14 Sewing Projects for the Home That Are Perfect for Beginners

Do you enjoy repurposing old fabrics into home decorations? Or do you have a ton of scrap fabric lying around? If you answered yes to either, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these 14 sewing projects for the home. 

These crafts are also an excellent way for newbies to practice their sewing skills. They are easy to understand quick to finish in only a few minutes. 

1. Plush Cactus

A giant plush cactus will look beautiful in the nursery or kids’ room. You need to make a cut-out of the following:

  • Six large pieces of the cactus’ main trunk.
  • Two curved pieces for the arms.
  • Two straight pieces for the arms.
  • Two smaller curved pieces for the arms.
  • Two smaller straight pieces for the arms.

Stitch two of the trunk pieces together on one side, along with the other pairs. Then, flip the trunk upside down and stuff it with a dowel. 

Stitch a curved piece of the arm to the straight part and do the same with the other pairs. Stuff them again with the dowel, then hand-stitch the arms to the body.

Use hot-glue to attach the dowel’s edge to the bottom of the pot. You may put it in a cute basket and stuff with extra felt. 

2. Citrus Fruit Pillow

Summertime is the season of fruits and colors, so why not get festive with these fruit slice pillows? You will need cotton fabric, different felt colors (depending on the fruit), a cotton cord, tape, and a sewing kit for this project.

First, make the following cut-outs. These fabric pieces are for the pillow base and the fruit design:

  • Two 14-inch circles
  • Two 2 x 4 inches of strips
  • Four 22 x 2 inches of strips
  • One 10-inch white circle
  • Eight orange wedges

You need to stitch the fruit design using your sewing machine, then the design to one circle. For the citrus slice, stitch the eight orange wedges to the white, round felt to form a small inner circle. Then, sew the white fabric to the main fabric. 

If you’re a beginner, try using your foot for an even stitch along the edges. Try to say close to the edge for neater stitching. 

Get the fabric strips and sew each other to create a long strip. Set it aside.

Line the bias and strips at the corners and sew diagonally. Open the seam and iron down the strips in half to create space for the cord. The two ends should meet through the tape, sticking the raw material in the end you folded and basted.

Piece the side strips with the piping, then sew the back piece. Make sure to leave around 4 inches unstitched so you can turn it later on. 

3. Rainbow Snowflake Pillow

This accent pillow with a rainbow snowflake design is a fantastic way to deck the halls. You only need to measure your throw pillow, add additional 2 inches, and cut the fabric accordingly. Lay down your fabric, then glue the felt balls to create your snowflake pattern. 

Cut two pieces with the same height but smaller width by around 5 inches. Create half an inch of a seam on the longer side of both fabric pieces. Note that each piece only gets one sewn seam on a long side. 

Lay one small piece on top of the large fabric right side down. Afterward, position the other on the top right side down as well. Pin together, sew the perimeter, and turn the pillowcase right side out. 

4. Quilted Velvet Pillow

Adding stitch lines to your velvet pillow is one way to step up your accent pillow quickly. Regardless of the size, the fabric you’re getting must be the same as the pillow insert’s size. 

Draw straight lines on the fabric with an acrylic ruler and follow it with your sewing machine. Make sure to trim the edges after.

Stitch the seams on the back fabric and sew them to the front piece. Turn it right side out, put in your stuffing, and enjoy!

5. Doll’s Bed Mattress

This is one of the most unique sewing projects for the home on this list! Grab a foam that will serve as the doll’s mattress. Then, cut the fabric in a size that can wrap all of the foam’s sides. 

After cutting the cloth, fold it into half with the right-side in. Stitch the two edges, leaving one open for the foam.

Turn the bed sheets right side out, and you will see the “bed sheet” looks like a pillowcase. Place the foam inside, and the doll is ready to have a beautiful sleep!

6. Bean Bags

This bean bag might be the easiest on this list of sewing projects for the home. They are perfect for decoration and playing games with the family. 

Cut your fabric into 5-inch squares and add a mark in the middle. Make another dot on each side to know where the ribbon will go. 

Each bean bag requires 36 inches of ribbon, and you need to cut them into 3 inches. Fold the piece in half. Make sure the wrong sides are on each other and the ribbon outside the dot. Stitch over the ribbon and do the same for the rest of the sides.

Get the other square or the back piece on top of the front part and sew around the perimeter. There should be an opening on one side to turn it through later on. Add fillers, and you’re done!

7. Drawstring Storage Bag

Are you looking for sewing projects for the home that are practical? Try this storage bag project so you have a place to keep your dirty laundry, kid’s toys, and other home items. Cut a piece of fabric into 30 by 14 ¼ inches. Fold the width into half and sew half an inch of a seam.

