9 Ways to Celebrate National Thread the Needle Day

The holidays are officially here and winter breaks and vacations are starting ASAP. These easy sewing projects will make perfect holiday gifts *and* are fun ways to pass the time while you're deep into holiday nesting. Whether you're in the mood to make something simple like a pillow or want to try your hand at upcycling a dress you no longer wear, we've got you covered. These are simple sewing projects that both beginners and novices alike can stitch up, no problem. So dust off that sewing machine and get ready to whip up some sewing-project magic with these 70+ easy DIY projects.

Pocket Dress

Have dress? Add pockets! It's actually not hard. (Brit + Co)

Dress up your pup in this DIY dog collar bow from See Kate Sew.

Notebook Tea Cloths

Wouldn't these just be the most adorable teacher's gift? (via Say Yes)

Holiday Tags

Add a personal touch to gifts and table settings with the darling monogrammed tag. (via Joann)

Super Easy Grid Blanket

Pick out the colors you love and make this super easy blanket for beginners! (via PurlSoho)

Hugs and Kisses Pillows

Show your love with these huggable projects. (Brit + Co)

Sweater Beanie

Recycle your sweater into some cozy new accessories like this beanie. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Whip up this corduroy overall dress for winter with tights and long sleeves. (via Brit + Co)

Reversible Tote

This tote is the ideal size for a grab-and-go bag. It is big enough to hold all your essentials, yet small enough for a quick trip to the store. Try this Rainbow Stripe to get the look in our main photo! (via Haberdashery Fun)

Or try this tote that folds out to a picnic blanket! (via Brit + Co)

Leather iPad Case

Dress up your iPad in a super svelte, super DIY-able leather case. (via Almost Makes Perfect)

Holiday Bottle Gift Bag

Bring a bottle of wine or bubbles gift-wrapped in a reusable bag made by YOU! (via Singer)

Fabric Keychains

The best DIY gift is something that everyone will actually use. These keychains are easy enough you can whip up a whole batch in just an hour. (via My So Called Crafty Life)

Make a basic tee or three! (via Brit + Co)

Lunch Bag

These cute lunch bags make great gift bags too! Maybe toss in some holiday cookies? (via Purl Soho)

Book Clutch

A book lover on your list? Head to the thrift store for some old hardbacks and make these adorable zipper clutches. (via See Kate Sew)

Kid Travel Pillow

Make your little ones holiday travel a wee more comfortable with this easy travel pillow pattern. (via Joanns)

Dinner Napkins

These cloth napkins are eco-friendly *and* make great gifts in the fabric of your choice. (via Sunday Sews)

Pillowcases

DIY your own pillowcases for a playful mix of prints. (via PurlSoho)

Black Faux Leather Clutch

This black faux leather clutch costs less than $5 to make and can be sewn in under an hour. Talk about the perfect afternoon sewing project! (via The Felted Fox)

Crop Top

Make this easy crop top just in time for summer - popsicle print optional! (Brit + Co)

Make these cases for your laptop or tablet. (via Brit + Co)

Flannel Scarves

Made with a rich, luxe flannel shirt, these are simple to sew but are sure to impress. (via Delia Creates)

Seat Cushions Sewing Project for Beginners

Keep your outdoor seating classy with some colorful cushions. They are so easy to make that you can change ’em up every summer to keep them looking fresh. (via Brit + Co)

Lampshade Cover

Refresh an old lampshade with these easy wrap. (via Sunday Sews)

Sew your own pencil skirt in a shade of your choice. (via Brit + Co)

Fringe Purse

This cute leather fringe purse is a great first project for sewing newbies. It’s also the perfect size to hold makeup or money in your purse. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Cozy Mittens

Make these adorable mittens from an old sweater. The only “trick” is to open your thumb a little to make your new mittens more roomy and comfy. (via Brit + Co)

Wallet Organizer

You won’t need a lot of fabric for these bad boys. Plus they sew up quickly, making them great gifts for holding stuff like iPhones, jump drives, memory cards, credit cards, business cards, cash, notes, memo pads, etc… (via LBG Studio)

Leather Tablet

Stylish, protective and tablet-friendly, leather is much easier to work with than you’d expect. (via Brit + Co)

