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ByHeather Handmade
Get ideas to sew with these fun small sewing projects. These beginner sewing projects save time and fabric!
Sometimes I like to jump into a big sewing project that has lots of steps and takes me a lot of time. I rarely have time for projects like that, so it’s always nice to have to some small sewing projects to make that don’t take a lot of time or fabric.
These are some great ideas for small sewing projects. Some of them have free sewing patterns and some of them are simple rectangles and straight lines. Some of these use woven fabric, and some of these use knit fabric. Which is your favorite?
Do you love to sew? Try one of these sewing projects:
- Sewing projects to sell
- Beginner sewing projects
- 30 minute sewing projects
- Scrap fabric sewing projects
- Use fabric scraps for any sewing project
What fabric works best for small sewing projects?
When you want to work on something small, the best fabric is fabric that is easy to cut and easy to sew. Fabrics that fall in this category are quilting cotton, flannel, polar fleece, sweatshirt fleece, and cotton spandex jersey. I often have smaller cuts of fabric of all of these fabrics, so I can use them to make small projects.
What is a PDF sewing pattern?
A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.
I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!
How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?
Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.
Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.
Small Sewing Projects
Get ideas to sew with these fun small sewing projects. These beginner sewing projects save time and fabric!
1
How to Sew a Zipper Pouch
Learn how to sew a zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This easy sewing project is great for beginners and makes a great handmade gift!
2
Free Casserole Hot Pad Pattern
Learn how to make a casserole hot pad with a free sewing pattern. This large hot pad protects surfaces and makes a great handmade gift.
3
Free Chapstick Holder Keychain Sewing Pattern
With this free chapstick holder keychain pattern, make a cute keychain to hold your lip balm or chapstick to clip onto your purse or backpack.
4
Free Dog Bandana Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a dog accessory with a free dog bandana sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is a great way to use up fabric scraps!
5
DIY Mouse Pad
Decorate your office with this easy DIY mouse pad with your favorite fabric. It would make a great back to school project or a great gift idea!
6
How to Sew a Mug Cozy
Learn how to sew a mug cozy for the perfect fall accessory. Use quilting cotton for an easy beginner sewing project that makes a great handmade gift!
7
Free Baby Bandana Bib Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a baby bandana bib with a free sewing pattern. These drool baby bibs are cute to wear and easy to make.
8
Heart Zipper Pouch Tutorial
Learn how to make a heart zipper pouch with this easy sewing tutorial. This beginner sewing project is a great handmade gift idea.
9
Free Bow Tie Sewing Pattern for Kids
Learn how to make a child bow tie with this free bow tie pattern. It’s a faux tie version and comes in three styles and three sizes.
10
How to Sew a Key Fob
Learn how to sew a key fob with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is a great handmade gift that uses scrap fabric.
11
How to Make DIY Reusable Cotton Rounds
Make use of all those organic cotton scraps of fabric by easily sewing or serging them into DIY reusable cotton rounds. They are great for removing make up!
12
How to Sew a Drawstring Bag
Learn how to sew a drawstring bag with a free drawstring bag sewing pattern. It can be changed to any size, and it can hold so many different things.
13
Free Baby Burp Cloth Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a baby burp cloth with a free sewing pattern. New moms always need several so this easy sewing project makes a great gift!
14
Free Ball Sewing Pattern
Learn how to sew a ball or sphere with a free ball sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is great for little kids or pets to play with!
Sew a Sunglasses Case
Learn how to sew a sunglasses case with a free sewing pattern! Keep your sunglasses case safe in your bag with a beginner sewing project!
16
Small Circle Zipper Pouch Tutorial
Learn how to sew a small circle zipper pouch with a free sewing pattern. This easy sewing project can clip onto a bag or keys!
17
How to Make a Bowl Cozy
Learn how to make a bowl cozy with batting and fabric scraps. Bowl cozies are quick and easy to make and they are great handmade gifts.
18
Free Baby Bib Sewing Pattern
Learn how to sew a baby bib with or without a pocket with a free sewing pattern. Use quilting cotton or laminated cotton for two different bibs!
19
Sew Four Easy Bookmarks
Learn how to sew four easy bookmarks with a free sewing pattern. Use scraps of fabric for a quick beginner sewing project to encourage reading!
20
Easy DIY Pencil Pouch
Learn how to sew an easy DIY pencil pouch with scraps of fabric, a zipper, and a free sewing pattern. This is a great beginner sewing project!
21
How to Make DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Learn how to make DIY reusable makeup remover pads to help you save money and create less waste. It’s a great scrap fabric sewing project!
22
Free Gift Card Holder Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a gift card holder with a free sewing pattern. These look like Christmas tags and can hold a gift card or tiny card and envelope!
23
Free Scrunchie Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a DIY scrunchie with a free printable scrunchie PDF sewing pattern. Use cotton or silk for an easy sewing project!
24
DIY Reusable Water Balloons
Learn how to make DIY reusable water balloons using sponges and scraps of fleece fabric. It’s a quick summer sewing project that is fun to play with!
25
Free Headband Sewing Patterns
Learn how to make a headband with one of these free headband PDF sewing patterns. This beginner sewing project comes in five styles and five sizes!
26
Free Ear Warmer Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a warm gift with this free ear warmer sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is comfortable because of the shaping.
27
Free Popsicle Holder Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a popsicle holder with a free sewing pattern. There’s a mermaid tail, shark, sword hilt, and a simple rectangle.
28
Free Slipper Sewing Pattern for Kids
Learn how to make slippers for kids with a free PDF sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is great for using up fleece fabric scraps!
29
How to Sew DIY Hand Warmers
Learn how to sew DIY hand warmers with flannel fabric. It’s easy to make several, fill them up with rice, and give them as handmade gifts.
30
How to Sew a Mug Rug
Learn how to sew a mug rug with scraps of fabric. Use a free sewing pattern and a beautiful print for a unique handmade gift.
31
How to Sew a Twisted Headband: Two Ways
Learn how to sew a twisted headband two different ways. Use knit fabric for a quick and easy sewing project that makes a great gift!
32
How to Sew a Coaster
Learn how to sew a coaster with a free sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is a great handmade gift that uses up your scrap fabric.
If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag#heatherhandmadeand tag me!
