30 Free Sewing Patterns That Are Perfect For an Absolute Beginner
Did you know that people who sew are happier, less stressed, and save money? Join the community of people who sew and learn for yourself. Here are 30 free sewing patterns with easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorials and free templates (if needed). Most of them will help you save money too!
All you need to get started is:
- a sewing machine
- some fabric
- courage to try!
One Yard Magic Messenger Bag Pattern
Learn how to sew an easy messenger bag with just one yard of fabric. This easy messenger bag sewing pattern is perfect for a beginner learning how to sew, or someone who just wants to make a a fast and easy bag!
Pocket Tissue Holder
Learn how to sew easy covers for pocket-size tissue packages. These have a hanging loop and are awesome for keeping in your purse, car, bedroom, office, bathroom, or anywhere you would need a tissue.
Easy Dog Bandana
Dog Bandanas make the best beginner sewing project because they are easy and fun and your fur baby will think it’s perfect no matter what! Check out this free dog bandana sewing pattern that includes 3 sizes: small, medium, and large.
If you don’t have a sewing machine yet, see the Best Sewing Machines for a Beginner.
Drawstring Gift Bags from Cotton Fabric
Sew small drawstring bags with ribbon ties in two different sizes. The pattern includes a larger bag that is approximately 9 1/2’’ tall and 9’’ wide and a smaller bag that is approximately 5” x 4”. These cute bags are perfect for holding gifts and treasures.
One-Yard Apron Sewing Pattern
I have seen a LOT of free apron patterns, but by far the easiest and most popular one is my 1 Yard Magic Free Apron Pattern. You’ll be sewing aprons for all your friends (well, as many friends as you have yards of fabric!).
Easy Fabric Wallets
I love a little wallet that I can slip in my back pocket and not carry a purse. This pattern fits the bill, plus there’s more. You will be surprised to see two separate compartments inside.
Super Easy Basket Pattern
Sew a fast and easy fabric basket that’s reversible too. Make a basket with 10” layer cake squares or from leftover pieces of fabrics and a little fusible interfacing. This free pattern requires simple straight line sewing which makes it a perfect beginner’s project. Who doesn’t need a few reversible fabric baskets to use at your desk or near your sewing machine?
Easy One Yard Pillowcase Pattern
Learn how to sew a pillowcase with exactly one yard of fabric and no waste! This super easy pillowcase tutorial is perfect for beginners or for charity sewing because it is the fastest pillowcase pattern you will ever see.
Microwavable Soup Bowl Cozies
Everyone loves using soup bowl cozies, and lucky for us, they are just so easy to sew! My free bowl cozy tutorial includes three different sizes. Have fun making this great gift for everyone you know.
Simple Fabric Dolls
Learn how to sew the most adorable fabric dolls! When I came across ragdoll fabric panels from South Korean artist Jae Sun, I had to make a whole litter of plush cats. This easy sewing project is perfect for teaching kids how to sew.
One Yard Magic Hobo Bag
Learn to sew a one-yard hobo bag! This free sewing pattern that requires only 1 yard of fabric uses home decor weight fabric so you don’t have to worry about fusible stabilizer or a lining. It makes a great shopping bag or bag to carry books or clothes.
Easy Lanyard
This pretty double-sided lanyard is an easy sewing project. You can use two coordinating fabrics to make this lanyard twice as nice. Start sewing fabric strips with straight and zigzag seams. You will learn how to topstitch and backstitch, too, in this free sewing tutorial.
Cork Fabric Card Wallet
Cork fabric is actually very easy to sew with because you don’t have to finish any seams. Make some darling cork fabric card wallets that everyone will be impressed with! Since cork fabric doesn’t require a lining either, these cork wallets are sooo fast and easy to sew.
Super Simple Tote Bag
This is the easiest tote bag pattern you’ll find! It has simple straight seams and doesn’t require any fancy materials besides fabric and thread.
Easy Drawstring Backpack Pattern
Every sewing newbie must try making this easy-peasy drawstring backpack. From the casings to the loops to the drawstrings, this backpack is an all-fabric pattern that you can make with just one fabric or more if you have lots of them.
Folded Fabric Coasters and Potholders
Sew up some cute coasters to protect your furniture and use up fabric scraps! This free sewing tutorial also includes a matching potholder pattern. This sewing project is easy for any beginner and makes great holiday gifts.
