by Carrie Schutrick

Created on: March 23, 2009

To get started in sewing, you want a project that's got a few features to make it easier. Mostly straight seams are a plus, as is a lack of any complex construction. You want small and quick, so that you can get a taste of the craft without having to devote huge amounts of time, energy or money to something you don't even know yet if you like doing. And something that's going to be useful right away gives you a tangible result for your new skill. So what sorts of beginner projects fit these criteria?

For starters, there are any number of kitchen items that even a beginning sewer can make easily. Potholders, dishtowels, and hot pads are all nice rectangular projects that don't require a lot of finishing, and if the edges aren't perfectly even who cares? It's just there to keep the counter clean, after all. Topstitching a few layers of flannel together to make a potholder is great practice for sewing straight, too. If you're a little more ambitious, an apron is a simple project that, again, can be quite functional even if it isn't quite perfect.

Moving on to the dining room, there are placemats, napkins and other table linens. Since they're meant to be seen, finishing is a little more crucial, but no one is going to notice if a napkin isn't quite exactly square, nor if a tablecloth's edging hem wavers a bit in depth.

In the living room, pillow covers can add a designer touch at an affordable price, and since most pillows are square it's all straight seams again. Similarly, a curtain is just a large piece of fabric with finished (hemmed) edges and a tube at the top to hang it with. A little more work, but still fairly simple, is a slipcover for a favorite piece of furniture that's beginning to show its age. If you have wooden chairs, you could consider making cushions for added comfort.

Curtains can branch out to other rooms of the house, and pillow covers work just as well in the bedroom as in the living room. For a child's room, a fleece blanket can be a cozy and individual item, and since polar fleece doesn't unravel you don't even have to worry about hemming the edges.

If you don't want housewares, consider a simple item such as a canvas tote bag. It's all rectangles, and as soon as you're done you'll have a handy accessory. You might even try something like a bathrobe, which doesn't have to be precisely fitted to be comfortable and useful.

When picking your beginning project, just look for something you feel you can understand. These guidelines are just that-guidelines. If you think you can jump right in, feel free!

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