25 Summer Craft, Sewing & DIY Projects
Summer is one of my favorite times of year to tackle smaller sewing and DIY projects. The longer days and more relaxed schedule make it the perfect season to pull out your fabric scraps, try a new technique, or finally sew something just for fun. If you’re looking for a fun summer DIY project to try, I’ve rounded up 25 of my favorites!
Many of these summer DIY projects are practical for travel, outdoor gatherings, and seasonal decorating.
Handmade tote bags, picnic accessories, zip pouches, and lightweight quilts are all projects that you’ll actually use throughout the summer months. I also love that many of these ideas can be customized with bright seasonal fabrics, patriotic prints, florals, or cheerful ginghams to give them a fresh summer feel.
I’ve included a mix of sewing tutorials, quilt projects, and simple crafts so there’s something here for every skill level. Some projects can be finished in an evening, while others are perfect for a slow weekend of sewing. No matter which project you choose, I hope this collection inspires you to make something
This bag is super simple to sew, you just need to know a few tricks… The handles are purchased, which will save you LOADS of time, and you can even add a sparkly starfish to the front of the bag if you like!
I have a fun no-sew project for you: DIY Fabric Luggage Tags. If you have a sewing machine handy, you can add a few stitches to the project at the end, but that’s totally up to you.
I designed this glasses case pattern so you could make a fun, colorful sunglasses case to gift to a friend (or yourself!).
Learn how to make the pom-pom zipper pull featured in my Sunglasses Case Tutorial.
I like to keep a stack of mini travel photo albums on our coffee table in my living room. I try to make a little scrapbook for each trip that we take. This is a simple album I made a few years ago and still cherish today.
Wanting a fun farmhouse home decor-inspired centerpiece for my kitchen table this summer that was not covered in dust, I decided that instead of searching for a vintage soda crate in great condition, I’d just make one myself!
7. Easy Swim Suit Cover-up Tutorial
I always look for cute cover-ups to take to the beach or pool. One year, for Spring Break, we went on a cruise, and I could not find any bathing-suit cover-ups I liked, so I decided to try to make one.
With this fun girls’ DIY Maxi Dress Pattern, you can turn a T-shirt into a summer maxi dress. It’s a great DIY upcycle fashion project!
9. How to Make Paper Pinwheels
These Paper Pinwheels are so fun to make and easy to customize for any Holiday. Today I’m going to show you how to make paper pinwheels for the 4th of July, but they would be equally cute for Memorial Day or a Summer Party.
A clever take on a traditional s’more.
11. Summer Dress made from 2 t-shirts
Use this simple hack to turn two kids’ t-shirts into a summer dress! You’ll save loads of time and end up with a cute summer t-shirt dress as well!
12. Summer Pillows with free Pattern
Three cute and colorful pillows perfect for summer!
13. How to Hang Outdoor Drapes
Learn how to hang outdoor curtains under a deck by hacking aluminum fencing into DIY Outdoor Curtain Rods. It’s easier than you think to build your own outdoor curtain rods and will save you so much money.
14. How to Sew a Mermaid Backpack
Do you know a wannabe Mermaid? If so, stitch them up with this fun Mermaid Tail Backpack to carry around on all their mermaid adventures! It’s pretty simple to sew; keep reading to see how to make one!
15. How to Make Oilcloth Placemats
Keep your napkin from blowing away when you’re eating outdoors with this cute and functional Oilcloth Placemat! Keep reading to learn a few tips and tricks for working with oilcloth and how to make placemats with pockets perfect for the Outdoors.
Stitch up a cute dish towel to add to your kitchen decor with our free “cheater” quilt block tea towel sewing tutorial! We made our tea towel in red, white, & blue fabrics for the 4th of July, but this project can easily be adapted to any time of the year.
17. Tiered Pillowcase Dress Tutorial
It’s one of my favorite dress patterns for girls. A free pillowcase dress pattern with a simple variation. This tiered pillowcase dress tutorial features 3 different types of fabric, making it a fun and easy dress pattern!
19. Splash Proof Phone Case Tutorial
I designed a DIY Splash-Proof Phone Case with a clear front to keep my phone safe, and I have a free sewing tutorial to share so you can make one, too.
19. On The Go Summer Reading Pillow Tutorial
Create a fun, handmade gift for a little one with this FREE On the Go Reading Pillow Pattern! This is the ORIGINAL reading pillow pattern.
20. Fat Quarter Skirt Tutorial
Learn how to sew a Fat Quarter Skirt with this free step-by-step wrap skirt tutorial from Polka Dot Chair! This fun sewing project uses only fat quarters to create a versatile, adjustable wrap skirt, perfect for showcasing favorite cotton prints and mixing and matching patterns.
21. Jacksonville Beach Bag Tutorial
We recently had the opportunity to explore Jacksonville, Florida. The beautiful city and gorgeous beaches were a welcome respite for our family! To prep for our trip, I made myself a new beach bag. I have written up a free sewing pattern for the bag to share with you today!
22. Drawstring Backpack Tutorial
Use this free sewing tutorial for a Simple Drawstring Backpack to create a lightweight, lined backpack perfect for summer! I’ve even included a free download for the applique shapes featured on the backpack.
23. Waterproof Patchwork Picnic Blanket
I’m sharing a tutorial for a waterproof patchwork picnic blanket pattern with you. It is made using squares of fabric and a vinyl tablecloth for the back!
24. DIY Kids Summer Journal Ideas
Cover some composition notebooks with old maps or coloring book pages to create unique summer journals for kids.
25. Summer Bucket List Printable
When the kids head back to school in the Fall, do you ever feel like summer vacation passed you by, and you didn’t get to do half of what you wanted? It’s happened to us more than once! To help you make the most of your summer, I have a free Summer Bucket List printable to share with you today. It’s full of fun Summer Bucket List Ideas!!
Thank you for sharing your DIY projects. You have so many to keep me motivated!