Pet Cage Comforter Tutorial
Animal shelters and veterinary clinics would love to have cage comforters sewn from your scraps! Or make one for your own adorable pet. This blanket will provide a soft bed and a sense of security for any pet. A pillowcase could be used as the foundation of this project. Try a piece of fleece or flannel as the batting. A towel could also serve as the filling. Sew cage comforters today.
DIY Tiny Quilt Magnets
Less than 2” tall, this DIY tiny quilt magnet is a fun, easy, and quick sewing and craft project. Beginners often avoid small projects, but you will want to try these little half-square triangles. Even beginner sewists soon acquire a few scraps that are perfect for these little gems. Stick them on your fridge, dishwasher, bulletin board, or everywhere else, and see how decorative they are. Make some for your friends while you are at it.
Learn to Sew A Pet Leash
Here’s a wonderful project for sewers who have pets at home. Sewing this leash made from quilt scraps is a good way to practice basic sewing skills. You will love how quickly you improve your straight line sewing skills. You can finish this in less than an hour, too. Expand your pet’s wardrobe by sewing a matching collar.
Kids Pajama Pants
Learn how to sew cute kids’ pajama pants with my free and easy pattern! It has an elastic waist and guess what? No hemming! You can use quilting cotton, knit fabric, flannel, or even fleece with this design that uses just one pattern piece. When my kids were little I used it to sew all their Christmas jammies!
Easy Journaling Bookmark and Pen Holder
This DIY journaling bookmark with a pencil holder is the perfect gift for young writers. Make them quickly using jelly roll strips. They can be embellished with embroidery or beading. Add a button for another fun embellishment. This new tutorial is practical and so quick and easy to make.
Simple Zipper Pouch Pattern
Look no further for a free and easy zipper pouch pattern perfect for holding money and credit cards, school supplies, cosmetics, and more! This pattern includes free templates to make 2 different sizes of pouches, plus a step-by-step zipper tutorial than anyone can follow.
DIY Infinity Scarf
This DIY Infinity Scarf uses just half a yard of fabric. I made mine from voile but you could use any lightweight to midweight cotton like linen or chambray. Jersey or a double knit fabric would also be a good fabric choice. It makes a fashionable accessory that you can wear anywhere. Sewing French seams and a ¼” hem can be super easy after all. This tutorial is a great way to start your sewing journey!
Tiny Pouch Tutorial
Sew an easy tiny pouch with a snap that’s perfect for saying ‘thank you’ or paying it forward with a bit of kindness. This easy sewing project will make you not want to stop until you have 100!
Scrunchies
Scrunchies are one of the first things I ever sewed! They’ve been the go to ponytail holder for many of us over the years. And they’re back. Learn how to make easy scrunchies with a cute tie.
Easy Tied Patchwork Quilt Tutorial
Do you have 5 minutes to make a baby quilt? Okay, you’ll need more than 5 minutes, but this super easy baby quilt can easily be sewn in an afternoon. Nantucket Patchwork Plaid fabric has the patchwork already done for you! This is a good project to use easy straight line quilting.
Tea Towels Made from Fat Quarters of Fabric
The tutorial for these easy fat quarter tea towels is a perfect sewing pattern for beginners. With just two fat quarters and some pearl cotton, you can make this cute towel in just a few minutes. Use vibrant colored fabrics to brighten up your kitchen. Add some decorative trim like rickrack to dress these up a bit. Pretty tea towels are not just accessories for your kitchen decor, but you will use them as well.
DIY Rice Bag Heating Pad Tutorial
Turn your hugs into a gift with this DIY heating pad. When microwaved for 1-2 minutes, it gives the right warmth to the neck or shoulders. It helps relieve stress by relaxing tired muscles and easing tension. The clear step-by-step instructions will walk you through this project. It is as easy as any sewing pattern for beginners can be.
Canvas Book Bags
This canvas book bag is perfect for your ‘grab and go’ stash of reading materials. It also has small pockets on the sides so you can carry other important items. With this tutorial, mixing inexpensive natural cotton duck fabric with colorful fabric prints is fun and easy.
Christmas Tree Potholder
This tree-shaped potholder pattern has step-by-step instructions and helpful photos so you can see how to do everything. Christmas tree hot pads make great gifts anyone would be pleased to get. They will also look great in your own kitchen.
More from SewCanShe
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1 Yard Magic: 50 Free Sewing Patterns You Can Make with Only a Yard of Fabric
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