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    Home » Sewing

    50+ Simple, Fun & Free Beginner Sewing Projects

    Last Updated: Feb 16, 2023 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 13 Comments

    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

    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.

    Table of Contents
    • Must-Know Sewing Tips for Beginners!
    • What is the Best Sewing Project for a Beginner?
    • What Can I Sew as a Gift?
    • What Can I Sew in an Hour?
    • What Fabric is the Most Forgiving?
    • Video Tutorials
    • 50+ Free Sewing Patterns; Fun and Simple Beginner 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 have a few tips I’d like to share 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!

    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.

    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 Beginner Sewing Projects

    This is just a small sampling of all of the projects we have created to be beginner friendly. Check out our Beginner Sewing Archives for even more projects!

    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 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!

    1

    How to Make Fabric Headbands; a Free Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    These simple headbands feature only 2-3 straight seams. They are simple to construct.

    2

    How to Make a Braided Padded Headband

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Padded, braided, and knotted headbands are very trendy right now! Learn how to make a braided, padded headband with our free sewing pattern & tutorial.

    3

    Scrappy Fabric Bookmark Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    These cute bookmarks are a great way to use up some of your fabric scraps!

    4

    How to Make Knotted Hair Ties

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    How to make hair ties with fabric, this tutorial is a great way to empty out your scrap fabric bin. It’s also a fun project to sew with teens.

    5

    DIY Keychain Chapstick Holder Tutorial

    These are made from rectangles of fabric and make great gifts for teachers.

    6

    Free Oversized Beach Bag Sewing Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Don’t be intimidated by the grommets and rope handles on this bag. They are very easy to install and give the project a professional finish.

    7

    How to Make a Simple Zipper Pouch with Video Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Just because the project has a zipper does not mean it’s not great for beginners. Zippers don’t need to be intimidating.

    This free tutorial teaches you how to make a zip bag in any size and has video instructions!

    8

    How to Make an Upcycled Candy Bag Zip Pouch

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    What a fun idea for kids or teens who are learning to sew. Turn a few candy bags into zip pouches.

    9

    Fat Quarter Zip Pouch Sewing Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Once you've mastered the simple zip pouch, try adding a few extra touches like cork or add a flat bottom to your bag.

    10

    Learn How to Make a Bag; A Simple Tote Bag Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This tote bag has a canvas bottom, making it sturdy to use.

    11

    Beginner Tote Bag Pattern; The Derby Tote

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    The Derby Tote Bag Sewing Pattern; a great simple, and versatile tote bag pattern that features 3 different front pocket styles. Great project for a beginning sewist.

    12

    How to Sew an Oilcloth Pencil Pouch

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Oil cloth pencil pouch sewing pattern -clever idea for back to school or a teacher appreciation gift

    13

    How to Make a Drawstring Bag or Backpack

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Simple to sew lined, drawstring backpacks. This is a great project to tackle with kids or teens.

    14

    Free Padded iPad Case Sewing Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This iPad case does feature a zipper, making it a bit more of an advanced beginner project. However, it’s TOTALLY doable for a newbie.

    15

    Cute & Simple Kids Library Bag Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This simple library bag pattern features one large pocket and is lined. The straps are sewn from ribbon, so you don’t need to figure out how to make a bag strap just yet!

    16

    How to Make a Drawstring Laundry Bag; A Fat Quarter Project

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

     This drawstring bag is lined and reversible.

    17

    Color-Blocked Zip Pouch Sewing Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Make one simple change to our favorite zip bag pattern and you’ll get a totally different bag!

    18

    How to Make a Pillowcase in 3 Easy Steps

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This pillowcase pattern is so simple. Just 3 straight lines. This is a good project for kids to tackle.

    19

    EASY Reading Pillow Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    How to Sew a Reading Pillow, the easy way (you can leave the piping off if you’d like to simplify the project)

    20

    How to Sew a Pillow

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Amanda walks you through the steps for creating a simple throw pillow.

    21

    Sewing Projects for Kids, a Pillowcase Project

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This project starts with a pre-made pillowcase. It walks you through the steps to add the star (or another shape) appliques.

    22

    How to sew Outdoor Pillow Covers

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Upcycle your old, worn-out outdoor pillows with fresh new covers.

    23

    Giant Body Pillow Sewing pattern with pocket

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

     Do you know those HUGE pillows that you can buy at Target? You can sew a custom cover for them. This one even includes a pocket to hold a phone or tablet.

    24

    Simple Hanging Tea Towel Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This project features Christmas fabrics but you use the pattern with any fabrics.

    25

    Easy Fat Quarter Napkin Sewing Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com
    26

    Waterproof Patchwork Picnic Blanket Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

     DIY Patchwork Waterproof Picnic Blanket Pattern, an easy to sew tutorial for a picnic blanket that rolls up!

    27

    Large Fabric Basket Sewing Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    “Never Full” Fabric Basket Sewing Tutorial is a great sturdy basket sewing pattern.

    28

    Easy Peasy Baby Burp Cloth Sewing Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Many people begin sewing because they want to make a baby gift. These burp cloths are made from flannel fabric and are soft and easy to make.

    29

    Free Pillowcase Dress Pattern and Size Chart

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Learn how to sew a pillowcase dress with this Pillowcase Dress Tutorial. Includes full instructions and a chart to help you resize the dress for various ages. The quickest dress you’ll ever sew!

    30

    How to Make an Infinity Scarf; DIY Travel Scarf Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This scarf features snaps so that you can also use it as a travel blanket.

