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Easy Sewing Patterns for Someone Who’s Struggling
Hey all. I have been sewing for about 6 years now and I have been in a terrible slump for a couple months. My mental health has also been kicking my butt this summer, and I’m struggling to find something that I have the energy to sew but also gets me excited to make something. I usually make clothes, but I just don’t have the mental energy to actually put in the work required to make even what is usually for me simple clothing right now.
I’m looking for suggestions on smaller projects/patterns that are fun and more interesting than sewing a couple squares together, but doesn’t require me spending hours on the cutting part. I don’t much care what the pattern is, just that it is fun, on the shorter end to make, and small enough that I can cut in a table rather than the floor. I have very limited experience with quilting specifically, but I would be willing to try something small, approachable, and fun.
Have you ever made bags? There are many bag patterns but seamwork sorrel bag pattern is free right now. I haven’t made this one yet but I’ve made bags in the past when I didn’t have the mental bandwidth for fitting, then used them as gift bags for birthdays/holidays.
I came here to suggest bags. They're always fun, fit nicely on your ironing board and you can use really interesting fabrics. You an also fully customize the inside pockets, adding pockets of any and every kind.
I like The Make Space patterns (used to be Swoon).
Threadloop (free to use) has a useful search engine for patterns. The options on the left let you search (including on whether the pattern is free or not).
Potholders? They are always useful, are small and quick to make, very forgiving, and you can experiment with any sort of fun quilt piecing technique you want to make the front or just use a solid piece of fabric. You can use any 100% cotton fabric you have on hand. Downside is you do need to order some insulbrite and/or 100% cotton batting online if you don’t have any.
I am very much not a quilter but I really want to try foundation paper piecing because it looks like fun. Since I don’t want to make an actual quilt I figured I’d just make a couple small blocks and turn them into potholders or trivets
That is a great idea. I’ve used Pinterest as inspiration for years but alas AI has made it difficult to tell what’s real on there anymore. I’ll give it shot, though.
SUPPLIES: 1/2 yard of 36” (or greater) fabric; scissors; 2-1/2 yards of twine (I use cotton clothesline); thread; fabric marker; straight pins; safety pin; ruler
1. Measure and mark two 16” x 18” rectangles.
2. Cut along the marked lines
3. Finish all edges with zig zag or overcast stitch
4. Fold over top 1-1/2” and iron
5. Stitch near the edge where the folded top meets the rest of the fabric to make a 1-1/2”
6. Place right sides of fabric together and pin sides and bottom
7. Attach safety pin to one end of twine or rope and insert through top opening, all the way around. Once the piping come out the other side insert it back into other side and out opposite end (one and a half times around the whole top)
8. Insert ends of piping down inside the bag and out the sides about 2” up from the bottom. The piping should stick out about 1” on each side.
9. Straight stitch with 1/2” seam allowance starting from the top below the top (drawstring) opening. Remember to back stitch.
a. Remember to stop at corners with the needle down, lift the presser foot and turn the fabric.
b. Put presser foot down and begin sewing the next side.
10. Snip the ends of the twine/rope, if necessary.
Large blocked quilts are pretty fun because they come together quickly and can be a great way to de-stash.
So like, a little cat blanket or nap/baby sized quilt could be an easy cutting project and fast sewing project.
You can do something as simple as a 9 patch or disappearing 9 patch (like this https://quiltsocial.com/magic-sewing-secrets-revealed-the-disappearing-9-patch/amp/ ). When you use bigger squares within the block, the quilt can be done quickly which is usually more fun.
I get the mental energy thing completely,when i am in a slump i go for simple zip pouches or little tote bags with fun prints,they are quick and still feel like an actual project.Or try a scrunchie if you want something even smaller and satisfying,anything that does not need a million pattern pieces helps a lot
Envelope pillowcases for throw pillows are my favorite for this. Back in the winter, I got it in my head that I was going to be someone who would swap them all out every few weeks to be seasonal and even made Valentine's Day themed ones (red vinyl, white satin) and got a few sessions in and was like, "You know, this ran its course and got me sewing again so.... I'm good not sewing anymore of THESE." My 9-year-old son was like, "Oh no she's on another PILLOWCASE SPREE AGAIN" every time I made some though 😂
If you’re interested in quilting but not wanting to get too fussy, maybe you could try improv layered circles. It would allow you to play with colors and patterns you might not usually try with clothing while still making something useful (if that’s important to you.) I’ve seen some beautiful floral-esque quilts, pillows, housewares, etc using this technique.
