by Diana Schonhut

Created on: March 12, 2009

Finding sewing projects for beginners can be difficult. You want to find something useful to make so the whole experience is worthwhile, and yet any project also has to be relatively easy so you are encouraged to make something else and don't find the whole process overwhelming. So, what to choose?

The easiest thing to make around the house has got to be cushion covers. Basically, these are simply two squares of fabric sewn together; how hard can it be? Take a look in the shops at the range of cushions available, to get some ideas. You need a cushion pad of your required size and your chosen fabric, but that's about it. Measure the cushion pad, add about half an inch all round and cut the fabric. Put right sides together and sew all round about half an inch from the edge with a simple straight stitch by machine or hand, but leave about six inches unsewn on any side. You then have to turn the cushion inside out through the missing six inches, then push in your cushion pad (which might take a bit of bending and squeezing). Then you sew up the missing six inches by hand with the smallest stitches you can manage and you're done. After that, you deserve a nice sit down (using your new cushion, of course.)

Traditionally, beginners always made an apron and this is still a good choice. Fairly easy to make, not requiring any great fitting skills and can be personalized to suit the wearer, which also makes it a great idea for a gift for male or female. Depending on the fabric, you could hem the edges, sew with a zig zag stitch, or even use an embroidery stitch to create a decorative edging. From here, it's not a great leap to consider a wrap around skirt or beach wrap, where fitting is again kept to a minimum.

Bags are also useful and again consist mostly of sewing rectangles together, hemming the top and adding handles. Tote bags are really easy to make and great to use for shopping to avoid plastic bags. Children always seem to need bags too for carrying round all their essentials, or you could make something smaller and more personal for a special someone.

There are always plenty of patterns available that state that they are suitable for beginners, but many people find them baffling and full of jargon, so there's nothing better than finding a helpful mentor to explain the more difficult bits. This might be a relative or neighbor but you might find it more satisfying to find a local class, where you can ask as many questions as you like without feeling like a pest. So why not have a look round and see if you can find someone to start you on your sewing safari.

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