I taught myself to sew when I was pregnant with our first child, after a few prior failed attempts. I could’ve really used a list of beginner sewing projects (and a different sewing machine, like this fantastic beginner machine, instead of the wonky vintage one I had)! Trying to work from paper patterns that assumed I had a knowledge base that I didn’t, I first tried to sew a roll-up grocery bag, from a thick upholstery weight fabric. In retrospect, common sense would’ve told me that it was going to turn out like a giant wad of burlap.
After a few weeks, I tried again, attempting to sew letter pillows that were much more nuanced than my skill level. I finally had success with a simple pouf, which was the first handmade project I was actually proud of! I’m sharing a big list of beginner sewing projects shared by bloggers I trust to have correct measurements; several of these would be great teen or tween sewing projects too!
If you don’t like looking back and forth from a screen while following directions, you can always download a free “print to PDF” software and then print off the tutorial. If a book is more your style, I have written reviews for two books that are great for beginners! “Sewing In A Straight Line” which is geared towards adults and Sewing School which is geared towards kids.
If you’re looking for beginner sewing projects that kids will like, check out this post instead!
Pin this list of beginner sewing projects for later with this photo and link:
Looking for more sewing ideas? Check out these other posts!
- 75+ of the most popular free sewing patterns from other designers & blogs
- Gifts ideas to sew for men
- All my upcycle sewing projects
- The secret for making time to sew
Ready to check out the projects? Let me know if there is a category or project that you loved as a beginner and I’ll add it!
Beginner sewing projects
Cozy, super flannel scarf tutorial, the easy way, here at Swoodson Says
Simple minky baby blanket tutorial at Sew What Alicia
How to sew a scrunchie here at Swoodson Says, I wrote this for upcycling leggings but it works for woven and knit fabric too!
Apron sewing tutorial at Crazy Little Projects
Easy Doorstop here at Swoodson Says
Grocery bag holder from Easy Sewing for Beginners
A super simple lined tote bag tutorial here at Swoodson Says.
Round fabric basket tutorial here on Swoodson Says
Neckwarmer from Applegreen Cottage
Fabric headbands – any of the ones I sewed in my review post here at Swoodson Says!
Hen softie from Coloured Buttons
How to sew a drawstring bag in minutes here on Swoodson Says
Felt Kitty here at Swoodson Says
Simple envelope-back pillow from Fleece Fun
Simple toothbrush holder tutorial from Swoodson Says
Free baby hat pattern from Coral and Co
Simple stuffed cat pattern here on Swoodson Says.
Fast placemats from Raegun Ramblings
Scrappy bookmark here at Swoodson Says
PJ Bottoms from SewCanShe
Pretty potholders from Radiant Home Studio
Upcycled t-shirt pillow, with an envelope back (no zipper!) here at Swoodson Says
Upcycled skirt from Make It Love It
Open wide zipper pouch tutorial from Noodlehead
Easy pillowcase tutorial from Seasoned Homemaker
Simple pillowcase dress tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Looking for beginner sewing projects but haven’t actually gotten your supplies yet? Consider the pros & cons of vintage sewing machine vs new in this blog post!
Ali Clifford says
some AMAZING projects here – really feeling inspired now thank you!
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Happy to hear it 🙂
Shelly Morgan says
Great roundup! You have some good beginner tutorials 🙂 And I adore that embroidery pattern that you linked to in your newsletter <3
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Thanks for subscribing, glad you liked them!
Jennifer says
Don’t feel bad, my first project (also when I was pregnant with my first… Must be a nesting thing) was a baby quilt made of upholstery fabric, some duck cloth, and flannel. At least I got the flannel right 😶.
Stephanie - Swoodson Says says
Hahaha, I can totally picture that! I agree, it is definitely a nesting thing, but I’m glad my sewing habit stayed around after my babies have grown 🙂