Break out the holiday dog bed with this beginner sewing project. (via Joanns)

Sew this two-piece eyelet set for warm weather travel. (via Brit + Co)

Quilted Box Pouch

Don’t let the zipper deter you from trying this little DIY — it’s really simple once you get the hang of it. Plus, these bags are amazing for all kinds of storage. (via Fort Worth Studios)

Turn Jeans Into A Skirt

Turn those old jeans you don't love anymore into a cute skirt with this easy DIY. (via Singer)

Ruffled Hem

Make those sweaters last one more season by adding a ruffled hem to the bottom. Not only is it adorable, it will add a couple inches to the length. (via It’s Always Autumn)

Make this no-sew wrap crop top in 15 minutes for your BFF this holiday. (via Brit + Co)

Simple Leather Tote

Head to a thrift store and hunt down a leather skirt to make this project super cost effective. (via Kojo Designs)

Kimono

Cozy up with this easy-to-sew, modern take on a kimono. (via Francois et Moi)

Headwrap Bands

These are perfect for getting your hair out of your eyes at the gym or while running errands. They’re another easy-peasy craft you can make out of scraps you have laying around your craft space. (via Delia Creates)

Outdoor Pillows

Here are three options to decorate your outdoor space with big, colorful pillows. You actually probably have most of the items you need sitting around your house right now. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Lumbar Pillow

Make this extra long lumbar pillow using, wait for it… a table runner! (via Liz Marie)

Business Card Wallet

Quit losing your business cards at the bottom of your purse and make one of these cute little card holders. (via A Spoonful of Sugar)

Canvas Totes

Play around with the measurements to get the exact size you need. These bags would work great as a library tote, pool/beach bag, shopping bag or anything else you could possible use a giant tote for. (via The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood)

Swing Dress

Loose and flowy, this bright dress is a breeze to whip together and we are obsessed with that color. (via Merrick’s Art)

Drawstring Travel Bag

Add some gold lettering for a super trendy bag to take to the beach this summer. Instead of iron-on lettering, just add the letters with a gold pen to make things easier. (via Sew DIY)

Leather Passport Holder

This project comes together really quickly and would be an awesome bon voyage gift for someone who's finally embarking on summer travels. (via Lovely Indeed)

Yoga Bag Sewing Idea

You'll be the most stylish girl at the gym with this colorful yoga mat bag. (via Brit + Co)

Gold-Dipped Tote Bag

We’re all about the gold-dipped look on this pretty tote bag. (via Brit + Co)

Geometric Pillows

We think these fluffs are a must for your spring redecorating plans. Why be square when you can add eight sides and a bunch of tassels? (via Brit + Co)

Gold Clutch

We’ve created the most mini metallic clutch ever. It also happens to double as a fanny pack so you can rock it all night long on the dance floor. (via Brit + Co)

Turn a thrift store skirt into a holiday party dress. (via Brit + Co)

Make this no sew clutch for the holidays too! (via Brit + Co)

Make these DIY squeaky dog toys for just under $5. (via Spoonflower)

Fabric Heart Coasters

A great hostess gift any time of the year, these coasters will show your coffee table some love. (via Thirty Handmade Days)

Earbud Pouch

There is nothing more annoying than having to untangle your earbuds from a huge knot. Keep them tidy and knot free with this cute little pouch. (via Dog Under My Desk)

Feather Dishtowel

Spruce up your kitchen with some colorful towels and trendy feather silhouettes. (via Flamingo Toes)

DIY a backpack for kids! (via Brit + Co)

Woven Rag Rug

Technically it’s weaving, not sewing, but this sweet rug would be a really cool addition to your kitchen or laundry room. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Tiny Zipper Pouch

This convenient little bag is a must for all you travel addicts out there. (via Lovely Indeed)

Lace Shorts

Amp up your old summer shorts with some lace trim… or just lace the whole thing for an extra feminine pair of bloomers. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Kimono Coverup

Stitch this coverup up in just 10 minutes! (Brit + Co)

Skinny Jeans

Update those old bootcut jeans lurking in your closet by turning them into skinny jeans. (via Brit + Co)

Leather Fringe Bag

Be prepared for any adventure with a little carry-all bag you can take any and everywhere. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Metallic Gem