    31

    Upcycled Denim Be Kind Sweatshirt

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Not sure what to do with your old jeans? Cut them up and create applique letters for a sweatshirt!

    32

    How to Sew a Circle Skirt a Free Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    A circle skirt is just that, made from a fabric circle. They are one of the easiest clothing projects for beginners to tackle.

    33

    DIY Embellished Pocket Tees Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Add a fun pop of color to a plain t-shirt by adding a pocket. The tutorial includes a printable pocket pattern piece.

    34

    Scallop Neck DIY T-Shirt Refashion Project

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    I used a few scraps from my fabric bin to add a bit of detail to a simple v-neck t-shirt.

    35

    Patchwork Twirl Skirt Tutorial, the Polka Dot Chair

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    My girls always loved to wear twirly skirts when they were smaller. This tutorial makes a skirt that’s perfect for summer.

    36

    Girls T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This free dress pattern starts with a purchased t-shirt. You then add the skirt and waistband. Easy!

    37

    How to Sew Kids Aprons, a free Child's Apron Pattern

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    This sweet apron makes a great gift for a little “baker” and there is a video to walk you through the construction steps.

    38

    How to Sew a Summer Sundress from Two T-Shirts

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    How to sew a summer sundress using two t-shirts- a cute t-shirt DIY refashion project.

    39

    Self-Binding Sweatshirt Blanket Tutorial; Polka Dot Chair

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Turn a bunch of old sweatshirts into a cozy sweatshirt blanket. This project has a YouTube video to help you along the way too!

    40

    How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt Baby Blanket | Polka Dot Chair

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Upcycle your old or sentimental t-shirts into a receiving blanket for a new baby!

    41

    Soft 'n Snuggly Sensory Baby Quilt Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Learn how to make a sensory baby quilt using a bunch of fabric scraps. So cute and easily made from minky and flannel fabrics.

    42

    Easy Peasy Fleece Blanket Tutorial- The Polkadot Chair

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    I know that you can tie polar fleece to make blankets. However, I find that is actually easier to sew the blanket together, then cut fringe than to tie the blanket.

    43

    Simple Fat Quarter Quilted Table Runner Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.polkadotchair.com

    Learn how to make a simple quilted table runner out of fat quarters,

    44

    Kid’s Messenger Bag Sewing Pattern

    Photo Credit: crazylittleprojects.com

    Such a cute bag for kids and just the right size to carry all of their treasures.

    45

    DIY Ipad case!

    Photo Credit: ohsolovelyvintage.blogspot.com

    This beautiful iPad case is made from wool, so you do not need to finish the seams.

    46

    Easy Mod Messenger Bag Tutorial

    Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com

    A fun casual messenger bag made from just a yard of fabric.

    47

    DIY Laptop Sleeve: Make it in Ten Minutes

    Photo Credit: crazylittleprojects.com

    Another great project made with wool fabric.

    48

    Circle Skirts

    Photo Credit: www.madeeveryday.com

    I love making skirts, especially in the Summertime. Dana walks you through how to make a series of skirts in her tutorials.

    49

    Wool Wrap Skirt

    Photo Credit: www.purlsoho.com

    Another version of a skirt, this time a wrap skirt.

    50

    How to make a sweatpant skirt {goodbye old sweats, hello cute skirt!}

    Photo Credit: www.itsalwaysautumn.com

    Upcycle an old pair of sweats into a cute kids' skirt.

    51

    free sewing pattern for Belle princess dress up apron

    Photo Credit: www.itsalwaysautumn.com

    This is such a fun and clever idea. Turn a simple apron into a Disney dress up just by changing the fabric.

    52

    Simple Maxi Skirt PDF Pattern---FREE!!! Simple Simon and Company

    Photo Credit: www.simplesimonandco.com

    These are oh so comfy. You'll want to make a bunch of them!

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

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • Red, pink and green patchwork santa hat on pink globe
      Quilted Santa Hat Sewing Pattern; the Snowbound Hat
    • 25 Cute Things to Sew for Thanksgiving & Fall
    • collage image of quilted pillows with text
      Four Ways to Finish the Edge of a Pillow
    • two black and white pillows on couch outdoors with halloween quilt
      Giant Sawtooth Star Quilted Pillow Pattern

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    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Danielle says

      February 06, 2017 at 11:59 am

      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.

      Reply
    2. Kristina says

      February 16, 2017 at 1:05 am

      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

      Reply
    3. Barb says

      September 12, 2017 at 1:35 pm

      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.

      Reply
    4. Casper Diller says

      May 02, 2018 at 11:15 am

      This is great!

      Reply
    5. Joan Reed says

      May 10, 2018 at 10:00 pm

      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

      Reply
    6. Tammy says

      March 17, 2019 at 11:51 pm

      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!

      Reply
    7. Olivia says

      March 19, 2019 at 6:32 am

      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

      Reply
    8. Brenda King says

      November 25, 2019 at 11:47 pm

      Great ideas for hand made gifts for beginner sewists! Thank You! Brenda King, Bend, Or.

      Reply
    9. Sharon Mahaffey says

      July 20, 2020 at 1:36 am

      I’m anxious to try this pattern.

      Reply
    10. Laura O'Brien says

      September 07, 2020 at 8:00 am

      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

      Reply
    11. genesis says

      December 09, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      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.

      Reply
    12. Josh Groves says

      March 03, 2022 at 10:37 pm

      I will definitely have to start practicing so I can try these

      Reply
    13. Voleta Courtemanche says

      May 06, 2023 at 10:54 am

      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.

      Reply

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    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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