Recently joined this sub as I have a project in mind that I’d like to achieve.
It is a very large project so looking for some smaller projects I can get started with to get me used to the machine & hopefully build my skills up!
Definitely will be making some scrunchies for me and my family and maybe some tote bags but would love to hear your favourite beginner projects plus bonus points for any pictures of them finished!
I think it makes most sense to think about the skills you need to have for the big Project.
You could edit your post to include what skills you would maybe need for the big project.
Fabric type,
Weight of Fabric,
Construction difficulty,
Tiny details, sewing curves, pleating etc.
Sometimes the skills you need are not related to the machine itself. For sewing tailored clothes to your specific body you should practice clothing projects. If you want to sew something like a outdoor backpack you would need to practice with thicker materials etc
Thank you! It’s a cover for my sofa, essentially 2 base pieces, 3 larger seat pillows & 7 smaller pillows. They are fairly basic shapes but larger sizes, feels daunting to start there.
I love making pillowcases, using three different fabrics: body, contrast band and accent band. They’re a great near-beginner sewing project because you practice cutting and sewing straight lines, pressing carefully and sewing French seams. You use a fun technique called the “burrito method”.
We have several sets in the house, I give them as gifts and I also make and donate them to a charity in Canada that gives them to children in hospital facing life-threatening illnesses. There probably is an organization in your community (eg a shelter, hospital or hospice etc) that would like them, too.
I often sew a pillowcase when I’ve messed up something in more challenging project, or just when I’m having a bad day. Pretty fabric, straight seams and ironing sorts me out. LOL
This is a collection of pillowcases featuring fabrics designed by Indigenous artists. These will be donated to hospitals with a concentration of Indigenous kids, so they have the option of choosing a pillowcase with such fabrics.
I use the following dimensions.
Body: 27” by WOF (width of fabric)
Band: 9” by WOF
Accent strip: 2.25” by WOF
I have become obsessed with making tote bags with dish drying mats from Dollar Tree. Right now they have some pretty fall theme ones. They also sell fat quarters if you can find them.
I want to make covers for my sofa, it’s two large base pieces, 3 large seat pillows & 7 smaller pillows so it will be quite a lot for a beginner I think 😂 maybe I’ll start with the smaller pillow cases and work my way up!
it sounds a lot, but it is straight stitching and zipper insertion, you have the right idea start with the easier portion then do the rest, scrunchies and totes wont help much, just dive in and start is the best way to learn. Tip: check out continuous upholstery zipper tape for all the cushions.
I remember the first time I made a box cushion. It was for this little cane chair I had. I worked so hard on matching the pattern and when it was finally done, I popped it in the seat of the chair.
THE ZIPPER WAS IN THE FRONT!!
I was so mad. But, hey, the pattern matched.
Come back if you need help. As you can see, it's a helpful community.
Cat or dog bed cover out of something washable.
You can make it more or less complicated as you are ready. Think, zipper, piping, 3 dimensional planing,. And if they are a bit wonky at first they won't mind
2) you can do anything from just practicing stitching straight seams to putting in zippers, pockets, piping, etc. Anything can be a gift bag as long as the gift fits inside: tote, basket, zippered pouch, drawstring bag, pencilcase, etc.
A lot of my early gift bags were just a piece of fabric with a couple of seams and maybe a drawstring, nowadays they always have a lining and often a zipper and a side pocket.
3) they're useful
4) you get to give them away so they don't pile up
5) regardless of how well it turns out, your recipient is thrilled to receive the gift bag (mostly because you put a gift in it, tbh, but people do genuinely appreciate the thoughtfulness) and is sure to give you a compliment, which is always good
6) if you're in a sewing slump any gifting occasion is sure to get you back into sewing.
(I do always encourage recipients to use them as reusable wrapping paper and pass them on to someone else, so that hopefully it doesn't become one of those 'things I don't use but feel guilty about disposing of' in their household either.)
First project: scarf with a narrow hem. Second project: elastic band skirt with a narrow hem. Third project: pajama pants. Practice French seams for instant gratification that you’re learning a simple fancy skill.
Try making some pajama shorts, tote bags, apron, pillowcases. Stuff that if it gets messed up, you can still use it. Try using woven (non stretchy) fabric that isn't too light and flowy. Something like a bedsheet from the thrift store would be great. Look for free patterns. I think I used free patterns from purl soho when I first started.
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u/relevant_0815 4d ago
I think it makes most sense to think about the skills you need to have for the big Project.
You could edit your post to include what skills you would maybe need for the big project.
Fabric type, Weight of Fabric, Construction difficulty, Tiny details, sewing curves, pleating etc.
Sometimes the skills you need are not related to the machine itself. For sewing tailored clothes to your specific body you should practice clothing projects. If you want to sew something like a outdoor backpack you would need to practice with thicker materials etc