Project Selection

So you’ve got your sewing machine set up and you’re ready to dive into your first project. But wait… what should you actually make?

It’s been my experience that folks have wanted to start sewing so they could make a very specific thing. Maybe it’s a small pouch for work, or a costume for a performance. Or maybe they are just getting into cosplay. Or, they really want to quilt. Before I move too far, I want to make sure you know that I don’t quilt. Feel free to keep going through this free guide to start sewing and then if you really want to just quilt, find someone that teaches quilting specifically.

So, regardless what you really want to sew, it’s super important to choose the right project to start with.

In my years of teaching sewing, I’ve noticed there are usually two types of beginners: those who fearlessly jump right in (sometimes biting off more than they can chew! – like me), and those who are a bit more cautious, maybe even worried about making mistakes (and maybe not even starting for fear of failing). Here’s the thing – both approaches are totally okay (as long as you start)! What matters is finding the right starting point for YOUR comfort level.

The goal of this guide is to help you choose a project that’s not only doable but also enjoyable. I want your first sewing experience to be fun and rewarding, not frustrating. And trust me, with the right project selection, you’ll be amazed at what you can create, even as a complete beginner!

Before diving into specific project ideas, let’s talk about what makes a project “beginner-friendly” and how to set yourself up for success. Whether you’re dreaming of making your own clothes or just want to create something useful for your home, I’ll help you find the perfect starting point.

Beginner-Friendly Characteristics

• Simple straight lines and basic shapes
• Minimal pattern pieces
• Limited special techniques required
• Forgiving fabrics
• Size

Let’s talk about what makes a project perfect for beginners. When you’re just starting out, you want projects that build your confidence, not shake it! The key is to look for designs that focus on straight lines and basic shapes – these are much easier to sew accurately than curves or complex angles.

The number of pattern pieces is another huge factor to consider. When you’re learning, dealing with just 2-4 pattern pieces is ideal. Think of it like putting together a puzzle – the fewer pieces you have to manage, the easier it is to see how everything fits together.

When it comes to techniques, less is definitely more for your first few projects. You want to focus on mastering the basics like straight stitching and simple seams before diving into buttonholes, or fancy finishing techniques. Trust me, there’s plenty of time to learn those skills later!

Fabric choice can make or break your first sewing experience. I cover more about friendly-fabrics in the fabric section (don’t jump ahead yet, it’s in two pages). And we’ll touch on fabric again in the next section on choosing a pattern.

The size of what you want to make matters. Incredibly large projects like drapery, bedspreads, and capes generally have the first 4 bullet points ticked off. But due to their size, they can get super unwieldy and hard to manipulate. This can tire you out fast and frustrate you quickly. On the flip side, stay away from tiny projects till you get more comfortable sewing on the machine. So, doll clothes, gloves, and anything with tight small spaces should be avoided for the first few projects.

Time is also an important factor to consider. Choose projects you can complete in one or two sewing sessions. Quick wins are super important when you’re starting out – they keep you motivated and excited to tackle your next project! We’ll talk more about time later. It’s hard to know how long something is going to take until you have done it a few times.

Recommended Starting Projects

Now for the fun part – let’s talk about what you can actually make! I love starting my students off with accessories because they’re practical, satisfying to complete, and you’ll actually use them. A simple tote bag or zippered pouch is perfect for practicing those straight lines we talked about. Plus you don’t need to worry about fitting tricky body parts.

Home decor items are another fantastic starting point. Cushion covers and placemats are basically just rectangles sewn together, but they can look super professional when finished. Plus, there’s nothing like showing off your handmade items in your home!

When it comes to clothing, I always recommend starting with pieces that don’t need precise fitting. Elastic waist skirts and pants are fantastic first garments – they’re forgiving in fit and super comfortable to wear. Basic leggings can also be surprisingly beginner-friendly, especially if you choose a stretchy fabric with good recovery.

For each of these projects, you’ll typically need about 1-2 yards of fabric, basic sewing supplies, and a few hours of focused time. Remember, it’s totally okay if your first project isn’t perfect – mine certainly wasn’t! And truth be told, they usually still aren’t.

Projects to Avoid

Now, let’s talk about what NOT to tackle right away. Structured fitted garments like blazers, tailored shirts, or fitted pants like trousers or jeans might look amazing, but they require precise fitting and advanced construction techniques. Trust me, these are projects to save for later when you’ve got more skills under your belt.

I know those silky fabrics and beautiful fluid knits are tempting, but they can be super tricky to work with. Slippery fabrics have a mind of their own and can frustrate even the more seasoned sewist. Slippery or fluid knits often require special techniques and sometimes special machine settings. Again, there’s more on fabric in a couple lessons so just be aware that some knits are fine to start with, and some wovens aren’t appropriate for all projects.

Also, steer clear of projects that require advanced techniques like invisible zippers, welt pockets or bound buttonholes right away. These skills will come with time and practice. Focus on mastering the basics first, and you’ll build a strong foundation for more complex projects later.

Complex patterns with lots of pieces can be overwhelming when you’re just starting out. Keeping track of numerous pattern pieces and complicated instructions can be frustrating, especially when you are also learning how to use your machine and make a stitch straight enough. Keep it simple at first – you can make many beautiful things that require only a few pattern pieces. In the next lesson I’ll go over how to choose a pattern.

Next-Steps

Now that you’ve learned what makes an appropriate beginner project, the next crucial step is understanding how to work with patterns. In our next section, we’ll dive into pattern selection and interpretation, which will help you bring your chosen project to life.

Remember, starting with simpler projects allows you to build confidence and skills gradually. As you master basic techniques, you’ll be better prepared to tackle more complex projects in the future.