Easy Beginner Sewing Projects You’ll Love!

Embarking on a journey into the world of sewing is an exciting endeavour, and the best way to start is with projects that boost your confidence and ignite your creativity. Whether you're new to sewing or just looking for some enjoyable projects to hone your skills, we've gathered a selection of easy beginner sewing projects that are bound to bring a sense of accomplishment and joy to your crafting journey.

Cloth Napkins

Elevate your dinner parties and special occasions with personalised cloth napkins. Not only do they enhance your table setting, but they also make for thoughtful and personalised gifts.

To sew cloth napkins you’ll need to:

Decide on the size of your napkins. Standard napkins are usually around 45x45 cm. Cut squares of fabric in the chosen size with fabric scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat. Add an extra ½ inch (1.3 cm) to each side for seam allowance.
Proceed to fold every edge twice, secure with pins, and then stitch along the folds. This involves sewing four straight top stitches, and your napkin is ready!

Tip! When top-stitching, increase your stitch length to 3.0.

Looking for an extra challenge? Explore various napkins of shapes and sizes or add extra detail and personalisations with the EM9305 Embroidery Only Machine.

Simple Headbands

Creating wearable projects is incredibly fulfilling and an excellent outlet for self-expression. Building on the top stitching skills honed from crafting napkins, this project serves as a seamless progression. Given that this project essentially involves a long rectangle, sizing becomes a minor consideration, offering the versatility of being tied with a knot or a bow.

Sewing headbands involves:

Cut two long fabric rectangles and layer them right sides facing in. Secure with pins.
Proceed by using a straight top stitch to sew three sides, mastering corners along the way.
Turn the fabric right way out through the remaining open side.
Use an iron to press fabric, this will create a polished finish.
Close the open end with another top stitch, and your headband is ready to wear!

These versatile techniques find utility in numerous sewing projects, whether it's pillows (just stuff the pillow before you sew the hole closed), larger fashion pieces, or beyond.

Skirt with Elastic Waistband

Step into garment sewing with a basic skirt that features an elastic waistband. This project introduces you to working with fabric measurements, sewing straight lines, and creating a comfortable wearable piece. Choose a fabric that speaks to your style and enjoy the process of making your own clothing. Tailor your choice of needle to match the fabric you've selected, ensuring a seamless sewing experience.

Begin by cutting out two generous fabric rectangles. To find the width, take your hip measurement and divide it by two. Then, add an extra 20cm to this number for each rectangle's width. Make sure these rectangles are a tad longer than your intended skirt length. Remember, the greater the extra fabric around your waist, the more impressive the volume of your skirt will be.
Begin by aligning the two fabric rectangles with their right sides facing each other. Proceed to sew down the two lengths of the skirt, joining the two sides together.
Begin by folding the edge over by 5mm to the wrong side and press it.
Starting from the folded edge, measure the width of your elastic. Fold the top edge to match this measurement, then pin it in place. After pinning, press the fold and stitch it down securely.
Leave a 5cm gap to allow for elastic insertion.
Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the casing you've created. Once you've successfully threaded it all the way around, secure both ends of the elastic.
Gently guide the elastic back into the casing and then sew a top stitch to close the opening you left earlier.
To give the bottom edge a neat look, use a double-folded hem. This method involves folding the fabric over twice, which helps hide the raw edge and creates a tidy finish.

Dealing with elastic becomes a breeze through this project, equipping you with valuable skills for future endeavours.

Zipper Pouch Pencil Case

This project serves as an excellent stepping stone to progress beyond the fundamentals, as it introduces the skill of installing a zipper.

Sewing a zipper pouch pencil case involves:

Cut your outer fabric and lining fabric to the desired size for your pencil case. They should be the same size.
Place the outer fabric right side up. Lay the zipper face down along one of the short edges of the fabric. The zipper pull should be on the left side. Align the top edge of the zipper tape with the top edge of the fabric. Pin or clip it in place.
Attach the zipper foot to your sewing machine. Stitch along the pinned edge, sewing through the fabric and zipper tape. Sew as close to the zipper teeth as possible.
Place the lining fabric right side down on top of the zipper and outer fabric. Make sure the top edges are aligned. Pin or clip in place.
Flip the fabrics over so the outer fabric is on top. Stitch along the edge, again sewing close to the zipper teeth.
Open the fabrics with the right sides facing up. Iron the fabric away from the zipper.
Topstitch along both sides of the zipper, close to the edge. This helps the fabric lay flat and adds a nice finishing touch.
Repeat steps for the other short edge of the fabrics and the other side of the zipper.
IMPORTANT: Open the zipper halfway. This will make turning the case right side out easier.
Fold the fabric so that the outer fabric is right sides together and the lining fabric is right sides together. Pin or clip the sides, making sure to align the edges. Stitch along the sides, leaving a small opening on the lining side for turning.
Clip the corners diagonally without cutting the stitches. This reduces bulk in the corners when you turn the case right side out.
Carefully turn the case right side out through the opening in the lining. Use a turning tool or a blunt object to gently push out the corners.
Stitch the opening in the lining closed by hand using a slip stitch or sew it shut with your sewing machine.
Give the pencil case a final press to make sure all the seams are crisp and tidy.

Mastering zipper installation is crucial for various clothing items. Starting with a small, low-risk project is an effective way to bolster your confidence.

Embarking on these beginner sewing projects is not only an opportunity to learn new skills but also a chance to express your creativity. As you complete each project, you'll gain confidence in your sewing abilities and be inspired to take on more complex challenges. So, gather your SINGER® sewing machine, thread your needle, and enjoy the fulfilling journey of creating beautiful and functional items with your newfound sewing skills!