If you’re looking for a relaxing hobby that you can do in the comfort of your home, take up sewing. There are several simple projects for beginners that will help you learn the basics and have plenty of fun in the process. Here are a handful of ideas for working with sewing machines, fabrics, and accessories. 

4 Fun Sewing Projects for Beginners

1. Bookends

Sandbags make effective bookends, and you can make them visually appealing by sewing material around them. Choose colorful fabric in interesting prints, and cut two rectangles that are 8 by 10 inches. Place them together and sew three sides using a ½ inch seam allowance. Insert a sealed bag of sand into the open end, and topstitch to finish. 

2. Eye Masks

Eye masks help you relax after a long day. Choose a soft fabric that will touch your face and aesthetically pleasing fabric that will face outward, and a darkening fabric to block out light. Put the pattern on top of all three fabrics and cut them out at the same time. Cut a piece of elastic, that is 16 inches, and sew it ¼ inch from the outer edges. Stack the fabric pieces and insert pins around the edges, so they stay together. With your sewing machine, use the ½ inch seam setting to sew around the mask.  

3. Throw Pillows

It’s easy to turn an old t-shirt, tablecloth, or blanket into a handmade pillow. Cut the fabric into two evenly sized squares, and match up the edges. Pin the seams, leaving half of one edge unpinned to add the stuffing. Sew the edges using a ½ inch seam allowance and a straight or zig-zag stitch.

4. Bags

Cloth bags are convenient for everything, from carrying sewing materials, groceries, and personal items. Pick one fabric for the lining and another for the exterior. Cut them out according to the pattern; stitch the seams of the lining, and sew the lining into the body about ¼ inch from the edge.

Get started on your first sewing project with fabrics and accessories from Bernina Sewing Center of Lincoln. They provide a full stock of embroidery, quilting, and sewing machines along with fabric, thread, and repair services to clients throughout Lincoln, NE. Call (531) 500-2731 to get recommendations on the best sewing machine for your project, and visit the website to learn more about this sewing shop’s promotions, products, and services.