You know that pile of pretty fabric you have been saving? Now is the perfect time to use it, whether you are a total beginner or you’ve been sewing for years, these things to sew and use everyday are just right. They don’t need fancy skills or complicated steps. Just simple straight lines and quick cutting.
We put together the best list of 35 things to sew and use everyday because they are the items you reach for constantly
They are the things that help you keep your home neat
They save you money
They make cleaning easier
And they keep your things organized when you leave the house
These are the practical pieces that just make sense to have around.
35 simple things to sew and use everyday:
1. Reusable Shopping Bags
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Homemade reusable shopping bags are among the most versatile things to sew and use everyday, they are more than just grocery carriers, they’re a daily home essential for managing everything from library books to storing toys or even carrying laundry between rooms.
Sewing one is simple: cut two sturdy cotton or canvas rectangles, stitch the sides and bottom, and attach long handles reinforced with topstitching for strength. Add a small inner pocket if you want to keep keys or a shopping list handy.
These bags are washable, fold flat for easy storage by the door or in a car, and save you from using disposable plastic, making them an eco-friendly, everyday staple around the house.
2. Drawstring Laundry Bag
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A drawstring laundry bag is one of those things to sew and use everyday that helps you keep clothes tidy and easy to transport, whether you’re collecting dirty laundry from bedrooms or taking a small load to a laundromat.
Around the home, it can double as a storage sack for seasonal bedding or spare blankets.
To make one, cut two large fabric rectangles, sew the sides and bottom, and create a casing at the top to thread a rope or ribbon.
The drawstring makes it easy to close and carry, and because it’s fabric, the bag can be tossed in the wash when needed, keeping your laundry area neat and organized.
3. Fabric Coasters
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Protect your tables and add a handmade touch with these simple things to sew and use everyday. They are washable and look great in any room
These quilted or padded squares are easy to sew using two layers of cotton and a thin layer of batting stitched in between.
After turning them right side out, you can quilt or topstitch them for extra durability. Keep a set on your coffee table or beside your bed to prevent water stains and heat damage to furniture.
They’re washable and can be customized to match any room’s color scheme, making them both practical and stylish for everyday home use.
4. Pot Holders or Oven Mitts
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Pot holders and oven mitts are must-have kitchen tools for safely handling hot pots, pans, and baking trays.
To sew them, layer two squares of heat-resistant cotton with insulated batting or thermal fleece and stitch them securely, adding a hanging loop for easy storage on a hook near the stove. You can also create a hand-shaped pattern for a full oven mitt.
These washable items not only protect your hands during cooking and baking but also add a handmade, decorative touch to your kitchen décor while being ready for daily meal prep.
5. Reusable Snack or Sandwich Bags
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Reusable snack or sandwich bags replace single-use plastics, making lunchtime at home or on the go more sustainable.
Use cotton or laminated cotton for the outside and a food-safe lining such as PUL (polyurethane laminate). Cut two rectangles, sew around the sides and bottom, and add a flap with Velcro or snap closures.
They wash easily and help reduce household waste, making them a smart, eco-friendly addition to your kitchen routine.
6. Pillowcases
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Handmade pillowcases are one of the few things to sew and use everyday that instantly refresh your bedroom or living room décor while keeping pillows clean and cozy.
Simply cut two large rectangles of soft cotton or linen, sew the sides and one end, and hem the opening with a fold-over or decorative border.
You can create an envelope-style closure to keep the pillow in place or mix fabrics for a stylish, two-tone look.
These pillowcases are easy to launder and allow you to coordinate your bedding with the season or your room’s color scheme, making them a practical and decorative home accessory.
7. Table Napkins
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Reusable table napkins reduce paper waste and bring elegance to everyday meals.
Cut squares of cotton or linen around 16–20 inches fold the edges, and stitch a narrow hem or mitered corners for a neat finish.
These napkins can be washed and reused countless times, making them perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Store them in a kitchen drawer or dining cabinet so they’re always ready to set the table and elevate mealtime while keeping your home eco-friendly.
8. Tea Towels or Dish Towels
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Tea towels are kitchen workhorses perfect for drying dishes, wiping counters, or lining bread baskets.
