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50+ Quick and Easy Sewing Projects
Short on time? Then these quick sewing patterns are just what you need!

Love to sew but short on time? You won't believe how little time it takes to make these simple but professional-looking simple sewing projects. Beginner-friendly, easy, and quick, this collection of sewing tutorials will have your friends jealous of your sewing skill in no time!
From country home decor to sleek organizational tools to high-fashion statement pieces, this list of 50+ Quick and Easy Sewing Projects has everything you could dream of sewing. You've never truly understood how relaxing sewing could be until you've tried out some of these DIY designs.
If you're a last-minute gift-giver, you'll find the perfect present for everyone from bookworms to film lovers to fashionistas that can be whipped up in less than an hour! No one will guess that you didn't spend a fortune on being so thoughtful.
You don't even have to give away these sewn marvels for them to be worth your (very short) while. Sew a bundle of decorative pillows for every cozy cushion in the house or give your wardrobe a vogue update with budget-friendly refashioning projects.
Regardless of how you choose to treat yourself, there's no surer way to stitch some happiness into your day than by trying out some of these beginner sewing patterns.
Table of Contents
Home Decor Sewing Projects

These quick and easy sewing projects will transform your home from drab to fab in no time! Whether your living room needs an organizational overhaul or if your lackluster sofa needs a brilliant color embellishment, you'll find a pattern for it in among these home decor sewing patterns. It doesn't even matter what style of decor you're looking for; this handy collection can fit with anything from sleek modern to homey country furnishings.
Go big on style without spending a lot of time--all you need are these free sewing patterns and a few minutes. Even the DIY Remote Caddy Tutorial (shown) is a cinch to make! Your home can look professional and stylish no matter how hectic your life is with these home decor DIY sewing projects.
- Patterned Pillow Cover in Minutes
Avoid the retail cost of home decorating with sewing projects like this Patterned Pillow Cover in Minutes.
- 5 Minute Pillows
You can make this sewn pillow pattern during commercial breaks, while you're waiting for your coffee to brew, or even when you are on hold.
- How to Make Cloth Napkins
This How to Make Cloth Napkins tutorial shows you exactly how to sew some stylish and cute cloth napkins for your next dinner party.
- Add Pompoms to a Cushion or Pillow
This quick, easy-peasy technique will put a playful pop of color into any project, especially a handmade pillow like the one pictured here.
- No Sew Pillow Cover Video
Learn how to make a pillow cover that's quick, easy, and low-maintenance.
- Ruffled Lamp Shade
If you know how to sew ruffles, you know how to make this Ruffled Lamp Shade!
- 10 Minute Little Pillow
In just ten minutes, you can decorate and sew up this fancy, little piece and place it in your home. The 10 Minute Little Pillow is a great gift for the mom who loves knickknacks.
- Upcycled Sweater Pillowcase
This DIY project will show you how to take your old cozy sweater and transform it into a unique pillowcase.
- Vintage Button Kitchen Curtains
These Vintage Button Kitchen Curtains look great in a kitchen or hanging from a bedroom window to add some quirky flair to your sleeping space.
- Simple Lace and Burlap Table Runner
If you want to learn how to make a table runner, sewing with burlap is a good way to add some character to your dining room table.
- DIY Repurposed Sweater Knot Pillow
This unique project is a charming way to add a pop of color and unique shapes to your space. While this looks complicated, it's actually easy to create.
- Pom Pom Blanket
This simple sewn blanket pattern is a great way to keep warm during cold winter months while still staying effortlessly stylish.
- One Hour Sunflower Pillow
This super simple pillow tutorial uses an easy applique technique to create a cheerful flower pattern that will brighten up any room.
- 5 Minute Bread Bag
Make a simple bag to keep bread in or to use as a gift bag with this easy beginner sewing project. The 5 minute bread bag really does take only 5 minutes!
- No Sew DIY Ironing Board
Tired of dragging your bulky ironing board into your sewing room just to press a few seams? Say hello to this No Sew DIY Ironing Board.
- Framed Ruffly Heart
Put your fabric on your walls this Valentine's Day with this free, easy holiday craft. Make a Framed Ruffly Heart to hang up and decorate your home for the holiday, or all year round.
- 2 Yard Ruffle Pillow Sham
Using only 2 yards of fabric, you can give your bedding an instant upgrade with this easy sewing tutorial.
- Vintage Sheet Shower Curtain
Forget boring shower curtains from the dollar store and have fun transforming a pretty patterned sheet into a fully functional shower curtain.
- Star Folk Ornaments
Simple and sweet, these little stars make a darling addition to any Christmas tree. The could be nursery decor, too!
Find easy sewing projects in our preview of Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners. Download these two easy sewing projects today! Simple Sewing Projects: 16 Easy Sewing Projects for Beginners
No-Brainer Refashioning Projects

