20 of Our Best Sewing Projects for Every Skill Level (2024)

14 of Our Most Creative Knitting Patterns and Projects—for Beginners and Experts Alike

Scrunchie

Keep your hair pulled back in style by making these adorable scrunchies. The accessory can be made with about any fabric (but cotton is easiest for beginners), needle, and thread. Once you perfect this sewing project, you can make a scrunchie to match every outfit.

Stuffed Paper Hearts

Sewing isn't exclusive to fabrics. These pretty-in-pink paper heart pouches are stuffed with tokens of love, then quickly stitched along the edge on a machine. Make a batch of them for holidays, birthday parties, baby showers, or any occasion worthy of heartfelt sentiment.

Cat Hammock

Give your feline a cozy place to cuddle up by making them this cat hammock. It's made by sewing together two squares of fabric then stuffing the inside with batting. To suspend the hammock, sew a ribbon onto each corner of the bed and secure it to a table with a top platform opening.

Patchwork Quilt

Patchwork quilts may look complex, but they're easy enough for any beginner sewer to master. Simply cut a backing as well as a layer of batting, then create a top by cutting smaller pieces, usually squares, and stitching them together.

Sleep Mask

Sleep through the night with our easy-to-make sleep mask, which will keep disturbances out of sight. Use our template to cut out each of the three layers that make up the mask, then pick soft fabrics in patterns that will suit the recipients' tastes, put them together, and sew it all up. And because the bias tape serves as the trim, sewing is straightforward and foolproof.

Duvet Cover

If you have two sheets (old or new), it's simple to make your own duvet cover. Simply pair them up, and straight-line sew the tops and sides together. For extra ease, forgo the usual button closures at the bottom and add ribbon ties. Less laundry, and an easier time to make the bed? That's a Good Thing, indeed.

Rolled Hem Napkins

Elegant cloth napkins aren't just for special occasions. Your family deserves them too, and you can whip up a table's worth with one yard of any fabric and a sewing machine, no serger required. The quick and easy alternative? The zigzag stitch, a back-and-forth stitch typically used in fabrics to join two pieces edge-to-edge.

Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

This luxurious travel case keeps all your bits and baubles organized and tangle-free. Fashion one out of contrasting fabrics to make a pouch that's perfect for stashing rings, hair pins, and smaller accessories.

Dress and Blouse

Stitch up your own wardrobe with this versatile sewing pattern that allows you to choose from four different lengths of a blouse or dress. Use a lightweight cotton or linen that drapes well.

Striped-Trim Applique Pants

Leftovers are the bane of a sewing room, but a little creativity can save odd lengths of fabric from ragbag ignominy. One idea: Give your comfiest chinos a speedy refresh by applying contrasting trim, à la track and tuxedo pants.

Zippered Fabric Pouches

After buttons and basic knots, learn how to sew a zipper. In this beginner project, stitch a simple cotton-lined accessory. Just remember: The zipper you use will determine the width of your completed pouch.

Reversible Linen Curtain

Looking to create a new living space? Instantly refresh your window with this dual-colored linen curtain, thanks to the small loops tacked onto its lower corners.

Drawstring Flower Bag

Free up your hands and protect your blooms while you shop the farmers' market by turning a basic bag into a bouquet carrier.

Floor Runner

Transform small and inexpensive area rugs into a full-length runner. All you need is a needle and thread. Using a whipstitch, hand-sew four 22-by-33-inch carpets together along their horizontal sides, then knot the thread securely at the end of each seam.

Baby Quilt With Knots

For a beautiful keepsake that helps to keep baby warm, stitch up a quilted blanket. In addition to being a very sweet touch, the tassel-like ties hold the quilt together in lieu of stitches.

Felted Stuffed Animals

These petite stuffed animals—a Fair Isle lamb, a cable-knit chicken, and an argyle pig—are so cuddly and simple to make, you'll want a whole menagerie.

Knotted Seat Cushions

Give basic tufted cushions a pop of color and touch of bohemian texture with fluffy accents. Our trick? Merino needlepoint yarn is wound around the handle of a wooden spoon, tied off in the center, fluffed on the ends, then sewn onto the cushion's buttons.

Travel Cushion for Pets

Any pet will love the comfort of this soft bed made from towels and you'll love the convenience. It's lightweight, easy to roll up and pack, and even machine-washable.

Water-Resistant Dog Coat

Your canine companion deserves to be well dressed, especially on outdoor adventures. Use our templates to layer laminated linen and fleece into a charming dog coat. (Your furry friend will enjoy the extra warmth.)

How to Sew a Pillowcase

Get your best night's sleep yet by making your own pillowcases, which gives you more control over the quality of the fabric. Add personal touches, like your initials or a pattern, to complete the look.