They’re sewn by hemming rectangles of absorbent cotton or linen, and you can decorate them with embroidery, appliqué, or printed fabric to suit your kitchen style.
Keep a stack hanging on oven handles or folded in a drawer for daily use.
Washable and durable, these towels help keep your kitchen clean and organized while adding a warm, handmade touch to your everyday cooking routine.
9. Fabric Bookmarks
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Fabric bookmarks keep your place in books neatly without creasing pages and add a cozy, handmade charm to your reading routine.
Use fabric scraps and a layer of lightweight interfacing for stiffness, sew the layers together, and topstitch for a polished finish.
You can embellish them with ribbons, tassels, or small appliqués. Keep several on your bedside table, in the living room, or near a family bookshelf so everyone has a bookmark handy.
They’re washable, reusable, and a charming way to bring a touch of fabric art into your daily reading at home.
10. Curtain Tiebacks
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Curtain tiebacks are small things to sew and use everyday that keep your window drapes neatly gathered to let in natural light and fresh air, helping brighten your living space.
Cut long fabric strips, add interfacing for structure, sew them right sides together, and turn them inside out. Finish with Velcro, buttons, or loops for easy fastening.
Washable and customizable to match your room’s décor, these tiebacks are both decorative and functional in every room with windows.
11. Zippered Pouch
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A zippered pouch is an incredibly versatile storage solution for keeping small household items neatly contained.
To make one, cut two rectangles of fabric, add a zipper across the top, and sew the sides and bottom before turning it right side out. You can use heavier fabric for durability or add a lining for a professional finish.
Having a few of these pouches in different sizes helps organize drawers, shelves, and handbags, making your home tidier and items easier to find.
12. Phone or Tablet Sleeve
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A phone or tablet sleeve provides soft, padded protection to keep your devices safe from scratches, especially when they are stored in drawers, bags, or on a busy desk.
To sew one, cut fabric slightly larger than the device, add a layer of batting or felt for cushioning, and sew three sides, finishing the top with a flap or button if desired.
A stylish sleeve also helps differentiate family members’ devices and keeps screens clean when stored on shelves or bedside tables.
13. Apron
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An apron remains one of the most practical things to sew and use everyday that protects your clothes during cooking, baking, gardening, or even messy cleaning tasks.
A simple half apron can be sewn by hemming a rectangle of sturdy cotton or denim and adding waist ties, while a full apron includes a bib for chest protection.
Easy to wash and reuse, a handmade apron not only keeps your clothes clean but also brings a cozy, personalized touch to daily home tasks.
14. Reusable Face Wipes
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Reusable face wipes are small fabric squares or circles often made of soft flannel, terry cloth, or bamboo that replace disposable cotton pads
They’re ideal for daily home skincare routines, from removing makeup and applying toner to gently washing a baby’s face. To make them, sew two layers of soft fabric together and finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.
They cut down on household waste and save money while keeping your bathroom stocked with sustainable essentials.
15. Sleep Mask
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A handmade sleep mask is perfect for creating a restful environment in bedrooms where light sneaks in through curtains or when you want an afternoon nap.
To sew one, cut two layers of soft cotton or satin in an eye-shaped pattern, add a layer of light batting for gentle padding, and attach an elastic strap. You can even infuse the padding with dried lavender for a soothing scent.
This small accessory is a simple yet luxurious addition to a cozy, restful home.
16. Headbands or Hair Scrunchies
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Headbands and scrunchies are not just personal accessories; they’re also practical for keeping hair out of the way during household task.
To make a scrunchie, cut a strip of fabric, sew it into a tube, insert elastic, and close the gap.Headbands can be made from stretchy knit fabric or woven cotton with an elastic piece at the back for comfort.
Having a set of these on hand helps keep daily routines tidy and adds a splash of color to your dressing table or bathroom.
17. Reusable Gift Bags
Reusable fabric gift bags are thoughtful things to sew and use everyday, they are beautiful and eco-friendly way to wrap presents for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions at home, and they can be used year after year.
