The New Year has me thinking a lot about beginnings. I have been planning out the things I’d like to learn and do in 2017. 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. I get asked a lot what would be a good project to tackle for someone who is a beginning seamstress. 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. If you like this list then you may also like this list of 45 Recommended Beginner Quilting Projects. 
If you are just learning to sew I have a few tips for you before you actually get started with one of these tutorials.
First:
Take a few minutes and read the directions start to finish before you start. Make sure you understand each step.
Second:
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.
Third:
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.
Fourth:
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!
2- How to Sew a Reading Pillow (you can leave the piping off if you’d like to simplify the project)
3-Easy Waterproof Picnic Blanket
9- Derby Tote Bag Sewing Pattern
14- How to Recover Outdoor Pillows
16- Upcycled T-Shirt Baby Blanket
18- Giant Pocket Pillow Sewing Tutorial
19- Scallop Neck T-Shirt Refashion
21- Patchwork Twirl Skirt Tutorial
24- Easy Peasy Fleece Blankets
25- Scrappy Skirt Sewing Tutorial
28- Skinny Simple Table Runner
30- Mini Messenger Bag – Crazy Little Projects
31- Pencil Case Tutorial – Crazy Little Projects
32- Keychain Chapstick Holder – Crazy Little Projects
33- Vintage Style iPad Case – Oh So Lovely
34- Mod Messenger Bag – Diary of a Quilter
35- 10 Minute Lap Top Sleeve Tutorial – Crazy Little Projects
36- How to sew a Circle Skirt – Dana Made it
37- Wool wrap skirt- Purl Soho
38- Easy Tote Bag Tutorial – Crazy Little Projects
39- Easy, and Easier Totes- Purl Soho
40- Double Gauze Baby Blankets – Purl Soho
41- DIY Girls Skirt (from sweat pants) – It’s Always Autumn
42– How to Make an Envelope Pillow Cover – Hey There Home
43- Business Card Wallet- Spoonful of Sugar
44- Half Circle Skirt Sewing Tutorial- It’s Always Autumn
45- Belle Dress Up Apron (she also has aprons for other Disney Princesses) – It’s Always Autumn
46- Retro Drawstring Bags – A Spoonful of Sugar
47- Patchwork Fabric Tray- A Spoonful of Sugar
48- 3 Seam Caftan Dress – Simple Simon & Co.
49- Simple Maxi Skirt – Simple Simon & Co.
50 – Summer Headbands – Polka Dot Chair
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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