For years, the mantra of every conscious citizen has been "reduce, reuse, and recycle." Who knew that you could apply these planet-saving concepts to your personal fashion?
Reusing, repurposing, recycling, upcycling, and refashioning are the new eco-friendly ways to help the environment and look like a fashion model while doing it! All of these DIY upcycling projects are quick, easy, and oh-so-clever.
Dust off the pieces that have been sitting in the back of your closet for years, and turn them into couture items your friends will be jealous of! Simple embellishment tutorials, like the 20 Minute Spring Sweater Redo (shown), will make any bland garment turn heads.
Turn trash to treasure with one of these quick and easy sewing projects. Since you're working with pre-made items, half the work is already done for you! After one or two projects, you'll wonder why you haven't thought of these brilliant techniques before.
- Skirt From Men's Button Down
This Skirt From Men's Button Down Idea shows you how to make a skirt for nothing at all. You are going to love this money-saving idea.
- Reusable T-Shirt Bag
Easy bags to make can be both affordable and space-saving, especially with this tutorial.
- Comfortably Bold Shirt Refashion Pattern
This free sewing pattern only takes about an hour to complete and is one of those great projects that only requires 1 yard of fabric.
- Ten Minute Pillowcase Apron
Learn how to make an apron that looks just like the vintage sewing patterns of old by simply creating this easy apron pattern out of an old-school print.
- 30 Minute Jeans Mending Tutorial
There's nothing worse than a rip in your favorite jeans. Save yourself the headache and the price tag with this 30 Minute Jeans Mending Tutorial.
- How to Make a Shirt Lacy
Learn how to upcycle that shirt to make it even more chic with this how to sew a shirt idea.
- Lengthen a Too Short Top
This tutorial to Lengthen a Too Short Top is a quick, simple and stylish solution that takes under 30 minutes. Go on, resurrect that cropped tee!
- Mom's Vintage Vendor Apron
Add some serious style to your next bake sale or garage sale with this easy tutorial for Mom's Vintage Vendor Apron.
- Denim Fabric Basket Tutorial
Sturdy, durable denim makes this basket an organizational tool that can bear anything you put in it! From sewing notions to bathroom toiletries, this Denim Fabric Basket Tutorial can hold whatever you need it to.
Simple Clothing Patterns

Forget about wasting time waiting in the line at your nearest department store. These quick and easy sewing projects are twice as fast as buying clothing and they look twice as good!
You can look stylish and unique in as little as 5 minutes with these sewing patterns and tutorials. You can even sew a skirt that you'll wear everywhere from date night to the office in a quarter of an hour when you make a Simple 15 Minute Skirt (shown). Just follow the simple directions and you'll be able to dress yourself from head to toe in personalized, tailored, and trendy fashion while still having enough time to do everything else on your list!
- Elastic Waistband Skirt
Make your own high-waisted skirt with this Elastic Waistband Skirt tutorial!
- 5 Minute Skirt
Whether you're in a hurry to get somewhere or you don't have time for a huge project, the 5 Minute Skirt is the perfect solution for you.
- Easiest DIY Maxi Skirt
The Easiest DIY Maxi Skirt tutorial is so easy to make that even a beginner could tackle this project.
- Quick Change Corsage Necklace
Make a Quick Change Corsage Necklace using a fabric flower that you can sew yourself!
- 30 Minute J Crew Inspired Tank
It might seem impossible, but you really can learn how to sew a tank that looks just like a top from one of your favorite stores for less than half the price.
- Scrapbuster Hair Bow Tutorial
This free sewing tutorial teaches you how to make a hair bow out of small scraps of fabric so that you can dress up your bun whether you're going for a casual or dressy look.
- Simple Sewn Infinity Scarf
This infinity scarf pattern takes minutes to make and it is ideal for staying cozy warm. Make it in a solid color or go fall fab with a plaid print.
Quick Sewing Patterns for Kids

