Five beginner-friendly sewing projects

beginner sewing projects

Simple projects when you’re learning to sew.

Starting your sewing journey can be both exciting and a little intimidating – but don’t worry, you don’t need to tackle complex patterns right away. With just the basics under your belt, you can create fun, functional items that build confidence and teach core sewing skills.

beginner sewing projects bag

1. Reversible, Lined Shopping Bag

At my beginner sewing classes, I teach how to sew a lined, reversible shopping bag.  Perfect for carrying groceries, books, sewing supplies, gym gear, and much more, this practical and extremely sturdy tote bag is a great, beginner friendly sewing project.  All seams are contained. It’s got handy pockets for your phone, keys, and other essentials.  Best of all, it’s reversible so you get two looks in one!

  • Skills learned: Straight stitching, sewing corners, outer and lining construction, topstitching, sewing and inserting a handle.
  • Tip: Choose sturdy cotton or canvas for one side and a fun print for the other.

beginner sewing projects cushion cover

2. Envelope Cushion Cover

Home décor meets beginner sewing! A cushion cover with an envelope back means no zips or buttons – just two overlapping panels. This project is ideal for practising accurate cutting and sewing straight seams.

  • Skills learned: Measuring, hemming, back panel overlap.
  • Bonus: Change the vibe of a room with different fabrics.

beginner sewing projects over shoulder bag

3. Over-the-Shoulder Bag

Stylish, practical, and surprisingly simple to make, an over-the-shoulder bag is a great project for beginners. Choose a casual cotton for everyday use or elevate it with a luxe fabric for evenings. You’ll learn how to sew straps, navigate curves, and turn a lined item right-side out. With a fully lined interior and a built-in pocket, it’s a versatile accessory that’s both functional and fashionable.

  • Skills learned: Strap sewing, bag construction, turning out seams
  • Tip: Add a contrasting lining so it’s reversible.

beginner sewing projects drawstring bag

4. Drawstring Bag

From storing toys to carrying gym gear, drawstring bags are endlessly useful. Plus, they help you practise sewing channels and threading cords or ribbons.

  • Skills learned: Sewing casings, finishing edges, threading cords
  • Idea: Make one for travel toiletries or sewing supplies

beginner sewing projects scrunchie

5. Scrunchie

Fun, fast, and endlessly useful, scrunchies are a perfect beginner project for both adults and kids. They’re a great way to use up leftover fabric while learning how to sew with elastic. Scrunchies also make fantastic gifts and can be customised with different fabrics for everyday wear or special occasions.

  • Skills learned: Sewing with elastic, turning tubes, hand stitching
  • Tip: Experiment with different fabric types like cotton, satin, or velvet to see how they affect the look and feel.

Get started. Beginner sewing classes.

If you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start, my Beginner Sewing Classes will guide you guide you step-by-step through the basics of sewing so you can tackle projects like these.  We provide the machines and materials – or bring your own to learn with what you have at home. Sewing is a skill you’ll use for life. Start simple, enjoy the process, and let your creativity grow with every stitch.

All sewing classes are beginner friendly, fun, supportive and hands-on. With a maximum of 4 people per class, there is plenty of time for dedicated, one-on-one attention. Classes are held at my sewing and clothes upcycling workshop in Frenchs Forest on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (near Northern Beaches Hospital).  Private lessons and groups workshops can be held throughout Sydney at a location of your choice.

All classes and workshops are held at my workshop on the Northern Beaches Sydney (near Northern Beaches Hospital).  Private lessons and group workshops available at my workshop or a location of your choice.

Scroll down to view upcoming sewing classes and workshops.

$120.00

A hands-on learn to sew class. Maximum 4 people…

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$120.00

Learn how to use your sewing machine with confi…

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$220.00

A private, one-on-one sewing lesson.

$300.00

A personalised, one-on-one sewing lesson.

$120.00

Fun and hands-on sewing class for kids. 

This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
$150.00

Learn how to sew a top and follow a pattern.

This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
$120.00

A hands-on clothes upcycling workshop. 

This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
$120.00

A hands-on clothes alteration class. 

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$120.00

Start making your own clothes.

Perf…

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