The best part of learning any new craft is that the more you practice it, the better you get. Sewing is even better when you make things you can use or gift. Take a look at these 25 easy sewing machine project ideas that beginners can enjoy.
25 Easy Sewing Machine Project Ideas For Beginners
1. First Aid Kit
Every car, backpack, and office should have one of these. Keep it stocked with a few necessities then roll it up and go!
Tutorial: Positively Splendid
2. Easy Baby/Lap Blanket
This simple patchwork quilt is easy to sew because it uses large square patches, straight lines, and is “quilted” using the tie method.
Tutorial: Crazy Little Projects
3. Drawstring Bag
This simple bag is a great size to use for gift bags, or as a gift itself. Add a monogram for a personal touch.
Tutorial: Melly Sews
4. Pillowcase
This easy pillowcase is a snap to stitch up on your sewing machine. Start with cotton fabric as a beginner. After you’ve become accustomed to sewing, try using the same pattern for a DIY silk or satin pillowcase.
Tutorial: Beginer Sewing Projects
5. Kimono
This is an easy-sew project that you can whip up in no time and wear the very same day.
Tutorial: Home Focus
6. Placemats
This placemat tutorial is a great exercise in sewing straight lines and keeping seam allowances consistent.
Tutorial: Apple Green Cottage
7. A-Line Skirt
In addition to being an easy sewing project, this A-line skirt flatters all body types.
Tutorial: Sewguide.com
8. Memory Pillow
The memory pillow is a craft that uses an old button-down shirt from a loved one to make a throw pillow. It’s a great way to keep a loved one’s memory alive and these pillows are so simple to make, you can make them for other people in your family as well.
Tutorial: Beginner Sewing Projects
9. Ruffled Tier Skirt
You’ll have to dust off your math skills for this sewing project! After you get the tiers calculated, the sewing is relatively easy. This is a good project to practice gathering ruffles.
Tutorial: Wikipedia
10. Felt Fabric Coasters
Felt is a good material to use for sewing machine practice because if you use multiple layers, the seams create a sort of obvious quilted effect. That means your seams are very visible, which is good practice for people just beginning to sew.
Tutorial: Coral and Co
11. DIY Curtains
Curtains are easy to make. Taking the DIY route leaves you open to more fabric choices. The project only requires straight seans.
12. Easy Women’s Boxer Shorts
A free downloadable pattern helps you make these shorts that rely on an elastic waist.
Tutorial: eHow.com
13. Drawstring Backpack
As if this handy drawstring backpack wasn’t great already, the creator added a pocket to the outside for storing those things you want to reach quickly.
Tutorial: Hello Wonderful
14. Pillowcase Dress
It’s an easy dress to sew and perfect for spring and summer. Make a dress for your daughter and a matching or coordinating blouse for yourself.
Tutorial: Polka Dot Chair
15. Zipper Pouches
Many crafters new to sewing avoid zippers. You’ve got to tackle them sometime, and this pouch is easy enough for beginners.
16. Sleep Sack
This lightweight sleeping bag uses a standard pillow insert and thin foam to give some cushion to the bag. It’s easy to sew and kids will love it.
Tutorial: Joann.com
17. Easy Caftan
This caftan requires only three seams. As a long gown, it will give you practice in seam consistency for big projects.
Tutorial: Simple Simon & Company
18. American Flag Decor
Create this decorative flag, perfect decor for Independence Day. Sewing is minimal, but the project gives you the experience of working with different textures, like lace and ribbon.
Tutorial: Craftiments.com
19. Baby Hat
This little baby hat is made of lightweight, soft knits, perfect for baby’s sweet little head. Knits can be challenging for machine-sewing beginners, so take time to pin and run your machine at a slower setting until you get the hang of it.
Tutorial: Coral and Co
20. Farmhouse Table Runner
It’s the ticking or plaid that gives this table runner its farmhouse style. You can create different looks simply by choosing a different fabric.
Tutorial: A Well Purposed Woman
21. Divided Tote Bag
This tote bag is made of tea towels. It features dividers to help you keep your items organized inside the bag.
Tutorial: Sum of Their Stories
22. Napkins
These napkins are a quick project that you can whip up on your sewing machine. They have a practical purpose, too, and are great for gifting.
Tutorial: Sew Simple Home
23. Quilted Potholders
Quilted potholders are excellent ways to practice your sewing machine skills. In addition to sewing and binding, you get to practice the various ways you can quilt them using your machine.
Tutorial: Craftbuds
24. Sew for a Preemie
Hone your sewing skills while helping a preemie by using this free NICU smock pattern. Contact your area children’s hospital to see if they accept these donations.
25. Sew for a Girl
Sew Powerful is a charity that sends purses and reusable feminine products to girls in Zambia who would otherwise have to miss school during their time of the month
Tutorial: Sewpowerful.org