You can use these for just about anything or stuff them with jewelry to give away as gifts. (via See Kate Sew)

Leather Dipped Pillows

Use some throw pillows you already have to make this the simplest room makeover ever. (via Brit + Co)

Bow Back Sweatshirt

This easy project takes less than two hours and is great to wear as the season changes over from winter to spring. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Polar Bear Tablet Case

You could make this case with the silhouette of your favorite animal, but the polar bear is pretty cute for these colder months. (via Sincerely Kinsey)

Easy Circle Skirt

Swirl into warmer weather with this bold skirt. The DIY is so simple you can make one in every color. (via Merrick’s Art)

Simple Tulle Skirt

Channel Carrie Bradshaw and wear this flirty skirt to all your holiday events. (via Cotton and Curls)

Baby Headbands

Perfect for the boho babe, these pretty headbands are the cutest thing ever. (via Brit + Co)

Five Star Project

Give yourself a gold star… on your shirt. You deserve it. (via Brit + Co)

Faux Fur Winter Hat

This is one of the coolest, most-stylish Ikea hacks we’ve seen so far. Make yourself into a snowbunny princess this season with this fluffy faux fur hat. (via Kristi Murphy)

Turn a shower curtain into a produce tote with the clever craft. (via Brit + Co)

We can't wait to see all of the DIY magic you come up with. Whether you're looking to update your closet or your decor, these easy sewing projects are a great place to start!

Main Photo by Mikhail Nilov

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This article has been updated from a previous post.

Running a business can be one of the most rewarding creative pursuits but sometimes life and work can blend as an entrepreneur. Finding ways to escape your work life so you can focus on your life-life can be good for your well-being and your business.

Conscious fashion designer and TikTok sewing star Tracy Garcia runs her business out of her NYC studio apartment. “My studio space is in my living room, so even when I'm on my couch, binging on a new show and just wanting to decompress, my work is surrounding me,” she says. Getting out of the apartment is key. “It's healthier for me. I'll grab lunch with friends or go on a walk if I need a little bit of fresh air.” She also boxes… like in a ring!

Tracy sells her own sewing patterns, teaches online, creates content and runs a fashion business that keeps her living her dream life in NYC. “I'm so passionate about sustainable fashion, and just being conscious about consumption,” she says. With these many facets of her business, Tracy looks to TurboTax experts to help her with her taxes each year, which allows her to focus on the things she loves most.

In this video, Tracy shows us how she recharges when she finds a little me time around tax time, thanks to TurboTax.

Tracy chatted with us about following her dream and running a successful business while taking care of herself. Here are some of her best work-life tips.

Be Open To Different Paths. Tracy always knew she wanted to start a business but didn’t expect it to happen so soon. “I thought my dream was to become an assistant designer for someone else,” she says. But sometimes life has other plans and it’s important to take the cues and follow the path that makes sense for you, even if it wasn’t what you originally thought would be your journey. Be nimble and follow what feels right.

Seek Out What Brings You Joy. Have a creative passion? The best work comes out of love for what you do. “Sewing is so meditative. When I took sewing classes, I forgot about everything. I was like, I can do this the rest of my life, and I'd be so happy.” Follow your passion and success will follow.

You Don’t Have To Do It All. “If I can hire someone to do things for me, it makes my life so much easier. Why am I going to stress about trying to learn something new? I cannot be my own accountant,” she says. Tracy spends her days mostly on the creative side of her business, designing and making clothes and teaching online. During tax time, she enlists the help of TurboTax experts to review all of the aspects of her business, help her find the best deductions, and file her taxes so she can focus on what she loves to do (and what she’s good at).

Have a Good System in Place. Tracy took a business course in college that helped set her on the path of entrepreneurship but she also had parents who knew how to run a successful business. “My dad was always such a good motivator. He made it clear that you just want to have a good system in place, so you want to do it.” That could mean everything from getting help on the business side of things so you can focus on the creative to setting a schedule, which brings us to our next tip.

Set A Schedule. “Every morning, I look at my calendar. It's in my bedroom for that reason, so when I wake up I can see what's going on that day and what goals I need to reach,” says Tracy. Getting into a routine that works for you can help you stay on track and better manage your business for growth and day to day. “It's reinforcing goals that I set for myself,” says Tracy, who wakes up early in the morning so she’s more productive.

