9 Back to School Sewing Projects

Back to school is just around the corner. Let’s take a moment to celebrate. Wahoo!!!! To say that we are a little excited does not do justice to the pure joy we have as we countdown the days.

To get us all ready for the new school year, we have put together a list of nine back to school sewing projects that are all free. Each project has a link to the step-by-step directions to get you and your family ready for the start of a new school year.

Free Sewing Tutorials for the School Year

1. Pencil Case

This Pencil Case Tutorial is just perfect for the beginner sewist. Merriment Designs has created a lovely pattern that will take you through creating this simple pouch. The pencil case is the a great size to store your pens and pencils without being too big or too small. We even have apple fabric that would make this an adorable teacher gift as well!

2. Lunch Box Napkins

We love reusable lunch box napkins. Our Fat Quarter Earth Day Cloth Napkins Tutorial is beginner friendly and quick to make. This pattern only requires two fat quarter fabrics. Get your hot iron ready and thread your sewing machine for a fast project. We used the Cloud 9 Universal Love fabrics for this project.

3. Art Smock

This adorable Art Smock Tutorial is from the Crazy Little Projects blog. This simple art smock pattern is another beginner friendly project. It is designed to fit elementary kids, toddlers and preschoolers. While your budding artist is enjoying painting, drawing or any messy activity, they will stay neat and clean – and look super cute too!

4. Zipper Bag

Here is another tutorial we created here at Little Fabric Shop. This Zipper Bag pattern will create a larger sized pouch that will store office supplies and other items that are too big for the pencil case. Scroll to the bottom of the link to find all the tutorials details along with a downloadable pattern. The Zipper Bag pattern is beginner friendly, but experience with box pleats and attaching zippers will be helpful. We used the Anna Maria Horner Bright Eyes fabric to create this fun and versatile bag.

5. Reusable Lunch Bags

The Reusable Lunch Bag tutorial is another earth friendly project. It was designed and created  by The Inspiration Board. Instead of grabbing a plastic baggie for on-the-go snacks and lunches, this bag is a great alternative to disposable bags. The pattern says that they can be made in less than thirty minutes. And it is another beginner friendly tutorial. Love that!   

6. Kid’s Insulated Lunch Bag

We just can’t get another of the Crazy Little Projects blog! Here is a sewing tutorial to create a Kid’s Insulated Lunch Bag. It is just the right size for packing a lunch or traveling with snacks. Whether you use this at school or for activities like soccer, band, or theater practice. Your child will love having a lunch bag designed just for them. We think fabrics from the Dashwood Fabrics line would look great on a lunch bag!

7. Hand Sanitizer Holder

As we continue to move through the global pandemic, there is no better time to have hand sanitizer on at your fingertips (and on them too). This Hand Sanitizer Holder is a quick make – less than 10 minutes and can even use charm squares to create it! The Crafty for Home blog has come-up with this very simple, very quick and very fun tutorial to help you keep your loved ones clean and healthy.

8. Scrappy Fabric Bookmark Tutorial

Now this one is adorable! We love all things rainbow and hearts. Ameroonie Designs has created a Tasseled Fabric Bookmark tutorial. We are a big fan of all her work! This is a scrap-busting project and a great one for kids and teens to try-out that enjoy sewing. You can even add applique hearts or other shapes to this beginner friendly project.  

9. DIY Mouse Pad

Use your favorite fabric to personalize your office with this DIY Mouse Pad pattern. Heather Handmade has created a fun and fast project to add a little something special to your workspace. We just love the Nordic Spring fabric collection and think any fabrics from this line would look great as a mouse pad.

We hope that you have enjoyed checking out these simple back-to-school tutorials. Sharing our love of sewing with our fabric community is so much fun! We have even dedicated a section of our website entirely to free tutorials to inspire and grow your sewing experience. You can find the link below.

Link: Little Fabric Shop Sewing Tutorials

We love to create patterns and tutorials for you! If there are any projects you need help with, just let us know. And please tag us @little.fabric.shop on Instagram with all your makes so that we can celebrate and share your work. Happy Sewing!