Remember the summer of 2020 when everyone started a hobby because of quarantine? Well, while I didn’t hop on that train in 2020, I did get on it in 2021. That hobby? Sewing. Many people will probably say that it’s much easier to go out and buy your clothes. However, there’s something special about being able to make them yourself and getting to create whatever you want, exactly the way you want it. Not only that, but it’s a great way to start breaking away from shopping fast fashion. You can also refashion old clothes into something that looks brand new. Now, you’re probably wondering where to start because sewing can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though because we’ve got you covered with some of the easiest sewing projects to start off with for a beginner.
- Crop Tops
Crop tops are probably a wardrobe staple for almost anyone these days and what makes them even better is that they are so easy to make. Your DIY crop top can be as simple as taking an old t-shirt from your wardrobe or a thrift store find that doesn’t quite fit you, and cutting the bottom off to create a cute, new crop top. If you want to get more hands on with sewing though, you can start by getting your fabric scissors out and your sewing machine ready. There are so many free crop top patterns out there for download to help you get started. Plus, you don’t even need fancy pattern paper to print them out on, computer paper works just fine! Your DIY crop top can range from simple refashioned t-shirts, to those silk cowl neck crop tops that look like they came from your favorite clothing brand.
- Masks
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “when will this pandemic be over?” and “I wish my mask could at least match my outfit.” Well, you’re in luck because while COVID-19 is still present today, and we’re still wearing masks, that doesn’t mean we can’t still try to make the best out of the situation. This is where DIY masks come in. Masks are super simple and quick to make and are great for anyone trying to sew for the first time. The best thing about making your own mask is that you can reuse the broken straps from your disposable ones. I don’t know about all of you, but I have definitely broken a number of straps on my disposable masks but ever since I started sewing, those straps have been put to good use. Not only are you reusing those straps and saving yourself the money you would’ve spent buying new ones, but you can also personalize your mask to have any print you want.
- Circle Skirts
If there’s one thing that’ll probably never go out of style, it would be circle skirts. No matter what season or even year it is, this is one trend that pretty much everyone will always be wearing, so why not put some DIY ones in your closet? They are so simple that like the crop tops, you don’t even need a pattern to trace or cut out. All you need is some scissors, your fabric, a ruler to make sure your measurements are all even, and your sewing machine. If you don’t have a sewing machine you can also sew it by hand! If you decide you want to take it up a step, you can sew a waistband onto your skirt. This project takes just about an hour to complete and will leave you wanting to add so many more to your closet!
- Bucket Hats
If there’s one trend that is coming back into style this year, it’s bucket hats. This 90’s trend has been making a comeback and so many people now in 2021 have been wearing them. The best part about them though is that they, like all the other projects mentioned here, are super easy to make. You can buy fabric from a fabric store or you can take those old jeans you haven’t worn since middle school and refashion them into a new hat. They are super versatile too because you can make them out of so many different fabrics. Denim? Check. Cotton? Check. Fuzzy sherpa fabric? Check. The creativity is basically unlimited. Bucket hats come in so many different styles that they work for pretty much any outfit and any season. Not only that, but you can add decorative elements to your bucket hat for that added touch. From adjustable straps to embroidery to eyelets, the sky’s the limit. These hats are the perfect accessory and perfect project for any beginner sewer to take on.
So what are you going to do next? The answer is take out your scissors, your fabric, and your grandma’s old sewing machine that she probably passed down to you and get sewing! These projects are great ways to dive into the world of DIY fashion and sewing. You can customize your look however you want and there’s no boundaries when it comes to creativity. Go get your t-shirts and jeans that you hardly wear anymore and turn them into your next favorite article of clothing!