Unleashing your creativity with a needle and thread can be a profoundly rewarding pastime. The ability to craft unique clothing and homeware items is a skill worth honing, and with such a vast array of projects from which to choose, embarking on a sewing journey can be a truly captivating experience. Once you’ve mastered the basics of sewing, you may wish to expand your skill set and attempt some slightly trickier projects. Here are just a few examples of intermediate sewing projects to test your abilities.
Making an apron is a relatively beginner-friendly sewing project. However, once you’ve mastered the basics of stitching and hemming, you can add an extra layer of complexity to your basic projects. While before, you may have hidden a multitude of sewing sins on the inside of your projects; when it comes to reversible garments, there is nowhere to hide. Therefore, this project is excellent for showcasing your attention to detail.
Reversible aprons featuring coordinating (or clashing, it’s up to you) fabric make excellent practical gifts. Provided you select high-quality fabrics, such as 100% organic cotton, a reversible apron will last for years.
When you began your sewing journey, you likely made your fair share of tote bags and drawstring purses. However, you can step up your game by crafting a bag with a little more flair. Consider testing your skills by making a bag with multiple pockets, zippers or compartments, such as a changing bag or travel bag. Adding zippers isn’t necessarily difficult, but it requires specific tools and techniques to master. You could even attempt to line your bag with a waterproof and/or stain-proof fabric to make it extra practical.
A practical makeup brush case may not be the most complex sewing project of all, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to make several in quick succession. Hence, mastering this project is ideal if you want to make handmade Christmas presents or even start a small business. Roll cases are lightweight and excellent for travel, as they can be conveniently slotted into a larger makeup bag, keeping your brushes clean and protected. All you need is two Fat Quarters of cotton fabric, some ribbon and your trusty sewing machine.
Tailoring and resizing garments can be overwhelming for beginners. Hemming a dress, skirt or pair of trousers is relatively straightforward, whereas altering a garment’s size by taking it in is a little more complex. However, once you get the hang of it, the ability to modify and upcycle items of clothing is a valuable skill. Not only will it save you money, but breathing new life into old garments helps to keep clothes in circulation, reducing the amount of textile waste sent to landfill sites.
Sewing a basic a-line skirt is an excellent beginner sewing project, whereby you can create unique garments that fit like a glove. However, you can elevate a simple a-line skirt by adding pleats, creating drama and movement. Using a Simplicity Pattern as a guide is advisable; however, once you familiarise yourself with the process, you’ll be able to create a stunning pleated skirt completely free-hand. You could test your capabilities even more by adding pockets for a skirt that is practical as it is fashionable.
Creating your own curtains is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your home. While making curtains is often considered beginner-friendly, there are multiple factors to consider, such as your choice of fabric. Aside from colour, texture and pattern, ensure the fabric you select is high-quality, durable and of the right thickness. For example, organic linen will keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Here is some more information on choosing the best fabric for your curtains.
Most baby clothing patterns are exceptionally easy to follow - you can even make a simple summer dress for toddlers out of a pillowcase with little-to-no sewing experience. However, once you’ve honed a few basic sewing techniques, you can also craft rompers, dungarees, hats and more. Ensure you select fabrics that are kind to young, delicate skin, such as organic cotton and bamboo - these fabrics are naturally hypoallergenic and help regulate body temperature. Furthermore, you can make baby clothes less bulky and more comfortable with flat felled or French seams.