Our Favorite DIY Sewing Projects for Summer
Sewing, just like going to the beach or lounging by the pool, can be a very relaxing summertime activity! When it’s too hot to go outside or you need a festive new accessory for a picnic or vacation, you can stitch one up. Whether you’re sewing yourself or keeping your kids busy with summertime projects, here are eight of our favorite DIY sewing projects for summer.
Top Sewing Projects for the Lazy Days of Summer
1. DIY Backpack Sewing Pattern
Summer is the time for outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, and looking chic on the beach. With this backpack sewing pattern, you can create a new tote for your outdoor essentials. Whether that’s a kid’s bag for the beach or something stylish for yourself, you’ll look fabulous sporting this handmade backpack.
Need ideas on how to bring this summertime sewing project to life? Mystical Mushroom is a whimsical canvas fabric with charming cottage core vibes. A backpack made out of this fabric would be the perfect companion for long hikes through the woods or standing out at the pool. Peko - Charcoal Canvas Metallic Fabric is an elegant nature-inspired fabric that would also look beautiful as a backpack!
2. Meadowland Quilt Beach Blanket Pattern
This bright and summery quilt is about to be your new favorite beach blanket! The Meadowland Quilt from Then Came June is a great summer project that can be made from ½ yards or fat quarters. Take it with you to the beach, on a picnic, or to an outdoor concert in the park! With our large selection of solid fabrics, you can make this a meadow filled with all your favorite summer flowers, like Goldenrod, Fuschia, or Wisteria.
3. DIY Beach Hat Sewing Pattern
This beach hat is a stylish sewing project for summer that is also great for beginners! If you want a DIY summer project that you can wear, but without the complexity of a swimsuit or cover-up, then this pattern is the perfect place to start. This hat takes an estimated three hours to complete. After you’re done, get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy all the compliments you get, while staying safe in the sun, of course.
4. BBQ Apron Sewing Pattern
Nothing says summer like a barbecue. Make one for yourself or grill master of the house by following this BBQ Apron sewing pattern - Cotton Street Commons The Gathering Apron! This apron is great for holding spare sauce spoons or grilling tongs while also protecting your clothes from grill stains. And, since it’s adjustable, this may be the only apron pattern you ever need!
This pattern is for an apron that’s built to last, so you’ll want to use a sturdier fabric like canvas. A classic neutral like yarn dyed black or steel would look really nice here, but you could also use a canvas floral like Blossom from Cotton + Steel for a bright summer look. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s washable!
5. DIY Summer Beach Tote Sewing Pattern
If you’re looking for a sewing project for summer that is cute but also useful, then this beach tote pattern is for you. Use it to carry sunscreen and your favorite beach read from June to August, then convert it into a grocery bag or sewing supplies carrier in the fall!
All you need to do is select your fabric and thread. The great thing about a tote bag is that it is a blank canvas (or literally blank canvas), so any pattern you like will look good here! You can use a print with an entire scene on it, like Silk Roads from Dashwood Studios, a large print like Paintbrush Studio’s Lisbon Love, or even use a solid color as a backdrop to paint or embroider your own design!
6. DIY Travel Pillow Sewing Pattern
Do you have big plans to hit the road this summer? Or hit the sky? Whether you’re going by plane, train, or automobile, this Travel Pillow is a comfort must! With this incredibly simple pattern, you can make one for every member of the family. That way, no one has to squabble over who gets to use it first or sleep with a crooked neck. Make this travel pillow in your favorite color, or in a fun, travel themed pattern like Bon Voyage! from Tilda or Trade Ships from Dashwood Studios.
7. Moon Dance Quilt Sewing Pattern
Did you know: this summer you will be able to see a “supermoon” on June 24th and a “blue moon” on August 22nd. Now there’s something that only happens once… in a while! If you are planning on doing some stargazing (moon gazing?) during these events or other summertime meteor showers, what better way than on this Moon Dance Quilt from Sew Kind of Wonderful?
This hypnotic quilt features a unique pattern that makes it seem like the circles are overlapping and changing color. It recommends using various shades of purple, red, and teal, but you can use any three colors you like!
8. DIY Bean Bags Sewing Pattern
If you have kids, then summer might be the time of year when you stress most about how to keep them entertained all day. Luckily, this bean bag pattern is here to help. More great news: it’s a two-for-one!
First, your kids can help you make the bean bags (just make sure they are old enough to be trusted around sharp needles and scissors). Then, they can play games in the backyard with the bags when they’re done. That’s at least a few hours that you can go without hearing someone say, “I’m bored!”
For fabric, Dashwood Studio has some darling and very kid-friendly patterns in their Rainbow Friends collection. If your kid loves animals, check out Alligators, Elephants, or Zebras!
We hope you found a sewing project for summer that you are excited to get started on! From thread to thimbles, from needles to needle sharpeners, The Little Fabric Shop has all the fabric and notions you need for your next big DIY project.
