sewing is (not) for babies

beginner sewing projects that don't suck

Mar 14, 2025

*Baby in Wicker Basket,* c. 1840, Joseph Whiting Stock

The first time I sliced through my finger with my sewing machine, I did not have time to find a Band-Aid. You see, I was in the middle of a project. Why would I stop creating to halt the exit of blood from my body? No, I tied a scrap piece of fabric around the cut, and I kept on sewing. Tetanus, be damned!

When a person starts a hobby like sewing, a sort of fervor can overtake them. Some would call it obsession, but I think of it more like a Disease. You become a blood-sucking monster, except the blood is gingham fabric and lace trim. If you are just starting sewing and looking for beginner-friendly projects to satiate your thirst, I have collected some of my favorites below.

if I had hair, I would make a scrunchie

I love an accessory that brings an outfit together. That is why I am always in a beanie or a hat on my Tiktok, because I cannot resist accessorizing (it is not because I am now completely bald, thank you). I imagine that for someone with long and luxurious hair, throwing on a color-coordinating scrunchie would SLAP. The icing on the cake. The cherry on top. If you have hair and feel this way too, then here are some sewing tips I think you’ll find useful:

I followed this tutorial via Notches Sewing
I fabricated some patchwork to use instead of plain fabric and it worked like a charm! (my patchwork zine is available digitally here).
You can use many different types of fabric, but Satin is best for your hair!
I gave mine to my friend Nicholle and she loved them!

more ties please and thank you

Maybe there are lots of tie sewing patterns on the internet, but I have never seen one. Nor have I made one. But can it be that hard? I just like the idea of making one. Low effort, high reward.

I really admire the work that they are doing over at FreeSewing.Org, so I am linking The Trayvon Tie for us to try out. I’ll keep you posted.

The Trayvon Tie via FreeSewing

circle skirts are just circles

If I was someone that wore skirts (maybe some day), then I would already have made 10 of these. Circle Skirts are a good combination of a simple technique and a big payoff. You get a flowy garment to wear around! A win-win, totally.

every outfit needs a matching belt

A CUTE LITTLE BELT!?! All I need in life is a coordinating belt. Like imagine you made a circle skirt and used a matching fabric for this project? This is a great option for learning about interfacing and adding a zipper. You can do it!

The Bernie Belt Bag from Friday Pattern Co.

more than just a basic tote bag

I feel like when someone makes a list about beginner sewing projects, there is always a tote bag. These bags have something a bit extra, they have a little PIZZAZZ.

Saturn Sling Bag by gracomakes