Sewing projects for beginners, step by step
30 tutorials published
A flat, lined zipper pouch with no boxed corners or tabs, so the zipper is the only new skill. Includes cut sizes, the zipper sandwich explained and fixes for common first-pouch problems.
A lined, interfaced fabric basket with boxed corners and a fold-over cuff. Includes cut sizes, the math behind the finished size and a clear way to sew matching corners.
Make a set of three hand-sewn felt ornaments with nothing more than felt, thread, ribbon and a needle. No machine, no hems and no fraying edges.
Sew a soft, padded slip-in glasses case from three small rectangles. Every seam is a straight line and there is no zipper or snap to fit.
Sew a set of three lavender sachets from small cotton rectangles. Three straight seams, a spoonful of dried buds and one line of stitching to close the top.
A reversible table runner made from two long rectangles: sew, turn and topstitch. Includes cut sizes, how to size a runner for any table and tips for keeping long seams straight.
Turn a strip of fabric and a short piece of elastic into a scrunchie with one straight seam. A quick scrap project that teaches turning a tube and threading elastic.
An unlined tote bag with two folded straps, sewn with straight seams and one hem. Includes cut sizes, zigzag-finished seams and the square-and-X stitch that secures the straps.
Turn leftover cotton into a set of four quilted coasters for cold and room-temperature drinks. Three layers, one seam, topstitching and a simple quilted X.
Sew a set of four reversible placemats with the sew, turn and topstitch method. Includes cut sizes, a clear step list and tips for sharp corners and flat edges.
Sew an unlined drawstring bag from two rectangles and two cords. The project introduces pivoting at corners, pressing seams open and stitching a simple casing.
Two fabric squares, one machine seam and a hand-sewn ladder stitch make a firm, useful pincushion. A good first project for learning to turn and close a gap.
