Kids Can Sew This! 33 Ideal Beginner Patterns
The following sewing patterns are free and tailored for kids. There are projects for the home, for gifts, and for regular use. You will find helpful photos and easy-to-follow instructions. I know you will find several projects that you will love.
If you are just getting started with sewing, welcome! I am excited for you, and I hope you keep learning this fabulous art skill. I would love to see your projects; tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe to show me your beginner skills!
An Easy DIY Tote Bag
Halloween treat bags like this one are super fast and easy to sew! Just grab 1/2 yard cute Halloween fabric with pumpkins, ghosts and ghouls, or spooky bats for the exterior and any other 1/2 yard for the lining! Another option, of course, is to make the same style with a different cute fabric for any occasion.
Easy Teddy Bears or Plush Dolls
You can let a child trace their own teddy bear or other stuffed toy (like I did years ago). Or, I have a tutorial for sewing plush cat dolls using fabric panels. You can use these instructions for any doll panel or cotton fabric. Softies like these make great Christmas gifts for kids to give siblings and classmates.
Easy Bow Scrunchies
I used to make scrunchies to match my dresses! These hair ties are back in style again and perfect for learning how to sew. They are foundational for other elastic sewing patterns because they help you understand how to let the fabric be free, and the elastic be stretchy.
Simple Kids Doll Skirt
With just a little bit of fabric and elastic, your kid can sew a doll skirt – then they can make a big skirt using the same technique! Do you think matching is as fun as I do? I still like to match with my sister.
Easy Sheep Softie
This free sheep softie pattern is so much fun, fast, and easy to sew. The simple shapes would make it a great sewing project for kids, and the size makes it perfect for hugging.
One-Yard Magic Apron
Beginners can learn to sew a beautiful apron to share as a gift or protect their clothes while cooking, and who doesn’t have a yard of fabric? I love the large pockets; they are great for holding a towel or my phone.
Easy Dog Bandana
There is nothing complicated about this project, and your fur baby will not be picky about any crooked seams! 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.
Kid Boo-boo Bags
Boo Boo Bags are like bean bags (which you can also make), but they are filled with rice and can be heated or cooled for comfort. You can even sprinkle lavender oil on the rice for a special touch. This is a great way to teach kids how to sew right sides together, leave an opening, and turn the project right side out.
Adorable Owl Family
Have you ever sewn something that makes you so excited that you just want to sew another and another? Watch that happen to your kids when you make some adorable owls. Sewing buttons for eyes is also a great sill!
Eco-Friendly Un-Paper Towels
Un-paper towels is something I used to teach my children. The pattern has you add snaps to roll them all together – but we mostly ended up using them like washcloths. However you sew them, you’ll have something useful at the end.
Easy Card Wallet with a Snap
Give kids a place to carry gift cards from grandparents, and cash too. This free pattern fits the bill, plus there’s a bonus…you will be surprised to see two separate compartments inside!
Throw Pillows
Photo fabric throw pillows are so cute to have around the house, or to gift to grandparents or friends. Throw pillows are like the boo boo bags in that they will be sewn right sides together leaving a space for filling.
Pocket Tissue Pack Covers
Sew simple covers for pocket-size tissue packs. These have a hanging loop and are awesome for keeping in your purse, car, bedroom, office, bathroom, or backpack. You can also use them to hold doggie mess bags!
Free Drawstring Backpack Pattern
It’s so rewarding to sew a drawstring backpack and wear it to a friend’s house. This is a great sewing project for kids to make.
A Perfect Pillowcase
Here is another useful item that is so easy! All you need is one yard of fabric for this easy pillowcase pattern. This is a great project to teach sewing a straight line!
Simple Unisex Messenger Bag
Tote bags are a super project for teaching kids to sew, plus it gives them a way to store and organize other crafting items. This super simple messenger bag pattern takes less than a yard of fabric and is really just a bag with a strap – but it’s so cute!
Kids Pants
With my free kids pants pattern (in kids’ sizes 12 months to 10). You can make pants using any material with only one pattern piece. I used this pattern to make my kids’ Christmas PJ pants for years.
Bunny Treat Bags
Darling Bunny Treat Bags are easy to sew for Valentine’s, Easter, spring parties, or anyone who loves animals. The pattern is very easy and uses only 5” squares of fabric!
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. (Layer cake squares are a pre-cut fabric package.) This free pattern requires simple straight-line sewing, which makes it a perfect kids project.
Patchwork Drawstring Bag Pattern
Melissa at Polka Dot Chair shares a charming patchwork drawstring bag pattern using pre-cut squares. The finished size is approximately 13” x 18”. Start learning ways to use up your scraps with this project.
Hexagon Trivet
If you want to sew a gift, or something useful for your home try these cute potholders. You can make them out of scraps too!
Tied Nine Patch Blanket
Nine patch refers to a square made from nine pieces. If you’re new to quilting this is a great place to start because it’s more straight lines and no complicated seams. This beginner quilt pattern shows you how to tie the layers together instead of quilting them. Made for kids, by kids!
Easy Bento Box with Handles
This easy bento box is a great way to carry your containers of food to school or work. I hate it when my containers are bigger than my bag, and I don’t love plastic bags so much. This project solves that problem since I can tie the material around any container.
Overnight Pillow with a Pocket
An overnight pillow is a great project for a kids gift or something to take on trips or even for your own sleep-overs. Get your favorite fleece print (cotton is fine too) and try this cute project.
Pillowcase 18″ Doll Dress
Make an outfit for your 18″ doll and trim it with ribbon. Then make a matching dress for the doll’s owner! I already told you how much I love matching my sis.
DIY Produce Bag
Sew something that’s easy, but also reusable and responsible! I love teaching my children to make things that are super functional. Here’s a pattern for reusable produce bags.
One-of-a-Kind Fabric Binder Cover
This excellent kids tutorial is fun and the outcome is really rewarding. I hope you love this binder cover pattern.
Easy Snappy Pouch
I love using what I sew! I hope you love this snappy tote as much as I do.
Easy Table Runner
Display your lovely work on your table for the season! Sew a table runner as your next beginner project.
Dish Towels
Add some originality and keep your towels in place with this beginner sewing project. Gift them to your mom for Mother’s Day!
Patchwork Print Quilt
This patchwork quilt is printed to look like the squares were sewn together, significantly cutting down on the time it takes to sew. You can choose a printed pattern that you love to practice quilting. Although, I think you could also start quilting with pieces.
Easy Panel Quilt
Pick out your favorite panel and add a border! In my free easy quilt pattern I show you how easy it is to make a lap/baby quilt with beautiful stars in each corner.
Easy Leggings
You should try your hand at clothes too! This free kids leggings pattern is easy. Leggings are a great way to get familiar sewing with knit fabrics. I hope you love them enough to make several pairs!
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