It’s that time again – new backpacks, fresh notebooks, and a big gulp of coffee for you! Why not kick off the school year with some fun, easy sewing projects that are actually useful?
Sewing for kids is one of the most rewarding things you can do – everything’s smaller, faster, and honestly, just more fun! Whether you’ve got a preschooler, a tween, or a teenager heading back to class, these easy and practical sewing projects will help you get organized, add personal touches, and make mornings go a whole lot smoother.
Most of these projects take less than an hour or two to make. They’re beginner-friendly, scrap-friendly, and come with free patterns and tutorials, so anyone can give them a try. You’ll mostly need cotton fabric, fleece, or felt – stuff you likely already have in your stash!
Let’s dive in!
Organization & Storage
Pencil case with zipper
Sew a fun pencil case to hold pens, pencils, and markers. A great scrap buster, this project usually takes under an hour and uses a simple zipper. Personalize it with fabric your kids love – think rainbows, trucks, or animals! Simple pencil case sewing pattern. DIY stand up pencil pouch pattern.
Notebook cover
Make your child’s notebooks stand out with a washable fabric cover. This project is quick and easy, and it helps protect notebooks from getting bent or torn in the backpack. Bonus: they’re reusable for next year too!
Homework folder
This soft fabric folder has inside pockets to store homework, permission slips, or notes from the teacher. It’s more fun (and more durable!) than a store-bought plastic one, and it’s a great beginner sewing project. Or you can try this easy no-sew fabric folder tutorial.
Reusable sandwich/snack bags
Ditch the single-use plastic bags and sew some washable snack pouches! Made with food-safe fabric, these are eco-friendly, quick to sew, and perfect for school lunches. Easy tutorial: make your own reusable ziploc bags.
Drawstring gym bag
This lightweight drawstring bag is ideal for PE clothes or library books. It’s easy to carry and doesn’t take up much space. Use sturdy cotton or canvas to make it last all year long.
Lunch bag with insulation
Keep lunches cool and fresh with this DIY insulated lunch bag. Use insulating batting or even an old thermal bag to line it. It features a zipper closure and handy handles for easy carrying.
Book bag or tote
Sew a classic fabric tote bag for carrying books or after-school stuff. Go for sturdy cotton canvas or denim, and add a pocket or two to keep small items organized. This is a great first project for older kids learning to sew, too. Or you can learn how to sew a simple unlined tote with clean seams.
Locker organizer caddy
This hanging caddy has pockets to store pens, small books, and supplies inside a school locker. It helps kids stay organized and keeps things easy to find during class changes. Another DIY hanging organizer – free sewing pattern.
Tablet or laptop sleeve
Make a padded sleeve to protect tablets, Chromebooks, or small laptops. Most tutorials use foam interfacing or quilt batting for cushioning, and the pattern can be adjusted to fit any device. Quilted laptop sleeve free pattern. Free Lembas laptop sleeve sewing pattern.
Water bottle holder with strap
This handy bottle carrier is perfect for kids who walk or cycle to school. It has a crossbody strap and you can even upcycle a pair of pants for this DIY.
Clothing & Accessories
Elastic waist skirts or shorts
You can sew a simple skirt or pair of shorts in under an hour with just basic sewing skills. These are perfect for warmer fall days and easy to customize with fun prints and trim.
Reversible headbands
Keep hair out of the face in style! These soft, stretchy headbands are great scrap busters and super quick to sew. Great project for older kids to help make themselves.
Infinity scarf
A lightweight infinity scarf is the perfect transitional piece for chilly mornings. Use jersey knit, double gauze, or soft cotton, and make it in under 30 minutes!
DIY hoodie or sweatshirt
Sew a cozy sweatshirt or hoodie for your little one using fleece or French terry. This project takes a bit more time but is so worth it, especially if you love custom prints. Boys hooded sweatshirt – free PDF pattern. Free raglan hoodie pattern.
Fabric belt or sash
Add a pop of color to any outfit with a reversible fabric belt. These are beginner-friendly and fun to personalize with ribbons, trims, or even iron-on letters.
Scrunchies or hair ties
Make a bunch of scrunchies in no time with just a little fabric and elastic. Great for gift-giving or to match school uniforms or outfits. Plus, they’re gentle on hair!
Extras & Personal Touches
ID badge lanyard
Perfect for older students who need to carry an ID card or key fob. Fabric lanyards are quick to sew and can be made with your favorite prints or school colors. DIY badge holder tutorial.
Fabric name tags
Add name tags to lunch bags, backpacks, or jackets to avoid mix-ups at school. These can be made from felt or fabric and attached with snaps, Velcro, or sewn directly on. How to make clothing labels or DIY embroidered felt name tags.
Face mask with nose wire
Still useful during flu season or when someone has a sniffle! A well-fitted mask with adjustable ear loops and nose wire is easy to sew and good to have on hand.
Chair pocket organizer
Perfect for classrooms or homework nooks! This fabric organizer slips over the back of a chair and holds books, pencils, and notebooks, keeping everything within reach.
Mini first aid kit pouch
A small zip pouch to hold band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and tissues – especially handy for younger kids.
Wallet or coin pouch
Sew a small wallet for holding lunch money, student ID, or bus pass. Add a snap or zipper and a little D-ring if you want to clip it to a bag. Free snap coin purse pattern – easy DIY wallet with no zipper.
Crayon or colored pencil roll
A fabric roll-up case with slots for crayons or pencils – great for keeping art supplies neat in a backpack or at school.
Felt bookmarks
These easy no-sew or low-sew bookmarks are great for encouraging reading. Let kids help decorate them with felt shapes, buttons, or embroidery floss! Or try a geometric pattern corner bookmark.
Portable tissue pouch
Tuck a little pouch of tissues in a backpack or jacket pocket. Handy for colds, allergies, or just daily use. These are super quick to make and great for gifting, too.
Time to thread that needle!
Back-to-school season is the perfect excuse to sew up some quick, useful projects for your kids. From pencil cases to snack bags and even clothes, there’s something here for every skill level and every age. Plus, sewing these things yourself means better quality, less waste, and more fun fabrics!
Pick your favorites, dig into your stash, and get sewing – you’ll be amazed how satisfying it is to send your little ones off to school with something made by you.