18 Fun and Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners to Do

These projects are a great way for beginners to get started, or fun and simple creations for more experienced crafters.

flowers, sunglasses and wallet in beige tote bag
Photo: Brie Passano

Use our free patterns to whip up these easy sewing projects to use at home, when you're shopping, or to give as gifts. We've included plans for all skill levels, so you don't need to be a sewing master to make them.

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Simple Six-Pocket Bag

fabric purse holding pen journal and sunglasses
Jacob Fox

This DIY six-pocket bag is an easy sewing project with space for everything you need for a day of running around. This handmade bag uses three fabrics, so you can easily create a tote that matches your style.

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Farmers Market Tote Bag

DIY market tote filled with groceries on kitchen counter

Better Homes & Gardens

Use our free sewing pattern to create this roomy market tote. Its oversized interior and exterior pockets are perfect for stashing fresh fruit, veggies, bread, and even a bottle of wine. We customized the tote with pretty paisley Better Homes & Gardens fabric ($11, Walmart) and added an outside loop for holding a bouquet of flowers.

03 of 18

Fabric Utensil Holder

wooden kitchen utencils cloth holder
Jacob Fox

This roll-up fabric pouch is an easy sewing project for storing whatever loose utensils and accessories you have lying around; it's also an easy way to transport them! Corral your eco-friendly reusable straws or makeup brushes inside this clever carrier with divided pockets to fit narrow and wide items. Then roll it up and fasten the tie ends for compact storage.

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Knot Bag

diy sewn craft bag with blue yarn and sewing needles
Jacob Fox

Use this simple carryall for your bag of sewing tricks. Pick two fabrics, one for the exterior and one for the lining, and whip up this Japanese knot bag in a flash. Use it to hold your knitting supplies or as a reusable grocery bag.

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Cotton Drawstring Bag

bathroom tray with fabric bag and products
Jacob Fox

Keep your wallet, keys, and cell phone safe in this cute, quick-to-make cotton drawstring bag. This easy sewing project only requires two inexpensive materials and can be completed in an afternoon.

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DIY Canvas Tote Bag

flowers, sunglasses and wallet in beige tote bag
Brie Passano

This DIY tote bag is an easy sewing project that makes a big statement. We paired two neutral fabrics with a bold floral print to create a handy carryall that's perfect for your weekly farmers market finds, library books, or pool essentials.

07 of 18

Reusable Snack Bag

hand grabbing cracker from butterfly patterned snack pouch
Brie Passano

Pack a lunch without wasting individual plastic bags! These eco-friendly reusable snack bags work whether you're packing a full meal or a quick bite. Thanks to a water-resistant inner liner, you can seal the bags with velcro (no spilled snacks here!) and wash them as needed. Pair this project with our no-sew beeswax food wraps to reduce plastic use in other kitchen areas.

08 of 18

Reusable Sandwich Bag

half folded closed flowered sandwich pouch
Brie Passano

This washable, reusable sandwich wrap eliminates the need for plastic bags or containers. You only need one piece of patterned fabric, a water-resistant liner, and a piece of velcro—and it's so easy to assemble! Make a few different sizes for your family, and never worry about plastic waste while deciding what to pack for lunch!

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DIY Envelope Pillow

gray sofa with graphic throw pillows
Jay Wilde

Upcycle a treasured shirt into a homemade piece of decor. Create your DIY envelope pillow in just four simple steps with this easy sewing project. It's easy to customize the size of your pillow to fit any insert.

10 of 18

Fabric Bunting Garland

slatted headboard with diy fabric bunting
Jay Wilde

Decorate your home with a sewn fabric bunting. The pieces are small enough that you only need to use fat quarters, and bias tape makes it a cinch to stitch together! Use fun floral prints to make a sweet addition to a girls' bedroom, or use festive patterns to create a DIY party decoration.

11 of 18

Try Visible Mending

jean jacket with colorful stitching
Carson Downing

Just a little decorative mending is all it takes to give worn-out clothes, curtains, or duvet covers new life. Get our basics for visible mending and darning socks. You'll only need to learn a few simple stitches for this easy sewing project.

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Coffee-Cup Cozy

Coffee-Cup Cozy
Cameron Sadeghpour

Sweeten your morning jolt with a coffee-cup cozy in your choice of three delicious varieties. These aren't just for hot drinks—use them for your iced coffee drinks too!

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Hidden Tab Curtains

hung curtains with brushstroke dot pattern
Jay Wilde

Dress up your windows with a set of DIY hidden tab curtains. Making drapes is as easy as picking your fabric and correctly measuring your space. We'll show you how to do this easy sewing project.

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Precious Pot Holders

Handmade Pot Holders
Adam Albright

Spice up someone's kitchen by gifting festive handmade pot holders and oven mitts. This makes a fun DIY Christmas gift or housewarming present.

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Oilcloth Table Runner

finished diy blue table runner and placemats
Jay Wilde

Upgrade your table with this handmade oilcloth table runner. This easy-to-clean table linen is an ideal easy sewing project for beginners. It's ready in just three steps.

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Bright Bookend

sandbag bookends
Greg Scheidemann

Instead of standard bookends, sew sandbags from fun, colorful fabric to organize your books, files, and folders. Cut two 8x10-inch pieces of fabric, place right sides together, and sew three sides using ½-inch seam allowances. Turn right side out, then insert a sealable plastic bag filled with sand. Topstitch all around to finish.

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Weighted Blanket

DIY Weighted Blanket
Matthew Clark

This DIY weighted blanket could be the key to a better night of sleep! Making your own is an affordable alternative to pricey store-bought options. Customize your blanket based on your body weight.

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Sew Curtain Panels

Stylish Patchwork Bag
Marty Baldwin

Take the guesswork out of making curtains with our step-by-step guide. We'll show you how to measure, cut, and sew professional-looking curtain panels that will instantly transform your space.

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