DIY Sewing Projects and Activities for Beginners

Need easy sewing projects for beginners or children?Here are some easy DIY sewing projects that can be finished in under an hour.

I put this article together because so many people thinkthat sewing is difficult and boring. On the contrary, it’s quite a rewarding experience for many— and I hope you’ll feel the same once you’re finished making these projects!

How to Make a Bow

For this project, you’ll be needing some scissors, thread, pieces of fabric, and craft glue (optional). You won’t be needing a sewing machine for this project, unless you don’t want to use the hand-sew method.

First, cut your piece of fabric into a square, and then fold it in half so that it looks like a rectangle. Then, using a straight stitch, sew over the shorter sides of the rectangle.

After that, with a straight stitch, sew the raw, open side of the rectangle. Make sure to leave an unsewn gap in the middle that is big enough for your finger to fit in.

Next, turn the piece of cloth inside out using that gap you just made. Once that’s finished, sew the gap close, and pinch the bottom and upper part of the longer sides together.

The final step is to sew down the middle of the fabric with a straight stitch. Do this back and forth for a few times to secure it.

An optional step is to cut a small rectangle of fabric for the bow’s “middle knot”, loop it around the middle, and glue it into place using craft glue.

You can use these bows to make a headpiece, or spruce up old clothing and accessories like hats, bags, dresses, socks, blankets, towels, and more.

How to Make a Pin Cushion

You will need fabric, needle and thread, and the filling of your choice. The first step is to cut a piece of fabric into a square and fold it in half. That’s how big your pin cushion will be.

Then, following the same procedure as the bow project, sew the sides and leave a gap in the middle to turn the cushion inside out. After that, fill the insides with your filling, and sew the gap close.

There are several options you can choose from for your filling, but the most common ones are sawdust, fabric scraps, lavender, sand, and plastic beads.

How to Make Ruffles

All you will need for this project is a piece of cloth as well as some needle and thread. You can follow these instructions to make detachable sock frills, cravats, fabric flowers, and more.

If you’re sewing by hand, first cut your fabric into your desired shape. After that, make a running stitch on the upper edge. The size of your ruffles will depend on the size of the stitches.

If you’re using a sewing machine without a ruffler/gathering foot, first set the tension and stitch length to the highest setting. Then, with a straight stitch, sew the top edge of the fabric. Start by doing a forward-back stitch.

Then, once you have sewn all over the upper edge, all you have to do is gather up the fabric by pulling on the thread. Once you are satisfied with your ruffles, secure the loose thread by tying it off.

You can make fabric flowers by rolling the ruffles and adding fabric glue periodically to hold it in place. You can also sew the ruffles together into a bundle.

For the detachable sock frills, all you have to do is follow the ruffle method, but with an elastic under the lace or cloth. The elastic should fit your ankle snugly.

How to Make Flannel Scarves

To make a warm and cozy flannel scarf, you will need about 2 yards of flannel shirting (or regular flannel), a sewing machine, scissors, and iron.

First, cut in half 2 yards of rectangular flannel, lengthwise. Fold the long sides inward about 1/8 inches twice, then press in place with an iron. These will be the hems.

Sew over the pressed sides with a straight stitch, as well as the shorter sides (about 1 inch away from the edges) to reduce fraying.

How to Make a Leather Clutch

For this project, you will need a sewing machine, a leather needle, and some thin leather. First, cut a rectangle of leather. You can cut it any size you want.

Next, fold the leather lengthwise. This will determine the size of your pocket and flap. Once you are satisfied with the pocket-flap ratio, sew the sides of the pocket with a straight stitch, as well as the bottom edge.

You can also add a button and button hole on the flap and pocket, respectively, as well as cut fringes into the flap to add a decorative touch.

I hope to spread the joy of sewing with the help of these easy DIY sewing projects. So if you enjoyed crafting with me, write it in the comments below and share it with your friends if you liked it!