Recharge With Me Time. Taking time away from work to focus on self care or other creative endeavors will only make you a better business owner. It can lift your mood, clear your mind, and help you de-stress. “I love my boxing class. It's really nice to hit a bag and just get all that stress out. I feel so much more motivated and energized throughout the day,” says Tracy.

Find Community. Being a solopreneur can be lonely sometimes. Find a community where you can connect, get your mind off of work, learn something new, and have fun. “On the weekends, I'll go Salsa and Bachata dancing,” says Tracy. “Everyone is so friendly. It's so social. You just dance with everyone. I love just being able to just mentally not think about work sometimes.”

Have A Future Plan. Set your sights high on the big picture, which will keep you motivated over the long term. Create a vision board to help you realize your dreams. A business plan helps too. “My ultimate dream is to open my own production company in Mexico. My parents are from Mexico, so I'd love to go back and employ local artisans and be transparent about the entire process. I want to be able to provide jobs and pay a livable wage and provide health insurance, because I think it's very important to care about everyone who's involved in the entire process.”

Video Direction & Editing by Tracy Garcia.

*Available with Full Service products only. Video meeting while expert does your taxes required.

Studio McGee has spent the last decade inspiring us with a blend of accessible and elevated designs, creating beautiful and totally livable spaces. In her 2025 Home Decor Trends report, Shea McGee emphasizes that home decor trends evolve gradually over time, and I couldn’t agree more. Unlike the fast-paced world of fashion, where trends shift every season, these design moves develop organically over time, and that's good for your wallet and taking your time to create a space you love. Get inspired to refresh your home in 2025 with a few new accents, from embellishments like fringe to maybe a little western or seaside art.

Here are Studio McGee's 2025 Home Decor Trend Predictions, with a few surprises!

Photo: Shade Degges | Design: Studio Mountain

Romantic Silhouettes

Take Romantic Silhouettes, for example. This is a trend we've seen steadily gain traction over the past few years. Think curvy furniture, delicate floral prints, and soft blush hues — when curated thoughtfully, these elements can become timeless staples in your home.

Photo: Michael P.H. Clifford | Design: A1000XBetter

Western Cowboy

This is a design trend that totally surprised me, but I'm so happy to see it in the mix. Elements like leather furniture, rustic accessories, equestrian art, even wood walls, shown in this office designed by A1000XBetter, are making an impact in 2025 and beyond. But Shea notes that you can take this trend literally or just be inspired by the look. You can also mix it with other styles to personalize it for you. Add romantic pillows or ruffled tablecloths like McGee & Co. x Loeffler Randall Gardenia Ruffle Border Tablecloth – things you love that make it yours vs. based solely on one trend.

Gavin Carter| Design: House of Rolison

Saturated Colors

Shea predicts that rich hues like deep browns, oxblood red, and earthy greens will continue to dominate home decor colors going into 2025. House of Rolison's bathroom brown is an excellent example of this beautiful trend.

courtesy of Stewart-Schafer

Pattern Drenching

Embracing a single pattern and drenching an entire room in it — from walls to pillows, headboards, and curtains — is a surprise trend for 2025. This maximalist approach, which has been quietly gaining traction, draws inspiration from Arts and Crafts designers like William Morris and has been in and out of vogue since the Victorian era.

McGee & Co.

Embellishments

This is a trend you can easily DIY to add an extra layer of charm to your decor. Think playful details like fringe accents —beautifully shown in McGee & Co.'s Philippa Settee — along with tassels, pleats, ruffles, and rope. It’s all about embracing texture and whimsy, so have fun with it!

McGee & Co.

Seaside Inspiration

Coastal decor has long been an influence in design and you can be inspired by it in many forms, from shell accents to beach-inspired artwork like McGee & Co.'s Distant Coastline art to textured seagrass baskets and jute rugs. Even the soothing hues of the sea — think soft blues, sandy neutrals, and gentle greens — can inspire your 2025 spaces.

Check out the full list of Studio McGee 2025 Design Trends!

Check out our online newsletter for more 2025 home decor inspo!

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