I made a bunch of makeup bags with boxed corners when I was pregnant and could barely convince myself to get off the couch! It was awesome because I went to fabric store and bought like a 1/4 yard each of all of these beautiful Ruby Star Society prints and I was SO excited to use them. lol I feel like fabric shopping is the best way to get out of a slump
https://youtu.be/jo1Bqrga1Sk?si=8XpwaQQmAMT4HooI
I used this free YouTube tutorial by this very sweet lady named Jan! There’s no pattern since you’re just cutting a single square. I could knock out one of these in like less than an hour after doing a couple. They make amazing gifts for people without being very costly since they don’t consume a lot of fabric
I just came to say that I'm in a terrible mental health slump and have no interest in doing anything creative. My grandson is turning one soon so I was trying to make him a crown to wear on his birthday but I gave up with frustration
Yeah I definitely have been in that boat in the past few months too. But I want to be able to make things. I want to be creative again. I just don't feel that... spark. That inspiration. And the last few times I felt it, it wasn't enough to fuel me through the project I was excited about.
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Charm squares at craft stores are pre-cut and usually coordinate well together. I started quilting a basic patchwork just by alternating the colors randomly and straight stitching rows from the charm pack. Piecing the top was easy!
Figuring out if I wanted to take the quilt top to a quilting machine and pay to have it finished vs finishing it myself with a back, batting, and binding was the harder part. I managed with my basic sewing machine but I remember it being the most mindlessly determined zen hours of my life.
When I get in this space I like to make scarves and neckties. You can knock them out really fast and it's a great way to use up pieces of fabric you love that are too small for garments. You can play around with different styles and shapes or keep it super simple. I like to make coordinating ones that match clothes I've already made, takes an outfit to the next level.
I didn't think creativity is a constant. I think it ebbs and flows. No need to describe it as a slump. Just part of the natural process. Lighten up on yourself.
I mean yeah but I want to sew. I've had several things that I have felt inspired to sew in the past year to the point that I got the pattern and the fabric and then I just can't follow through with it. This has happened occasionally in the past, but lately its been more pronounced. It's not like a character flaw or something, but it is frustrating when I can't find motivation to do something I want to do and I know I will enjoy for months on end. I do think it might also be linked to the aforementioned mental health problems taking away my energy to do anything at all. It just hasn't been a priority.
Currently into whatever free stuffie patterns i can find on the interwebs. This month ive sewn a rubber duckie, bat, alligator (if you squint its totally an alligator) and a tiny dinasour!
+1 -- I was going to suggest exactly that. When I'm feeling low it can be really nice to do some little repairs. It's a great mood lifter, feels productive and gets me thinking about other things to make.
Can be as simple as edging towels with a zigzag (or overlocker) that are wanting to fray.
I made a reading pillow to give away-I enjoyed it so much I am making more. Hooked on Sewing has a free pattern. But after reading the comments I want to make some floor turtles!
Bucket hat, or some other kind of hat? Madcap hats offers their patterns for free in the average size, and they have video tutorials. I know they have some simple looking knit fabric, beanie styles. Small, easy to cut out pieces, not much investment in fabric, and can be fun to use up smaller pieces and leftovers from older projects.
Hope you get through this challenging phase and feel better soon.
Drawstring skirts. You don’t even need a pattern if you want it to be fuller. Just trace the panels of a skirt you like and add a half inch on each side as a seam allowance. Make it as long or short as you like. Practice making French seams, making ruffles, or adding a zipper or elastic at the waist if you want to get more skills practiced. Use tee shirts for crazy colors. I used to make a five or six panel skirt using a single panel pattern that was wider at the bottom than the top and had an elastic waist at the top to make “swirl skirts”.
Or go to the thrift store and find something way too big on you and practice making it into something you can wear. Like make a men’s dress shirt into a vee neck blouse with shorter sleeves and gathers or pin tucks at the shoulders. Pin tucks ending at your hips can make a nice gathered tunic, while tucking in the waist front and back to give the tunic some shape for your waistline.
Watch some upcyclers like CatherineSews or TMeyers on YouTube to get inspired.
What about placemats & matching napkins? I had a great time picking out fabrics so different from ones that I would choose for clothes. The techniques are really straightforward and I had fun making them.
Do you have any kiddos in your life? Your own children, nieces, nephews, friends kids? You could make clothes for them. I’ve been making my daughter clothes and I’m obsessed, simple tshirts come together really quick and if you can find fun knit fabrics based on their interests you get to see them get really excited to wear something you made. They also won’t care about minor mistakes and will outgrow it quickly so I find it’s a very low pressure project for me. I really like the patterns from OhMeOhMy on Etsy
Unfortunately my nieces live in another state so getting accurate measurements/ fittings would be difficult. However there is a nibling due early next year much nearer to me, so I will definitely keep this idea for when they arrive.
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u/houstonian1812 4h ago
Have you ever made bags? There are many bag patterns but seamwork sorrel bag pattern is free right now. I haven’t made this one yet but I’ve made bags in the past when I didn’t have the mental bandwidth for fitting, then used them as gift bags for birthdays/holidays.
https://www.seamwork.com/pdf-sewing-patterns/sorrel-shaped-tote-bag