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There’s something about fall that makes me want to pull out soft fabrics, pour a cup of tea, and stitch a few handmade touches for my home. Sewing projects are such a satisfying way to add warmth and personality to a space, and the best part is you don’t need advanced skills or complicated patterns to get started.
These 12 fall sewing projects are simple, beginner-friendly, and perfect for making your home feel extra cozy. Most can be made with fabric scraps or upcycled materials like old sweaters and flannel shirts. If you can sew a straight line and use scissors, you’ll be ready to bring these projects to life.
1. Patchwork Placemats
Placemats are an easy way to practice sewing straight seams while adding seasonal style to your table.
- Cut strips or squares of fabric in fall colors like plaid flannel, corduroy, or warm-toned cotton.
- Sew the pieces together in rows until you form a rectangle the size of a placemat.
- Place it right sides together with a backing fabric, sew around the edges, and leave a small opening.
- Turn right side out, press flat, and topstitch the edges to finish.
Choose fabrics with a mix of textures to make the patchwork look intentional and cozy.
2. Fabric Pumpkins
These plush pumpkins are a fall favorite, and they’re easier than they look.
- Cut a rectangle of fabric, about twice as wide as it is tall.
- Fold the fabric right sides together and sew the short edges to form a tube.
- Hand-stitch along one open edge, pull tight to close, and knot securely.
- Stuff with fiberfill until full, then stitch the other edge closed.
- Wrap thread or twine around the pumpkin to create ridges.
- For the stem, tuck in a small stick, a piece of driftwood, or a cinnamon stick.
Mix knits, flannel, and cotton fabrics for a variety of textures.
3. Mug Cozy
A fabric cozy around your mug keeps drinks warmer and your hands more comfortable.
- Cut a rectangle slightly taller than your mug and long enough to wrap around it.
- Sandwich batting between two fabric layers and sew all the way around.
- Leave an opening to turn it right side out, then topstitch to close.
- Add a button on one end and elastic on the other to fasten around your mug.
You can quilt simple lines across the fabric before sewing to give it extra texture.
4. Appliquéd Fall Pillow
A pillow cover with a seasonal appliqué is one of the quickest ways to refresh your space.
- Cut out a pillow cover shape from plain fabric.
- Use a template to trace a pumpkin, acorn, or leaf onto fall-colored fabric.
- Cut out the shape and place it on the pillow front. Pin in place.
- Stitch around the edges with a zigzag or blanket stitch to secure.
- Assemble the pillow cover with an envelope-style back or zipper.
Choose simple shapes for your appliqué so they’re easy to cut and sew neatly.
5. Fall Tea Towels with Appliqué
Handmade tea towels are both decorative and useful.
- Start with plain cotton or linen towels, or cut fabric rectangles and hem the edges.
- Cut out simple motifs like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns from fabric scraps.
- Pin the shapes on one corner of the towel.
- Sew around the edges with a straight stitch or zigzag to attach.
Use contrasting thread for a rustic look, or match the thread color to keep it subtle.
6. Felt Leaf Placemats or Coasters
Felt doesn’t fray, which makes it one of the easiest fabrics for beginners.
- Draw leaf shapes on paper to use as a template.
- Cut the shapes from felt in warm tones like mustard, rust, or sage.
- Use two layers for sturdier placemats and stitch around the edges with a blanket stitch.
- For coasters, cut smaller leaves and keep them single-layer.
These make a charming set when bundled with twine and make great gifts.
7. Patchwork Table Runner
A table runner is a stylish way to add handmade charm to your dining space.
- Cut fabric scraps into strips of the same width.
- Sew strips together side by side until you have a long runner shape.
- Place the runner on a backing fabric, sew around the edges, and leave an opening.
- Turn right side out and topstitch to finish.
Stick to three or four colors for a more cohesive look, or use all scraps for a patchwork style.
8. No-Sew Pumpkin Pillow
This project is simple enough to do with kids and doesn’t even require a machine.
- Lay out a large square of stretchy fabric like fleece or jersey.
- Place a pillow form or stuffing in the center.
- Gather the fabric edges up around the pillow.
- Tie with twine or elastic at the top, creating a pumpkin-like shape.
- Tuck in the extra fabric neatly and add a stick or faux stem.
This is an easy way to make a playful accent pillow in less than 30 minutes.
9. Thanksgiving Appliqué Apron
A simple apron with a seasonal appliqué adds festive cheer while cooking.
- Cut out an apron shape from cotton, or use a plain store-bought apron.
- Trace and cut appliqué shapes like leaves or a pumpkin.
- Place on the apron front and stitch around the edges.
- Add long ties and a neck strap if you’re making the apron from scratch.
Choose washable fabrics and thread so your apron can handle kitchen messes.
10. Fabric Napkin Rings
Napkin rings are a small detail that makes a table setting feel thoughtful.
- Cut fabric strips about 2 inches wide and 6 inches long.
- Fold each strip lengthwise, sew along the edge, and turn right side out.
- Wrap into a circle and stitch the ends together.
- Slip around rolled napkins to finish the look.
Try burlap for a rustic feel, velvet for something elegant, or plaid for classic fall style.
11. Flannel Blanket Scarf
This project doubles as home décor and wearable cozy comfort.
- Cut a large square or rectangle of flannel fabric.
- Trim edges evenly with fabric scissors.
- Hem with a zigzag stitch, or pull a few threads along the edges to create fringe.
- Fold into a triangle to wear, or drape across a chair as a throw.
Plaid flannel feels perfectly seasonal, but solids in warm tones work beautifully too.
12. Pumpkin Quilt Block Wall Hanging
A quilt block is a manageable way to try quilting without the commitment of a full blanket.
- Use a simple pumpkin block pattern with squares and rectangles.
- Sew pieces together, pressing seams as you go.
- Add a plain backing fabric and sew around the edges.
- Bind with coordinating fabric strips.
- Add loops or tabs at the top for hanging.
Hang the finished block in your entryway or above a mantel for an instant fall accent.
Tips for Success
When starting with sewing, the key is to keep it simple. Choose easy shapes and fabrics that are forgiving, like cotton and flannel, so your stitches stay neat. Even a project with just a few straight seams can look polished when you press the fabric well and take your time.
Scraps and old clothes are perfect for many of these projects. You don’t need to buy expensive fabric — an old flannel shirt can become a table runner, and sweater sleeves make the coziest fabric pumpkins.
Texture makes all the difference in fall décor. Mixing flannel, felt, linen, and knits will instantly give your projects more depth and warmth. A consistent color palette, even if the fabrics are mismatched, helps everything look cohesive when styled together in your home.
Finally, give yourself permission to enjoy the process. These projects are designed to be approachable and fun, so don’t worry about perfection. The handmade charm is what makes them feel special.
Wrapping It Up
Adding handmade touches is such a rewarding way to embrace the season. These 12 sewing projects are easy enough for beginners but still create stylish, polished pieces you’ll be proud to display or gift. Start with one or two this weekend — maybe some fabric pumpkins or a mug cozy — and watch your home transform with cozy, personal details.