One frustrating thing about kids is that they grow out of their clothes so quickly. Every season seems to wreak havoc on your expenses when you find that last year's clothing just won't do. Now you can cut down on the astronomical costs of kiddie couture with these simple DIY children's clothing tutorials!
Not only are these darling patterns good on the wallet, but they're also a cinch to make. Even children can have a homemade wardrobe in a flash! In fact, children are even quicker and easier to sew for because their clothing is smaller.
Make some of these adorable, quick and easy sewing projects, like the tutorial on How to Make a Tutu Dress (shown), and you can dress your child in style without wasting your time.
- Quick Baby Bonnet
Make an adorable bonnet for your grandchild with this free sewing pattern. Decorative and heirloom stitches make this bonnet a great project for intermediate level crafters.
- No-Sew Aprons for Kids
This No-Sew Apron for Kids is your solution to your apron-less child dilemma.
- How to Make Baby Leggings
Want to know How to Make Baby Leggings? Here's a free, printable pattern and tutorial for these adorable drop crotch style baby leggings.
- Quick and Easy Two Tiered Skirt
Learn how to make a skirt in under an hour with this free girls skirt sewing pattern.
- Ruffle Butt Onesie
These baby sewing projects will show you all you need to know about sewing baby clothes so you can make a ruffle butt onesie.
- Bandana Bib Tutorial
These bibs are quick to make and can be made in as many fabrics and colors as you want.
- Toddler Bow Headband Sewing Pattern
Learn how to make a precious accessory for your little one with this Toddler Bow Headband Sewing Pattern.
DIY Sewing Accessories

No outfit is complete without the correct accessories. Whether it's a scarf to bring out the colors of your blouse or a high-fashion tote to carry around all of your necessities, it's impossible to resist adorning your ensemble with a little something extra.
That's why we have this list of super-cute DIY accessories to sew!
One of the best types of quick DIY sewing projects is accessories because they're a fast and simple way to update your wardrobe in no time. From trendy tools, like the DIY Kate Spade Key Fob (shown), to beginner-friendly bags you can make in under an hour, give your wardrobe an easy makeover with these accessory sewing patterns.
- Chicken Feed Bag Tutorial
This Chicken Feed Bag Tutorial is super easy and takes less than an hour to make. If you're looking for recycled craft ideas, you'll love this simple bag.
- Pride and Prejudice Infinity Scarf Pattern
Take your all-time favorite, beloved classic with you wherever you go with this Pride and Prejudice Infinity Scarf Pattern.
- Denim Flower DIY Necklace
This Denim Flower DIY Necklace is a perfectly charming way to recycle old jeans, and it shows you how to create delicate denim blossoms that are a fabulous addition to your jewelry collection.
- Multi-Way Kita Scarf
The Multi-Way Kita Scarf is perfect for all occasions. You can wear it in so many different ways, and it will look like a new garment every time.
- Lightweight Infinity Scarf
If you want to learn how to sew a scarf that will stay in-season all year, check out this great fashion scarf pattern.
- One Hour Bag
Learn how to make a purse in one hour with this stunning free purse pattern for sewing.
- Simple Summer Tote
Learn how to sew your own purse with this tutorial, it's perfect for beginners!
- Hair Scrunchie Tutorial
All you need to make this darling hair accessory is a fat quarter, elastic, and matching thread.
- Easy Laminated Shower Cap
Made with laminated cotton, this beginner sewing project is great for those new to sewing and is a fantastic quick DIY gift idea or easy stocking stuffer.
- One Step No-Sew Quilting Gloves
What no one tells you when you first start machine quilting is just how tired your hands can get. Make your life just a little easier with these One Step No-Sew Quilting Gloves.
Fast Gifts to Sew

