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20+ Easy beginner sewing projects

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A big list of beginner sewing projects that are fun and easy to make! Simple sewing tutorials with pictures to help along the way, there is a beginner sewing project for everyone on this list!

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.

Pin this list of beginner sewing projects for later with this photo and link:

A big list of beginner sewing projects that are fun and easy to make! Simple sewing tutorials with pictures to help along the way, there is a beginner sewing project for everyone on this list!

Looking for more sewing ideas? Check out these other posts!

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

diy flannel scarf instructions

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

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

easy tote bag pattern

A super simple lined tote bag tutorial here at Swoodson Says.

leather and rivet sewing project

Round fabric basket tutorial here on Swoodson Says

 Neckwarmer from Applegreen Cottage

4 free headband sewing tutorials - all tested and compared!These are great knit fabric scrap busters and a fun, quick thing to sew for women. There is a pattern that uses FOE and woven fabric, and three different patterns that use knit fabric.

Fabric headbands – any of the ones I sewed in my review post here at Swoodson Says!

 Hen softie from Coloured Buttons

easy drawstring bag sewing tutorial

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 cat sewing pattern

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

DIY keyboard wrist rest & DIY mouse pad wrist rest

Simple wrist rests, with a tutorial here on Swoodson Says

Open wide zipper pouch tutorial from Noodlehead

Easy pillowcase tutorial from Seasoned Homemaker

Simple pillowcase dress tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom

 
DIY dog bandana pattern
Sew a diy dog bandana with a free pdf pattern here on Swoodson Says!

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!

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Hannah Flack

Monday 28th of September 2020

This recipe is AMAZING. I will eat this for the rest of my life! So good and easy-peasy.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Saturday 7th of November 2020

cool spam, I deleted your link

Jennifer

Monday 29th of May 2017

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

Saturday 24th of June 2017

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 :)

Shelly Morgan

Wednesday 19th of April 2017

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

Thursday 11th of May 2017

Thanks for subscribing, glad you liked them!

Ali Clifford

Tuesday 18th of April 2017

some AMAZING projects here - really feeling inspired now thank you!

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Thursday 11th of May 2017

Happy to hear it :)

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