To create one, sew a simple drawstring or envelope-style bag from cotton, linen, or festive fabric scraps. Add ribbons or ties to secure the opening.
These bags eliminate the need for disposable wrapping paper, reduce household waste, and keep your gift-wrapping supplies organized and ready for any occasion.
18. Key Fob or Wristlet Strap
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A key fob or wristlet strap is a small but extremely useful accessory that helps you keep track of your keys at home and on the go.
To sew one, fold a strip of sturdy fabric or webbing, stitch it closed, and attach it to a metal key fob hardware piece or simple split ring.
It’s a quick project that prevents lost keys and adds a personal touch to your home’s entryway organization.
19. Simple Tote Organizer Insert
A tote organizer insert is a rectangular fabric panel with multiple pockets that slips inside a handbag, diaper bag, or even a large storage basket at home.
To make one, sew pockets of varying sizes onto a sturdy fabric base, add interfacing for structure, and hem the edges.
You can easily transfer the organizer between bags or baskets, reducing clutter and helping you quickly find what you need in different areas of your home.
20. Fold-Up Grocery Bag Holder
A fold-up grocery bag holder is a long, narrow fabric tube with elastic at both ends that neatly stores and dispenses plastic grocery bags for reuse.
To sew one, create a simple tube, hem the top and bottom casings, insert elastic, and add a fabric loop for hanging on a hook or cupboard door. You simply stuff plastic bags in through the top and pull one out from the bottom when needed.
It keeps your home organized, prevents clutter, and makes reusing plastic bags convenient and tidy.
21. Fabric Basket or Bin
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Organizing gets easier with theses sturdy things to sew and use everyday that keep rooms neat while adding homemade décor.
To make one, cut sturdy cotton or canvas pieces and add fusible interfacing or quilt batting for stiffness, then sew the sides and bottom into a cube or round shape and finish the top edge with a folded hem. Handles can be added for easy carrying.
These baskets are washable, lightweight, and perfect for tidying shelves or countertops while complementing your home décor.
22. Floor Cushions or Poufs
Floor cushions or poufs provide extra seating or a cozy lounging spot for reading corners, living rooms, or even outdoor patios. They are ideal for family movie nights, casual gatherings, or children’s play areas.
To create one, sew two large squares or circles of durable fabric such as canvas or upholstery cotton, leaving an opening to fill with fiberfill, foam scraps, or even old blankets for a firm yet comfortable cushion.
These cushions add warmth and versatility to your home, making it more inviting for guests and everyday relaxation.
23. Travel Cable Organizer Roll
A travel cable organizer roll is a clever way to keep phone chargers, USB cords, and small electronic accessories tidy, and it’s just as useful at home as on trips.
To make one, sew pockets or elastic straps onto a sturdy fabric base, add a flap to protect the contents, and attach ribbon or Velcro ties so the organizer can be rolled up securely.
Keep it in a drawer near your charging station or in a home office to ensure every cable has a place and is easy to grab when needed.
24. Drawstring Shoe Bag
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A drawstring shoe bag is handy not just for travel but also for keeping shoes dust-free and organized at home.
Cut two rectangles of breathable cotton or muslin, sew the sides and bottom, and create a casing at the top to thread a drawstring cord.
The bag can be washed easily and helps keep dirt or odors contained, making it perfect for protecting delicate items in shared storage spaces.
25. Cutlery Wrap
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A cutlery wrap is a fabric roll with slots for utensils, great for picnics, lunch bags, or simply organizing spare cutlery at home.
To make one, sew vertical stitched lines on a rectangular piece of fabric to create pockets, fold a flap over the top to protect the utensils, and add ribbon or ties to secure the roll.
Store it in your kitchen or dining area to have a ready-to-go cutlery set for outdoor meals or guests.
26. Reusable Coffee Cup Sleeve
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A reusable coffee cup sleeve is a washable, eco-friendly alternative to disposable cardboard sleeves, and it’s equally useful for protecting your hands from hot mugs at home.
To sew one, cut a rectangle of fabric slightly tapered to fit a standard cup, add batting or felt for insulation, and sew the ends together with a snap or Velcro closure.
They save waste and keep your fingers comfortable while enjoying hot drinks.