We know you can't get enough quick and easy sewing projects, so we're throwing in a bunch more! The quick crafts in this section all make fantastic gifts to sew for Christmas, birthdays, house warmings, and more. There are projects that are sewing for beginners, but even advanced sewists can appreciate these free sewing patterns.
Everyone can fall in love with spa-ready gear, like the fabulous Dreaming Diva Sleep Mask Sewing Pattern (shown), or bookmarks that will make any bookworm jump for joy. Whether you make these simple sewing patterns as a gift or for yourself, you won't regret a single stitch!
- Twenty Minute Tote
This tote bag pattern is one of our most popular projects and it is easy to see why!
- DIY Makeup Brush Roll
Keep your makeup brushes organized and clean with this simple sewing project that's the perfect gift idea for women, teens, and tweens.
- 5 Minute DIY Bookmark
If you need a quick gift for anyone, the 5 Minute DIY Bookmark is the perfect way to show someone you care without spending a ton of time or money on a gift.
- Coloring Book Caddy
The coloring book caddy tutorial uses 3 fat quarters and can fit 4-6 coloring books and pencils or pens. It's a great project for beginners and even to make with your kids!
- Travel Shave Kit Sewing Pattern
From New York to Tokyo, this free sewing pattern is the perfect sewn accessory to take with you on your travels. With a basic zipper, this project is super-easy to make, even if you're not the most experienced sewist.
- One Hour Softie
Spend the next hour making these adorable softies. With cute details, it's hard to believe you can make the One Hour Softie in such a short time.
- How to Make a Lanyard
These handy accessories are so cute and will save you from hours locked out of the car or the house.
- Ahoy DIY Baby Toys
The Ahoy DIY Baby Toys pattern shows you how to make easy and quick, DIY baby shower gifts in under an hour. Little hands are going to love playing with this nautical, free sewing for baby pattern.
- DIY Rustic Checkers Game
With this DIY Rustic Checkers Game, you can easily create and take old-school fun with you wherever you go - even outdoors!
- Easy No Binding Pot Holders
These simple square potholders make the perfect last-minute gift and can easily be created to match any kitchen.
- Ladylike Teacup DIY Pincushion
Made with a delicate and dainty teacup, this DIY pincushion is an easy no-sew project that you can make in under an hour and is the perfect DIY gift idea for any sewist.
- 2-for-1 Reversible Pouch
This free purse pattern is just the right size to carry easy-to-lose belongings like wallets and cell phones and adds a unique twist to any outfit.
- 15 Minute DIY Coffee Cozy
Created by using materials you can easily find in your stash or at the dollar store, this 15 Minute DIY Coffee Cozy is easy to personalize and entirely unique.
- 5 Minute Tissue Holder
An ideal gift to sew for your fave teacher! This easy peasy sewn tissue holder takes just 10 minutes to make and uses barely any fabric in the process.
- 30 Minute Sleep Mask Pattern
The sleeping mask sewing pattern and tutorial will take only 30 minutes to make! This is a great project when you have little time to sew and will give you untold hours of relaxation.
BONUS! Best Beginner Quilt Pattern

Spring weather means it's almost time for cookout season, so what better way to start off spring than by designing a gorgeous picnic blanket?
Perfect for beginners, this Patchwork Picnic Blanket Tutorial lets you transform 3-1/2 yards of bright spring fabric into a simple picnic blanket that's perfect for family trips or church cookouts. This picnic blanket tutorial shows you how to combine simple patchwork with a budget-friendly vinyl tablecloth so that your blanket is spill-proof and protected from the elements.
Pack away your complicated quilts and embrace a simple and stress-free project with this blanket tutorial.
Have you been on the hunt for the perfect all-purpose bag for ages but can't seem to find the one you want? You're sure to find it in this free, downloadable eBook, 12 Beautiful Tote Purse Patterns! Find 12 free tote projects to create bags large enough for trips to the library, the gym, or the beach. Also included are simple clutch ideas so you can make smaller bags ideal for nights out or quick day trips. 12 Beautiful Tote Purse Patterns eBook
How much time do you like to spend on a project? Let us know below in the comments!
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Lynn K
Nov 26, 2018
Some not so quick but all of them are easy! It is simply impossible to not find something in here that you will want to make and that can be made easily. The tutorials are great - very detailed and clear - and most of them have great visuals too so jump in and START SEWING!
craftedbyfox
Feb 26, 2017
This is a great collection of easy to make projects for the beginner, some of the designs are really quick to make when you are looking for a last minute homemade gift in a hurry. It is one of my saved pages and I often click on I think when I am looking for new ideas or need a pattern to use up my scrap fabric. Thanks for compiling a fab go to list of free patterns.

Polly Esther
Sep 20, 2016
That plaid backpack looks perfect for school or just carrying around town!

