So, you’d like to start sewing as a new hobby, but you aren’t quite sure what type of project you can handle. Good news: We’ve rounded up a bevy of beginner sewing projects, so you can stop hemming and hawing and start getting crafty stat.
39 Beginner Sewing Projects That Anyone Can Pull Off
4. DIY Felt Fox Purse
The felt fabric used for this purse is a particularly forgiving material, so it’s ideal for sewing newbies, and the process is so straightforward that you can sew the whole thing by hand if you choose. Plus, the finished messenger bag is an undeniably charming DIY gift for a child.
6. Corduroy Bean Bags
You’ll find no shortage of creative inspiration when it comes to making your own mini bean bags—but we must admit we’re taken with the corduroy design here. Soft, textured, visually appealing: This easy sewing craft results in a finished product that can easily transition from workday stress-reliever to party game prop.
7. Quick-Sew Drawstring Storage Bag
Waterproof Oxford is the fabric behind these quick-sew, and surprisingly sturdy, storage bags. The sewing part is easy here, but you will need to pull out a few tools (i.e., those grommets need to be hammered). Still, the process is easy and once complete, you can say you’ve one-upped Marie Kondo—because even she doesn’t make her own storage containers.
10. DIY Velcro Bedskirt
In theory, bed skirts are a great idea—but in practice they’re just a giant pain. Well, friends, the genius behind this beginner sewing project came up with a clever DIY solution and all you have to do is take some accurate measurements, do a little cutting and hemming, and slap some Velcro tape on your finished fabric for a bed skirt that you can wash without breaking your back.
12. Fabric Flower Headband
You don’t need to be a master seamstress to sew your baby (or someone else’s) a sweet little headband. This one boasts an oversized corduroy flower accent and comes together with scraps you can find at home. The end result is budget-friendly and downright adorable.
15. Reusable Chalkboard Fabric Gift Bag
You’ll need to score some special material—namely chalkboard fabric—for this craft, but with a sewing machine, the construction is a breeze. Bonus: These guys can be repurposed as storage containers, which means that whoever you give one to will be as grateful for the gift bag as they are for what’s inside.
16. Buffalo Check Rag Quilt
The most time-consuming part of this quilting craft is cutting out all the equal squares, but the sewing part is entirely foolproof. Plus, this project is customizable—depending on the size and the colors you choose, the finished product can serve as a sweet baby blanket or a sprawling quilt for picnics and trips to the beach.
17. Crayon Wallet
Good news: You no longer need to have a handful of crayons floating around the bottom of your purse just to keep your kid content when you leave the house. This clever wallet is designed to hold Crayolas and a notepad in place, which means you can whip out a diversion for toddler ASAP.
22. Reusable Photo Coffee Cozy
You only need to have the most basic sewing skills (plus a printer that can produce high quality photos and some iron-on transfer paper) for this project, which yields a personalized coffee cozy in the blink of an eye. Of course, you could always just purchase an eco-friendly alternative to the standard, disposable coffee cup sleeve...but why not opt for something that looks, well, a little less snoozy?
26. Washcloth Travel Kit
This clever travel kit is a brilliant way to keep your toiletries organized, and you don’t even need to make a trip to the fabric store to get started. Note: There’s a no-sew option, too, but you needn’t be tempted to cheat—even an amateur can stitch this one together.
27. DIY Spring Wreath
This homemade spring wreath is adorned with leaves and plump carrots made from felt. The end result? A whimsical and charming aesthetic that’s sure to lift your spirits. Best of all, this craft comes with a free pattern and doesn’t even demand a sewing machine—hand-stitching will do just fine.
29. Flannel Infinity Scarf
This infinity scarf couldn’t be quicker or easier to make—and because it’s completely customizable, this project is also an excellent way to hone your sewing skills by experimenting with a variety of different fabrics. (First flannel, then linen and before you know it, Fashion Week!)
30. Boho Christmas Stockings
A refreshing change of pace from the usual in-your-face-festive of the season, these Christmas stockings are so fashionable you’ll be tempted to hang them year-round—and that’s really saying something, since the whole craft can be completed in less than an hour.
33. Faux Leather Bookmarks
If you’ve taken to dog-earing the pages of books to avoid buying a bookmark then this DIY will be right up your alley. These attractive bookmarks are super simple to make, with minimal sewing experience and precious few materials required. Just keep in mind that the faux leather material here is thick enough that a sewing machine is in order for this one.
35. DIY Fringe Shorts
Chances are you know a thing or two about transforming an old pair of jeans into (no-sew) summer cut-offs, but why not bust out the sewing machine and give your shorts a makeover, too? OK, this project does not require sewing of any kind, since the fringe here is attached with fabric glue—but we suggest you start by hemming a pair of cut-offs before you glue down the embellishment. The pay-off will be extra practice and an upcycled wardrobe item that doesn’t go overboard with fringe.
36. Ribbon Tag Baby Blanket
Ribbon tag baby blankets provide both comfort and sensory stimulation. (Those tags go a long way towards teaching tiny hands how to grab.) Skip the store bought fare and sew your own: You can start from scratch or simply upgrade a basic blankie with sturdy grosgrain ribbon—either way, the baby in your life will be happy with your handiwork.
37. DIY Modern Wall Art
Grab a needle, thread and some paint and get ready to exercise your creativity with this artsy multi-media craft. The modern aesthetic of this wall art is clean, colorful and eye-catching. Plus, this one provides an excellent opportunity to hone your hand-stitching skills.
38. DIY Drop Cloth Purse
It’s possible to spend a fortune at a fabric store, but if you’re new to sewing we advise against it. Instead, try your hand (or rather your sewing machine) at this budget-friendly purse project. All you need is a canvas drop cloth and a little confidence to produce a tote bag that will inspire pride.