners? There are so many things I would love to try to make from this list, just don’t have time to get to try them all at once.

    Keep up the wonderful work. Thank you

  4. I love this list. I really want you to put it all in one book! I would buy it for me and several others. Please please. I love what you do!

  5. This is an amazing website I’m only a kid and I’m only starting to sew but this is so cool and I’m definitely going to try some

  6. Hi Melissa,
    I really loved reading all the ideas in your Blog. I think I just might make one of the bags so I can use it for my groceries. Then I can put it in the wash and reuse it.
    Keep up the great ideas.
    Many thanks.

    Laura

  7. OMG I am going to start sewing and I love what I see these things are so good gave me so many ideas I love it great job to who ever did this.

  8. I loved these amazing ideas. I actually sewed a bag when I started sewing long back. This article just reminded me my beginning days and I feel awesome by remembering those days, it’s been a very good journey.

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