30 Minute Sewing Projects

Make something amazing with one of these great 30 minute sewing projects. There are easy projects for the home, for kids, and as gifts!

Sometimes you don’t have time, energy, or mental capacity for a hard, all-encompassing, time-intensive sewing project. I do recommend that the way to finish a big project is to work slowly one step at a time and eventually it’ll be finished, but I often can’t handle a big project like that.

If it’s a busy summer full of adventuring and traveling, or if it’s the holidays when there’s gatherings, concerts, and gift giving, you might not have as much time to sew. That’s when these fantastic 30 minute sewing projects come in to save the day! Get a little bit of sewing done AND finish it!

All of these projects can get done in 30 minutes and most can get cut out and finished in half an hour.

Some are small sewing projects and some are big sewing projects. Some use up fabric scraps and some use big pieces of new fabric. There are even upcycles to make the sewing easier!

What makes a sewing project faster to sew?

Look for sewing projects with lots of straight lines. Straight lines are the easiest seam to sew, and it’s good for beginners to practice.

Look for sewing projects that use either quilting cotton, the best beginner sewing woven fabric, or cotton spandex jersey, the best beginner sewing knit fabric. Fleece fabric is another great fabric for beginners to work with.

Look for sewing projects that use a smaller amount of fabric since less fabric means smaller seams.

Do you love to sew? Try one of these great sewing projects:

Easy Bookmarks to Sew with a Free Pattern

Check out these easy bookmarks to sew with a free sewing pattern. These four bookmarks use scraps of fabric for a quick beginner sewing project!

DIY Fleece Blanket: 6 Different Ways

Learn how to make a DIY fleece blanket six different ways. Each version is a finish for the sides and is either a sew or no-sew tutorial.

How to Make DIY Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Learn how to make DIY reusable makeup remover pads to help you save money and create less waste. It’s a great scrap fabric sewing project!

DIY Plastic Bag Holder to Sew

Learn how to make a DIY plastic bag holder to keep bags safely organized! This beginner sewing project only uses one fat quarter!

How to Make a Bow Headband

Learn how to make a bow headband with knit fabric. This beginner sewing project makes a great gift and it’s so cute and useful!

How to Sew a Drawstring Bag

Learn how to sew a drawstring bag with a free drawstring bag sewing pattern. It can be changed to any size, and it can hold so many different things. A drawstring bag is quick and easy sewing project, but it’s so useful!

Free Double Oven Mitt Sewing Pattern

Learn how to make a double oven mitt with a free sewing pattern. This kitchen sewing project can be a large hot pad and makes a great gift.

DIY Reusable Water Balloons

Learn how to make DIY reusable water balloons using sponges and scraps of fleece fabric. It’s a quick summer sewing project that is fun to play with!

How to Make DIY Reusable Cotton Rounds

Make use of all those organic cotton scraps of fabric by easily sewing or serging them into DIY reusable cotton rounds. They are great for removing make up!

DIY Cloth Napkins

Learn how to make DIY cloth napkins with silk and cotton fabric. This beginner sewing project is reusable and washable for the table.

DIY Knit Headband Tutorial

Learn how to make a DIY knit headband with scraps of knit fabric! It’s a great beginner sewing project that makes a really cute handmade accessory!

DIY Tea Towel Apron Tutorial

This is a fabulous and easy gift idea for neighbors, teachers, friends, and family. Use a tea towel to make a quick and simple DIY tea towel apron!

How to Make a Silk Scarf

Learn how to make a silk scarf with lightweight fabric. This beginner sewing project is a great to practice sewing silk and sewing hems.

Sew a Sunglasses Case with a Free Pattern

Learn how to sew a sunglasses case with a free sewing pattern! Keep your sunglasses case safe in your bag with a beginner sewing project!

Free Scrunchie Sewing Pattern

Learn how to make a DIY scrunchie with a free printable scrunchie PDF sewing pattern. Use cotton or silk for an easy sewing project!

Free Ball Sewing Pattern

Learn how to sew a ball or sphere with a free ball sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is great for little kids or pets to play with!

How to Make Linen Napkins

Learn how to make linen napkins with this easy sewing tutorial! This beginner sewing project makes the perfect handmade gift!

DIY Turban Headband to Sew

Learn how to sew a DIY turban headband with knit fabric! This beginner sewing projects is fast and easy, and it's perfect for gifts!

DIY Tea Towels with Fat Quarters

Learn how to make your own DIY tea towels out of a fat quarter of fabric! These are a great easy gift to sew for a friend or family kitchen!

Upcycled Plastic Bag Holder

Learn how to make an upcycled plastic bag holder to keep bags organized! This beginner sewing project only uses a men’s shirt sleeve!

Free Hanging Kitchen Towel Sewing Pattern

Make a beginner sewing project with this free hanging kitchen towel sewing pattern. Use a towel or quilting cotton for an easy gift to sew!

How to Make Placemats

Learn how to make placemats with a 1/2 yard of fabric! This is a great beginner sewing project and can use the prettiest fabric!

How to Make a Triangle Scarf

Learn how to make a triangle scarf with just a yard of fabric and some tassels or pompoms. This is a great beginner sewing project that makes the perfect gift!

Free Chapstick Holder Keychain Pattern

With this free chapstick holder keychain pattern, make a cute keychain to hold your lip balm or chapstick to clip onto your purse or backpack.

DIY Convertible Towel Bag

Stop dropping your towel when you have so much to carry and make a DIY convertible towel bag instead! The towel converts to a backpack and then back to a towel!

Free Bow Tie Pattern for Kids

Learn how to make a child bow tie with this free bow tie pattern. It’s a faux tie version and comes in three styles and three sizes. I love making boy inspired sewing projects.

How to Make an Envelope Pillow Cover

Learn how to make an easy envelope pillow cover that makes the perfect throw pillow. Add a flange or not to this beginner sewing project.

How to Make a DIY Fabric Tray

Learn how to make a DIY fabric tray with fabric scraps for simple organizing. It’s a great beginner sewing project that makes an easy gift!

DIY Mouse Pad

Decorate your office with this easy DIY mouse pad with your favorite fabric. It would make a great back to school project or a great gift idea!

How to Sew a Twisted Headband: Two Ways

Learn how to sew a twisted headband two different ways. Use knit fabric for a quick and easy sewing project that makes a great gift!

Free Gift Card Holder Sewing Pattern

Learn how to make a gift card holder with a free sewing pattern. These look like Christmas tags and can hold a gift card or tiny card and envelope!

Make a Pillowcase with the Burrito Method

Learn how to make a pillowcase with the burrito method. This is a great beginner sewing project, and it makes a great gift for kids!

How to Make an Infinity Scarf

Learn how to make an infinity scarf with knit fabric. This beginner sewing project makes a great accessory and a great handmade gift!

Free Baby Burp Cloth Pattern

Learn how to make a baby burp cloth with a free sewing pattern. New moms always need several so this easy sewing project makes a great gift!

Free Ear Warmer Sewing Pattern

Learn how to make a warm gift with this free ear warmer sewing pattern. This beginner sewing project is comfortable because of the shaping.

DIY Slippers with Fleece Fabric

Learn how to make DIY slippers out of fleece fabric. Add pompoms or tassels to this one-seam sewing project. It’s a quick and easy gift.

If you make something using this sewing project, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!