Cut a circular piece of fabric that will cover the opening of the rolled rectangular piece. Stitch using a walking foot, then install grommets. Finally, place the drawstring through the holes and pull the ends using a cord stop.  

8. Velcro Bed Skirt

Are you tired of your old bed frame but don’t have enough money for a new one? Try this easy bed skirt to hide it!

Measure your box spring and add 4 inches to the length for hem allowance. Do the same for the distance from the box spring’s top to the bottom.

Afterward, cut three pieces of fabric based on the measurements, making sure to stitch the hem in place. 

Stick Velcro strips together and cut them into one inch. Take off the backing and stick to the backside of the bed skirt pieces. It’s essential to overlap the pieces at the bed’s foot.

9. Buffalo Check Rag Quilt

This easy rag quilt craft is perfect for picnics and bedroom decor! All you need is a rotary cutter with a quilting mat and ruler to create 7-inch strips. Make sure you produce at least 32 dark squares, 18 white squares, and 48 light-colored squares. 

Lay all the squares you cut into a check pattern, taking one stack at a time to the machine. The seam allowance should equally be ⅝ so that they line up neatly.

Once you have finished sewing, topstitch the edges using the seam allowance you previously used. You may also cut small snips into the seams for a shabby look.

10. Bow Pouch

Every girl needs a bow pouch to keep their makeup and accessories. Cut out the following fabric pieces:

  • Two pieces of the main fabric.
  • Two pieces of interfacing
  • Two pieces of lining.
  • One 5 x 10 inches rectangle.
  • Two 1 ½ x 3 ½ inches of rectangles.

Stack the main pouch fabric piece on the lining piece with the correct sides together. Then, place the interfacing piece on the backside of the main cloth. Sew them at half an inch and trim them.

Fold the seam to the topstitch and lining and press in half. Then you just have to repeat the process for the other half of your pouch.

Get your rectangular pieces and press in half an inch on the end. Fold it into half so that they can sandwich the zipper. Now it’s time to piece everything together with your sewing machine. 

After stitching, create a bow by folding a rectangle in half. Sew a short edge along the border. Turn it to the right side and fold under ¼” on the open section before sewing. Then, you’re ready to attach the bow to the zipper!

11. Heart Garland

Love is in the air when you try a heart garland sewing project like this. Start the project by cutting your fabric scraps into a heart. You can use two different fabrics for every side if you want.

Then, cut a ribbon and fold it in half, pinning it into the center of the heart. Pin the hearts together, with the wrong side out. 

Start stitching the heart with a ¼ seam allowance. Leave one side open to fill the batting. Do the same with the other hearts, and string them on twine.

12. Pencil and Drawing Pad Holder

Try this pencil and paper holder on your next sewing project. Use an old pair of jeans and some denim drapes for an edgy design!

Using jeans gives the holder a natural edge that is already tidy. But if you’re using a different fabric, turn it upside down and stitch across. Add a padded pocket and a pencil holder on the right side of the jeans by stitching on each side. 

You also have the option to sew the pencil holder to create separate pouches for every pencil. Then, add a ribbon and a button to tie the denim fabric like a notebook.

13. Hot Pad

Heat-resistant hot pads are easy to slip your hand into when getting your baked goods. Prepare the following:

  • Two pieces of 8 ½ x 8 ½ fabric,
  • 5 x 2 inches of fabric piece.
  • 8 ½ x 13 inches of contrasting fabric.
  • Two pieces of 8 ½ x 8 ½ inches of batting.
  • 6 ½ x 8 ½ inches of batting.

Fold and press the long side of the 5 x 2 fabric half an inch to the wrong side. Section it into half lengthwise and press. The idea is to create a 45-degree loop and baste it into the fabric.

You can make the pocket using the 8 ½ x 13 fabric. Insert the small batting between each layer and sew. 

Attach the pieces with a seam allowance. Trim the excess fabric, and you can now stylishly grab your hot pans. 

14. Mousepad

The mousepad is a workspace essential that is both functional and decorative. With non-stretchy cotton and fusible fleece, you can make one on your own!

Cut two different fabrics according to your preferred size and fusible fleece pieces half an inch smaller. Iron one piece on the wrong side of the fabric and pin them to the other pair. 

Sew them with a seam allowance, leaving an opening of 2 inches. Then, clip the cloth around the curves’ corners and press the seams. Lastly, topstitch the entire perimeter, and feel free to use your new mousepad.

Try These Sewing Projects for the Home

I hope I have revealed to you how easy it is to perform sewing projects for the home. Beginners and experts will enjoy making these pillow covers, pen holders, doll mattresses, and more!

Keep practicing, and you’ll be able to take on more complex sewing activities soon. Let me know which project you have tried from the list in the comments. And for some awesome fabric choices, check out our selection of multi-purpose fabrics.

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