Whatever your skill level, finding sewing inspiration can be a challenge. As a beginner, it can be especially discouraging when things don’t go to plan, so choosing the right projects to gradually build your skills is really important.
I meet lots of complete beginner sewists at the sewing classes I run. People come to classes for different reasons. Some people have a particular goal in mind when they first decide to start sewing. For example making clothes that fit or to suit their taste. Others might have inherited a sewing machine and want to know how to use it, or they might simply be looking for a new hobby.
In my complete beginner sessions I teach all the basic techniques that are needed for whatever direction your sewing takes you. After which I encourage people to start working on projects that work towards their goals and keep going with simple projects that help consolidate skills.
Beginner sewing inspiration
Project Bag Sewing Kit
£27.00
Small Zip Top Bag Sewing Kit
Price range: £22.00 through £26.00
Where to find sewing inspiration
There are lots of places to look for your next sewing project:
Pinterest and Instagram
Both of these platforms are a great starting point to look for your next sewing project, and a way to discover sewing creators that you might like to follow for ideas and inspiration.
Start with search terms such as “beginner sewing projects,” “easy sewing patterns,” you can also search for specific project ideas like cushion covers and bags. D.I.Y is a term that is often used, try using this in your search if you are looking for a specific project.
YouTube tutorials
There are lots of inspiring sewing channels and makers that share tutorials for how to make all sorts of projects on YouTube. You might find creators that you would like to follow.
Sewing vloggers share their makes, thoughts and tips. This is a great way to engage with the larger sewing community.
You can find sew-a-longs and tutorials for Bobbins and buttons on YouTube too.
Free Patterns from Blogs
A quick search for free patterns will likely lead you to a host of sewing blogs. Some blogs offer free downloadable patterns while others might share how to make something without a pattern.
As a newsletter subscriber you can access several beginner friendly patterns here. The popular elasticated kids shorts pattern if a great choice if you want to sew for kids.
Fabric shops and shows
People that have been sewing for years will tell you there are two hobbies when sewing, one is making and sewing, the other is fabric shopping!
There are less fabric shops around these days especially in the UK with much more choice online. There are however lots of sewing and hobby shows around the country where you can discover many sewing shops under one roof.
A trip to a sewing show is a great way to get inspiration, its hard not to conjure up ideas and plans when faced with an array of beautiful fabrics. Be warned though it might just blow your budget!
Books
There are an abundance of sewing books dedicated to all sorts of styles of sewing and sewing levels. A beginner-focused project book might give you your next few projects.
Online Communities and sewing classes
When you first start out with a new hobby finding a community can be an invaluable resource. There are lots of sewing communities both online and in-person. Look for Facebook groups, local groups that meet up and sewing classes.
Having a community to ask questions and locate resources can be lots of fun as well as a useful way to build knowledge.
Start with Simple Projects
While I think its great to challenge yourself when sewing, completing a few simple projects when you first start will help build confidence and consolidate those basic skills. Projects like bags and pillowcases are ideal.
More Beginner Sewing Inspiration from the Blog
