Fun, Easy Beginner Sewing Projects
Learn to Sew by Making Bags, Cozies and Other Interesting Items
Mar 14, 2008
Beginner sewers looking for suitable projects often find the huge choice available overwhelming. There are some beautiful sewing projects that include many different techniques; however, these can be challenging for someone starting out. While it is tempting to start with a challenging project, it can result in disappointment and potentially waste precious time and money. It also risks putting someone off the craft of sewing for life.
This doesn't mean that beginner sewing projects need be boring. The days of hand sewing samplers is long gone; now different techniques and needlecrafts can be explored while producing useful or decorative items. The range of small and accessible items that are easy to sew is extensive, and with a bit of thought a whole tranche of suitable projects for beginners can be found. There are many free sewing patterns on the internet that can help to provide inspiration. Here are some other ideas:
- Tea and egg cozies are very 'in' at the moment. A look through some of the contemporary designer household accessory brochures will show ranges of cozies that are expensive to buy, yet are so simple to sew. Egg cozies are great fun to make; they are small and quick to finish yet can be decorated and adorned with almost endless variations. Cozies look great when decorated with embroidery or adorned with some beads. They are also cute when sewn to look like animals and characters. These can be made using just a few basic hand sewing stitches and non fraying fabric such as felt makes these quick to sew.
- Baby Shoes and slippers are quick and easy to make. These make wonderful gifts and can be sewn in a range of different colors. Baby shoes are ideal for making out of felt. Keeping the seam on the outside makes the inside of the shoe cozy for little feet, and the outside seam can be turned into a design feature. This makes slippers and baby shoes perfect for hand sewing and practicing some embroidery.
- Small adornments for bags or clothes can be created using odds and ends of fabrics. These are useful ways to brighten up an outfit or to add a touch of glamor. Adornments can include simple patches that are embroidered and fancy corsages made from flowers. These can use a variety of techniques including needlefelting.
- Soft toys or softies are easy to sew by hand or by machine. They are excellent projects for beginners as they can be sewn from many different fabrics. The trend is for soft toys with individual and unusual faces and characters, meaning that a misplaced eye or slightly wobbly nose simply adds to the uniqueness of the toy. Creative sewers might like to have a go at turning old socks or gloves into toys, and this is a good way to recycle and repurpose items while also providing a free supply of sewing fabric.
- Shopping bags are a simple shape with many straight lines. This means that they are great for people looking to develop their sewing skills. Reusable or fabric shopping bags are also kind to the environment and are a popular seller at craft markets.
Beginner Sewing Project Tips
- Pick projects that are going to be quick to finish. This gives a sense of achievement and builds up confidence before the beginner moves onto more complex projects.
- Break down a project into individual steps. This makes even the most advanced project seem more achievable.
- Take a look on the Internet for great free needlecraft tutorials and workshops. There are also many free sewing patterns readily available for download.