Country MouseCity Mouse
May 02, 2015
Yes, I ran out of birthday wrapping paper, so I sewed up a gift bag from an old batiste curtain. I had a ribbon and used it for a tie. It wasn't very square, but it was pretty and it did the job.

lois45hand 2729059
Dec 25, 2014
No, but I had a student who constructed a dress to wear that evening with a hot glue gun!

txasred 7644722
Oct 28, 2014
Yes, I made a lace wrap for my daughter for picture day. Took less than 5 minutes for cutting a sewing!

silentgrace7 85975 49
Oct 28, 2014
Not yet, but I will this weekend! Can't find a blue skirt at goodwill, and my friend is actually having me make her a blue costume later this winter and has already gotten the fabric, so I'm going to make a quick pin-and-tuck skirt using all 4 yards of the fabric Should only take five minutes if I don't mess up.

treepinkyh 6414970
Oct 27, 2014
NO! I WISH I could though!! Just think of the things you could make IF you could do projects within 5 minutes!

antijamie 5993055
Oct 27, 2014
I grabbed leftover scraps snd made my daughter an infinity scarf for her costume. Whoa, crisis prevented!
SewUpscale
Oct 27, 2014
Made a bandana for my granddaughter for her Halloween costume in about 5 minutes.

Laure
Oct 27, 2014
I repaired a bra in less than 5 minutes and made it to the job interview in time! And got the job!

scardoza78 7800738
Oct 27, 2014
I finished an infinity/nursing scarf in 5 min, but later decided to finish the edges....so initially 5 min, but with the edges later, probably more like 15.
StacySewsandSchool s
Oct 27, 2014
YES! But it was a no-sew project that just involved a glue gun and burlap.

doylesonja 2367409
Oct 27, 2014
I don't ever remember doing a project in 5 minutes. But I do remember cutting out and sewing my daughter a swim suit in 45 minutes. I had been up all night and was waiting for my husband to load the car for our trip. I knew if I didn't do something I would fall asleep and would not want to get up. My daughter had to have a swim suit and I was not even sure where we would find one in time.

karawaldner 306086 2
Oct 27, 2014
I don't think I've ever done a project in less than 10 minutes but I might have done a quick fix up or darning in less than 5 minutes.

Judy from MA
Oct 27, 2014
Yes, i have made a cute bookmark in under 5 minutes and it doesnt fall out of the book!!! :-)
jtyner1 3109413
Oct 27, 2014
Not sure about 5 minutes, but I do remember my sister having a date and wanting to wear something new. Of course her date was to pick her up within the hour. So we got fabric from the stash, cut out, and sewed a pair of pants, with zipper before he got there. This was in the day when zigzag machines were new, where you sewed a seam, then zigzagged both sides, pressed open, then continued on.

srogers3448 100032 5
Oct 27, 2014
No. My quickest project was a potholder in 15 min.

MelonNet
Oct 27, 2014
I agree with Beverly. Button sewing but not much else. I'm still a beginner so I try to take my time.

mandy0308 5474784
Oct 23, 2014
I have not long found your site. I think it is great. my husband and I have been doing a lot of decorating in the house and I now have a room I can do craft and sewing in so I cannot wait to try some of these wonderful projects. !!
racenmama 5835773
Oct 21, 2014
I've made several 5 minute projects. Pot holders, dog toys and a lot of repair work on my husbands jeans. Love projects that can be completed in a short amount of time!

ltlb1t 4387479
Oct 21, 2014
Sewed pillow ticking for bed pillows.

Kaylee
Oct 28, 2014
Hello ltlb1t 4387479! You're our winner! One of our editors will be emailing you shortly with further information. Congrats! Kaylee, Editor of AllFreeSewing.com

KathrynElizabeth E tier
Oct 20, 2014
Pin cushions made with recycled cat food can bases, obi belts made with two ties, and felt christmas ornaments are my favorite less-than-5-minute projects. It's nice to have instant results once in a while. (I love the men's shirt to skirt pattern and will make some in flannel for winter.)

saharris66 1353657
Oct 20, 2014
I enjoy making travel size pillow cases for baby gifts. They take about 5 minutes to stitch together, so yes I've done a project in 5 minutes.

ahegler
Oct 20, 2014
I have children. I can't get everything I need out in less then ten minutes

westdjc
Oct 20, 2014
Yes, I changed a long sleeve blouse into a short sleeve blouse.
4jgram 0591953
Oct 20, 2014
5 minutes? You are joking! 5 days maybe. Can't wait to try the lanyard key chains. Even if it takes longer than 5min. This will be a great stocking stuffer. Thanks.

kcm549
Oct 20, 2014
Oh my gosh! I love the pillow case apron! I have some of my mom's pillow cases that don't match anything and since she passed away, I have been trying to figure out what to do with them. Problem solved! Thank you SO much!

storyteller324 247 9902
Oct 20, 2014
There are some cool ideas here. And yes! I have a couple of incredibly quick projects I can whip up for gifts!

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Comfortably Bold Shirt Refashion Pattern
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