I am frequently asked what good beginner sewing projects are someone who is learning how to sew. I’ve spent the last few weeks going through my archives and visiting the websites of some of my favorite sewing friends and have rounded up more than 50 Fun Beginner Sewing Projects for you.
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 for the New Year I thought I’d see if I can help you out a little bit.
If you like this list then you may also like this list of 45 Recommended Beginner Quilting Projects.
If you want to learn how to sew, I have a few tips I’d like to share with you.
Sewing Tips for Beginners
Sewing Tip #1:
Take a few minutes and read the directions start to finish before you start. 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 and just 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 firsts sewing projects were a disaster! I used to go through my Grandmas 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 just relax, this is supposed to be fun!
Now onto our list!
I’ve broken the list down into sections. First are projects that you can find here, on the polka dot chair. That list is broken down by types of projects.
I’ve also included a list of beginner sewing projects from some of my sewing blogger colleagues. Enjoy!
50+ Free Sewing Patterns – Fun and Simple Beginner Sewing Projects
Pillow Projects for Beginners
Sewing a pillow is a great place to start for someone who wants to learn how to sew. Most feature only straight seams and the construction is relatively simple. These are great projects for kids who are looking to learn how to sew.
2- How to Sew a Reading Pillow (you can leave the piping off if you’d like to simplify the project)
5- How to Recover Outdoor Pillows
6- Giant Pocket Pillow Sewing Tutorial
Beginner Tote Bags & Zip Bags
After you’ve tackled one or two sewing projects you’re reading to try to make a tote bag! I’ve also listed several zip pouch sewing tutorials as well. Just because the project has a zipper does not mean that it’s not great for beginners. Zippers don’t need to be intimidating.
10- Derby Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
14. How to Make a Kids Library Bag
15. Fat Quarter Drawstring Bag
Other Fun Stuff
From picnic blankets to fabric baskets there are a lot of fun projects to try on this list.
16-Easy Waterproof Picnic Blanket
19 – Summer Headbands – Polka Dot Chair
20- Scrappy Fabric Bookmark Tutorial
Beginner Clothing Patterns
This list includes both children’s sewing projects and a few for grown-ups as well. If you’re looking to sew an article of clothing and are a beginner, I think that a simple skirt is the way to go.
24- Scallop Neck T-Shirt Refashion
25- Patchwork Twirl Skirt Tutorial
27- Scrappy Skirt Sewing Tutorial
Blankets & Quilts
Here are a few simple blanket and quilt patterns to try. From t-shirt blankets to fleece throws, hopefully you will find something you love!
29- Upcycled T-Shirt Baby Blanket
31- Easy Peasy Fleece Blankets
32- Skinny Simple Table Runner
Beginner Sewing Projects from other Sewing Blogs
There are so many fun sewing blogs around right now. Here are a few projects that I’ve spotted online that look like they would be fun for beginners.
34- Mini Messenger Bag – Crazy Little Projects
35- Pencil Case Tutorial – Crazy Little Projects
36- Keychain Chapstick Holder – Crazy Little Projects
37- Vintage Style iPad Case – Oh So Lovely
38- Mod Messenger Bag – Diary of a Quilter
39- 10 Minute Lap Top Sleeve Tutorial – Crazy Little Projects
40- How to sew a Circle Skirt – Dana Made it
41- Wool wrap skirt- Purl Soho
42- Easy Tote Bag Tutorial – Crazy Little Projects
43- Easy, and Easier Totes- Purl Soho
44- Double Gauze Baby Blankets – Purl Soho
45- DIY Girls Skirt (from sweat pants) – It’s Always Autumn
46– How to Make an Envelope Pillow Cover – Hey There Home
47- Business Card Wallet- Spoonful of Sugar
48- Half Circle Skirt Sewing Tutorial- It’s Always Autumn
49- Belle Dress Up Apron (she also has aprons for other Disney Princesses) – It’s Always Autumn
50- Retro Drawstring Bags – A Spoonful of Sugar
51- Patchwork Fabric Tray- A Spoonful of Sugar
52- 3 Seam Caftan Dress – Simple Simon & Co.
53- Simple Maxi Skirt – Simple Simon & Co.
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.
Hi Melissa, I just started sewing practically and these sewing projects look fun to accomplish. I will go ahead and try few of these.
Thanks
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.
This is great!
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
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!
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
Great ideas for hand made gifts for beginner sewists! Thank You! Brenda King, Bend, Or.
I’m anxious to try this pattern.