simple sewing :: tutorials for beginners

Before I started sewing, I’d hear people say, “If you can sew a straight line, you can sew this.” And they’d hold up what seemed like an incredibly intricately sewn item and smile. I’d ooh and aah over their creation and think, “If only I could sew a straight line…” But now that I’ve been sewing a while, guess what I keep hearing myself say? Yep. But guess what else? When somebody says that (or at least when I say it), they don’t actually mean a straight line. My “straight lines” often look a little squiggly and not always straight up and down. Most sewing machines do have little marks on them to help you keep it all lined up but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. And that’s okay! So you can stop being afraid of straight lines and start with easy projects. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite easy sew tutorials that are easy enough for beginners and still useful for folks who’ve been sewing for a while.

1. This Toiletry Carrier tutorial from Heidi is as simple as it gets. All you need (besides your sewing equipment) is a washcloth and some ribbon.

2. This Travel Crayon Carrier from Haberdashery Fun is similar to the toiletry carrier, but you start with fabric rather than a washcloth. But it’s still not hard! And kids love these things! My kids all have them and are perfect for when you’re on the go.

3. Do you know someone who sews? Ask them for scraps (I promise they have some!) and get to work on these Decorative Dishtowels from Twirl Blog. It doesn’t take much fabric at all, it’s simple, and it’ll brighten up your kitchen! Win-win-win!

4. While we’re talking dish towels, did you know that you can make an apron from a dishtowel? I have several half-aprons that all I did was add a little ribbon to the edges so that I could tie them around my waist but these full-length Dish Towel Aprons from ThenSheMade are almost as simple as that.

5. When I first started sewing, clothes intimidated me the most but making a Simple Skirt like the ones shown here on MADE are some of the simplest things you’ll ever make. These detailed instructions are very user-friendly and she offers guidance on how to make several variations.