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    Home » Sewing » Beginner Friendly

    7 Simple and Cute Small Sewing Projects

    Updated: Apr 27, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 4 Comments

    As much as a love tackling a big project sometimes I just need a “quick fix” with a simple and easy sewing project.

    Today I thought I’d share with you a few small sewing projects that you can easily complete in an afternoon.

    Simple and Cute Small Sewing Projects:

    One: Embroidery Hoop Baskets

    I work as a Brand Ambassador BERNINA Sewing Machines. As a part of my job, I create content for their WeAllSew site. Recently I shared a free tutorial for these little embroidery hoop baskets.

    They are crazy easy to make and are the perfect size for organizing little items like scissors and seam rippers. They would also be great in a kids room.

    You can click here to go to their site for the full tutorial.

    Two: Drawstring Travel Pouch

    Another project that I recently completed for BERNINA is this drawstring travel pouch. It’s a fun little circle pouch that turns into a travel bag when you pull on the drawstrings.

    My version is lined with laminate fabric so it’s great for makeup.

    To get the tutorial hop on over to their website.

    Three: Drawstring Travel Bags in Multiple Sizes

    One of my favorite small sewing projects to make lately are these drawstring travel bags. I love to make them in multiple sizes but the largest size is perfect to use as a travel laundry bag. I also use the small one to keep track of chargers in my purse.

    Free tutorial and Lined Drawstring Bag Sewing Pattern - how to sew a reversible drawstring bag and add cute sayings to the front! Includes free cricut cut file downloads #sewing #sewingpattern #drawstringbag #laundrybag #cricut #cricutmade #ad

    Get the Tutorial HERE

    Four: Simple Zip Bag

    I always say you can never have enough zip bags. They are so easy to make. I love to give them as gifts stuffed with candy or other fun things.

    Find the full tutorial here.

    Five: Easy Reading Pillow Pattern

    Reading pillows on bench

    One of my “go-to” sewing projects for gifts for kids and babies are my reading pillows. They are SO fast to make and kids really love them. Pick out fabric with their favorite colors or characters to make them even more special. Good news! There is a print version of this pattern coming very soon!

    The tutorial is found here.

    Six: Fabric Baskets

    Free Sewing Pattern for Fabric Baskets designed to work with the Cricut Maker. Fabric Basket Sewing Pattern that is easy to make and great for a beginning seamstress. #CricutMade #CricutMaker #CricutProject #FabricBasket #SewingPattern #freesewingpattern #fabricbasketDIY

    I love these little baskets and have a few sets floating around my sewing room. The ones in this tutorial are made using a Cricut Maker machine but you can easily make them without the machine as well.

    Find the pattern here.

    Seven: Beginner Tote Bag Pattern

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

    I created the Derby Tote Bag pattern after multiple requests for a beginner sewing pattern for a simple tote bag. I love it because it’s just the right size to carry notebooks and binders. You can also personalize it a million ways with fun pockets and fabrics.

    Grab the pattern here.

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • How to Make a Simple Zipper Pouch
    • Easy Fat Quarter Napkin Sewing Tutorial
    • How to Make an Upcycled Candy Bag Zip Pouch
    • How to Repurpose Jeans into a Scrappy “Be Kind” Sweatshirt!

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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. Joanne Morris says

      August 26, 2019 at 1:46 pm

      I love the beginner tote bag. That was the first thing I learned to sew in Home Ec, in 1968. I put a pink cat applique on the front. Thank you for reminding me of that!

      Reply
    2. Carole S. says

      September 08, 2019 at 9:29 pm

      What seam allowance did you use for the embroidery hoop bags? I made the larger one and used a 1/4 inch allowance but thought maybe it should have been more. Thank you for the cute idea. Starting some Christmas presents early for a change!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        September 09, 2019 at 12:16 pm

        It’s 1/4″

        Reply
        • Carole S says

          September 14, 2019 at 5:43 pm

          Thank you!

          Reply

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