Are you looking for your first projects for beginner sewists? Have you been inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee and are just taking your first steps into sewing? Then the first things you’ll need are some first projects to get your teeth into and start to build on your skills.
We have scoured the internet for you and have found some great FREE first project for you to try. We have tried to find a range of projects, from dressmaking to crafting so, no matter what takes your fancy, you will find an easy project for you.
Easy Circle Skirt from Fleece Fun
One of the common reasons to learn to sew is to make things for children. This super easy Circle Skirt comes in as sizes from 2 to 12 and is a great quick sew using knits. It’s a very versatile pattern that would look cute sewn up in so many fabrics.
Puff Quilt from The Stitch Sisters

As a first and easy quilt, the Puff Quilt is perfect! Use fat quarters or scraps to produce a unique and beautiful quilt. It’s so easy and fun to make! [Edit: this class is no longer free but is still available to purchase.]
Easy Fabric Gift Bag Tutorial from Alanda Craft

These little gift bags are a great use of your sewing skills and they don’t need much fabric. This tutorial from Alanda Craft shows you how to make your own in step-by-step instructions.
Jersey Headbands from The Stitch Sisters
Headbands are the perfect way to use up small scraps of jersey and we love making them in all sorts of different colours and patterns. Watch our Youtube tutorial on how to make yours.
Hexagon Zipper Pouch by Joyful Bunny
Little bags and pouches are a great way to increase your sewing skills, especially if they have a zip or closure involved. These super cute hexagon pouches would also make a great gift.
Clasp Purse from The Stitch Sisters

Here is another of our Online Classes and again this one is completely free. make your own Clasp Purse and we promise that you will want to make many, many more. [Edit: this class is no longer free but is still available to purchase.]
Oilcloth Lunch Bag from Happiest Camper

Trying a different type of fabric is part of learning how to sew. Oilcloth is a laminated fabric that is wipeable, so perfect for things like aprons, tote bags, and lunch bags. It’s easily available in most fabric shops and also online.
Fabric Baskets (Quilt As You Go) from The Stitch Sisters
Our Fabric Baskets are a good introduction to the Quilt As You Go technique, but we will warn you it’s highly addictive! You can use this process to make all kinds of things but our basket class is a great simple introduction. [Edit: this class is no longer free but is still available to purchase.]
Make A Pillowcase from Polkadotchair
Pillowcases and cushions are another sew that mainly involves straight lines, so perfect for the beginner! You can make decoratives ones for the home and use some fun and colorful fabrics.
Sew Easy Big Tote Bag from SewCanShe
Bags are another of those makes, that once you make one you will need to make many more. Start with a simple tote bag shape and move on to more complex designs from there.
We hope you love all of our suggestions for first projects for Beginner Sewists. Remember if you need to go back to the very beginning, then our FREE Learn to Sew Online Class is the perfect place to start.
Happy Sewing!
Nikki & Rachel
Good suggestions, all. Thanks. I think the link to the oilcloth lunch bags goes to the wrong place.
Thanks Gem
apologies for that – I’ve changed it now!