27. Fabric Placemat Set
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Fabric placemats are simple things to sew and use everyday, they instantly elevate mealtime and protect your table from heat, spills, and scratches.
To make a set, cut rectangles of cotton, linen, or sturdy home-decor fabric, and topstitch around the edges for a clean finish add interfacing or batting for a quilted feel if you like.
These mats are easy to wash and can be made in colors or patterns that match your dining space, allowing you to change the look of your table for different seasons or occasions.
28. Hanging Kitchen Hand Towel
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A hanging kitchen hand towel combines practicality with neatness, keeping a towel right where you need it and off the floor.
To make one, sew a fabric topper such as a folded piece of cotton onto the towel’s edge and add a button or Velcro closure so it can loop over an oven handle or cabinet knob.
It’s a simple project that helps keep your kitchen both functional and tidy.
29. Car Trash Bag
Even though it’s designed for the car, a lined fabric trash bag is equally helpful at home in small spaces such as a laundry room, kids’ play area, or craft corner.
To make one, sew a fabric rectangle into a pouch, add a waterproof lining, and attach a loop or strap so it can hang from a doorknob or hook.
Because it’s washable and reusable, it’s an eco-friendly solution for keeping tight spaces neat.
30. Pocket Tissue Holder
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A pocket tissue holder is a small envelope-style pouch that keeps tissues clean and accessible whether in a handbag, bedside drawer, or bathroom shelf.
Cut two rectangles of fabric, overlap them slightly in the middle to form an opening, and sew around the edges before turning it right side out.
This simple project protects tissues from dust or spills and makes them easy to grab when someone in the household has allergies or a cold.
It’s a quick sewing project that adds a touch of handmade charm to everyday home care.
31. Simple Kaftan or Poncho
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A simple kaftan or poncho is a loose, airy garment made from one large rectangle of fabric with a neck opening, and it’s perfect for comfortable at-home wear.
To make one, fold a wide piece of cotton, linen, or lightweight rayon, cut a slit or circle for the head, and hem the raw edges; you can also add side seams or a belt to shape it.
This quick project doubles as a stylish beach cover-up or an elegant lounge robe, making it a versatile piece you’ll reach for daily when you want effortless comfort at home.
32. Fabric Cord Keepers
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Fabric cord keepers are small yet incredibly handy accessories that prevent the endless tangle of phone chargers, laptop cables, and appliance cords around the house.
Cut small rectangles of sturdy cotton or felt, fold the edges neatly, and sew on a snap or Velcro strip to hold the rolled cord securely.
By keeping cords neatly bundled, these keepers help your home look clutter-free and make it easier to grab the right cable when you need it.
33. Reusable Bowl Covers
Reusable bowl covers are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap for covering food at home.
They’re perfect for keeping leftovers fresh in the fridge, covering dough while it rises, or protecting snacks from dust during outdoor meals.
To make one, cut a circle of cotton or laminated fabric slightly larger than your bowl, sew a casing around the edge, and insert elastic so it hugs the rim securely.
These covers are washable, durable, and can be tailored to fit any bowl size, reducing plastic waste while adding a cheerful, handmade touch to your kitchen.
34. Pet Bandana or Collar Slipcover
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A pet bandana or collar slipcover is a quick and fun way to dress up your dog or cat for everyday wear or special occasions at home.
Cut a triangle of soft cotton or lightweight fabric, hem the edges, and either tie it around your pet’s neck or sew a channel through which their regular collar can slip.
They’re washable, comfortable for pets, and an easy way to show your furry friend a little extra love.
35. Simple Quilted Throw
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A simple quilted throw is a lightweight lap quilt that brings warmth and comfort to everyday life perfect for cozy evenings on the couch, adding an extra layer on the bed, or creating a soft spot for reading or napping.
To make one, piece together squares or strips of cotton fabric for the top, add a layer of light batting, and back it with another fabric layer, quilting through all layers before binding the edges.
It’s an excellent project for using fabric scraps and can be customized to match your home’s color scheme.
This handmade throw not only adds beauty and texture to your living space but also becomes a cherished staple for daily relaxation.
