17 Free Sewing Projects and Tutorials
Sewing doesn’t have to be pricey, you don’t need the most expensive patterns, along with the most expensive fabric. In fact most projects can be made from fabric scraps and tutorials are readily available online free of cost.
I have curated a small 17 point list of free sewing projects along with their tutorials.
17 Free Sewing Projects and Tutorials
1. Reusable Fabric Gift Bags
A sustainable alternative to wrapping paper. Basically just fabric sacks. Use fabric with different patterns and colors and make different sizes too. Here is a fab video tutorial to get you started
2. Scrunchies
Quick and cute, can also be made with fabric scraps. So many different ways to make them. Try this tutorial I made: How to Make Scrunchie Without Hand Sewing
3. Fabric Bookmarks
Fabric bookmarks make great gifts for book lovers. Add tassels, lace or charms. They are so easy to personalise. Check out this tutorial for help
4. Drawstring Pouches
Whilst not the same as the fabric wrapping paper, a similar idea but on a smaller scale and easy to customise in any size.
Check out this tutorial for help
5. Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Soft flannel circles or sqaures that are eco-friendly and washable. Also make a great gift.
6. Fabric Headbands
A twisted head band looks complicated to make, but it’s actually really simple. Here’s my tutorial:
How To Sew A Twisted Headband Sewing Pattern | Free | For Beginners
7. Envelope Cushion Covers
No zippers required! A great beginner sewing project. I made a tutorial that is easy to follow
How to make an Envelope Pillowcase in under 10 Minutes!
8. Fabric Coasters
These sell great and are so unique. Here is a simple to follow fabric coaster tutorial.
9. Simple Tote Bag
A simple tote bag is a standard beginner sewing project. I have made lots and made tutorials to match. Check them out here
How To Make A Ruffle Tote Bag | Instructions
10. Zipper Pouch
Like the drawstring pouch, a zipper pouch is a great project, it teaches you how to add zips in a beginner friendly way. Here is a tutorial
11. Baby Bibs
These make great gifts to make for baby shower gifts and they sell well at markets too. This is great practice for beginners as you can experiment with different textures and fabric types
12. Fabric Keychains
Made from scrappy fabric bits and easy to personalise.
13. Reusable Snack Bags
Similar to the other pouches but can be made with water proof fabrics or beeswax wraps.
14. Apron from Old Clothes
Aprons don’t have to be made from new fabric, Upcycle old dresses and shirts for this project.
If you want to make a simple apron, try this tutorial, it’s a nice apron that isn’t too complicated for beginners. Tutorial here
15. Fabric Plant Pot Covers
I have made so many of these, yet I’m still to make a tutorial. Ceramic pots can be expensive, these are inexpensive and can be easily customised.
16. Sleep Mask
If you are making someone a gift basket and eye mask is always a nice touch.
Here is a beginner tutorial
17. Patchwork Fabric Basket
Using scraps you can create a structures basket. There are actually expensive to buy but not too hard to make.
Here is my fave tutorial to follow
Why Free Projects Are Perfect
- Great for beginners
- No pressure if you make mistakes
- Perfect for using scrap fabric
- Quick to finishusually
- Wonderful for handmade gifts
Final Thoughts…
If you are a beginner to sewing and not sure what you want to sew. Just choose something from the list and go for it!
