Five Projects to Sew First
If you’ve made it through the last five posts, congratulations! You know how to work your sewing machine, you’ve practiced your stitches, you know how to read a sewing pattern, and you’ve learned how to choose the right fabric. Now let’s sew!
In this post, we’ll guide you through some beginner-friendly sewing projects focused on garments and accessories. These projects will help you build confidence, familiarize yourself with your machine, and hone your skills—without the frustration of tackling complex designs too early.
Many sewing tutorials will recommend choosing something like a pillowcase for your first project, but let’s be honest, that’s just not very fun. If you’re like me and you need instant gratification, sewing a garment or accessory will get you more pumped up for sewing and make it a more rewarding experience. Just don’t expect it to turn out perfect or put too many expectations on yourself! I made so many mistakes in my first few sewing projects and learned from every single one.
There are many simple patterns that will get you sewing your own clothes and accessories in no time. Here are a few of my favorites, complete with fabric recommendation and links to FREE sewing patterns to practice on:
1. Simple Tote Bag
Can you sew a straight (ish) line? Then you can sew a tote bag! A tote bag is a fantastic project for beginners because it's easy to construct, requires minimal fabric, and can be completed in a short period of time. You’ll learn how to cut fabric, sew straight seams, and work with straps. If you don’t plan to wash your tote bag, you don’t even need to finish your seams!
What You'll Learn:
How to confidently navigate your sewing macine
How to sew straight seams
How to attach straps (don’t worry, it’s not hard)
Possibly how to use lining or how to topstitch
Fabric Recommendation:
Canvas is a great choice for a tote bag, but this is a time when quilting cotton could get the job done.
Pattern Recommendation:
Purl Soho offers several FREE tote bag patterns, including this one, which includes instructions for making a very simple fold-and-sew tote, a slightly more challenging box-bottom tote, and an even more professional (but still easy) lined tote. Note I am not affiliated in any way with Purl Soho, but they have a great selection of easy free sewing patterns that really helped me as I learned to sew.
2. Elastic-Waist Skirt
An elastic-waist skirt is a perfect first garment because it's incredibly forgiving. There are no tricky closures like zippers or buttons, and the elastic waist ensures a flexible fit.
What You'll Learn:
How to measure your body to choose a size
How to finish seams and hem a garment
How to sew an elastic casing
Fabric Recommendation
A light to medium weight woven, such as chambray, linen, cotton lawn, or twill.
Pattern Recommendation
Our very own FREE Sue Skirt of course! The fun thing about the Sue Skirt is that it isn’t just a simple elastic waist skirt. The wrap front makes for a slightly more modern and sophisticated design, while keeping it beginner friendly and super easy to sew.
3. Simple Top or Shift Dress
Don’t be too concerned; a top or shift dress can make for a great first sewing project, as long as you choose the right one. There are lots of beginner patterns that don’t require buttons or zip closures and instead rely on plenty of ease (i.e. extra room in the garment). In particular, look for patterns that are boxy in shape and don’t have complicated design features like darts or gathers.
What You'll Learn:
How to measure your body
How to cut your fabric using pattern pieces
How to finish seams and hem your garment
How to finish a neckline using a facing or bias tape
Fabric Recommendation:
A light to midweight woven, such as chambray, cotton lawn, or linen
Pattern Recommendation:
I love the Tessuti Patterns Athina Top, which is a FREE pattern. I made this top a lot when I was first learning to sew. It has dropped sleeves, which means you don’t have to worry about setting in a sleeve, something that can be a bit tricky. There are no buttons, zippers, or darts. Finishing the neckline using bias tape is the most difficult part of the pattern, but learning to sew and use bias tape is an integral part of learning to sew garments so you would be developing a crucial skill.
Similar, but not free, patterns include the Sew DIY Lou Box Top or the All Well Box Top by All Well Workshop.
4. Elastic Waist Shorts or Pants
Simple pants are a wonderful beginner project because they are forgiving and don’t require perfect fitting. A basic elastic waist pants pattern will have just two pattern pieces and an elastic waist. If pants feel too intimidating at first, start with shorts.
What You'll Learn:
How to measure yourself and cut fabric
How to cut fabric
How to sew an inseam
How to install an elastic waistband
Fabric Recommendation:
Medium weight woven, such as chambray, linen, flannel or twill.
Pattern Recommendation:
I can personally recommend the Pomona Pants by Anna Allen. These elastic waist pants have a fun twist- there are no side seams! This means that each pair of pants has only one pattern piece, which you will cut twice. These pants are super simple and really cute.
If no side seams sounds scary for some reason, I also recommend the Joss Pants by Seamwork Patterns. Seamwork is known for their amazing learning resources as well, so you will be in good hands while you sew your first pair of pants.
5. Apron
An apron is both practical and easy to sew, making it a perfect project for beginners. You’ll be able to practice attaching straps, sewing pockets, and hemming straight edges.
What You'll Learn:
How to attach pockets
How to sew straight seams
How to hem
How to attach straps
Fabric Recommendation:
Medium weight woven, such as canvas, linen, or even quilting cotton
Pattern Recommendation:
I am going to again recommend Purl Soho. Their cross-back apron pattern is FREE and the crossed straps are a super fun detail.
Tips for Beginner Sewers
As you start your sewing journey, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Choose the Right Fabric: When you're just starting out, work with fabrics like cotton that are easy to handle. Avoid slippery or stretchy fabrics until you feel more confident.
Go Slow: Don’t rush through projects. Taking your time will help you avoid mistakes and improve your skills.
Read Patterns Carefully: If you're using a pattern, take time to read through the instructions before you start cutting. This will save you from confusion later on.
Don’t Take Things Too Seriously: You will probably make a mistake or two in your first sewing project (and second, and third…). That’s what seam rippers are for. Don’t stress and don’t get down on yourself. Just do your best to fix the mistake, learn from it and move on. I promise even experienced sewists make mistakes all the time.
Bonus Ideas!
If none of these ideas strike your fancy, here are a few additional projects to consider:
