12 Self-Love Sewing Projects for 2026

Since I sew for work, it takes me a hot minute to remember that I can sew for me, as a self-love act. Sewing a full garment can often feel stressful though, what with all the steps involved to get a great result. It can feel frustrating to have to alter existing sewing patterns, make a toile, make more changes and then sew in the final fabric. I prefer to sew my own ideas alongside my Creative Dressmaking members.

But I did get thinking about some self-love sewing projects I could form into a list and then create one each month for myself. I encourage you to create a list of fun sewing projects that you can make for yourself as an act of self-love.

Where they exist, I have added links to the sewing patterns I’ll be using, and if they don’t yet exist, I’ll add a tutorial or pattern as I make them!

Mini Slouch Pouch in January

My self-love sewing project for January was the Walnut Slouch Pouch at 50% scale. I have loved using the full-size version for travel needs, but a smaller version has been on my mind for a while. I love to put things into pouches so I can find what I’m looking for more easily – it’s less stressful than rummaging through a bag when out and about.

So, my plan was to sew up this pouch pattern using a gorgeous fabric from my stash that I bought for a menswear project in my fashion degree.

I also used the orange zipper tape as a contrast because orange is my favourite colour, and now I get to use this pouch every day. And it makes me so happy! Mission accomplished for January!

A Small Bi Fold Wallet in February

I have got a slip wallet that was a freebie when I ordered something else a few years ago, and it never fills me with joy when I pull it out. At the same time, the full-sized wallets in my drawer are too bulky for my needs, now that I rarely carry cash.

When my Dad accidentally destroyed his wallet in the wash, I told him I’d use a pattern I worked on a couple years ago to make him one… so why not also make one for me?

I have plans to use some of the scraps of silver leather I have left over from when I was a fashion design student. I think it’ll be fun to pull out something so fun and sparkly, and it will fill me with joy each time.

I’ll post a photo when it’s fully finished but here’s what it looks like so far mid-month!

A Twirly Double Circle Skirt for Spring in March

I have had a double circle skirt pattern cut out for some time – I think since last summer! – but I put off actually making a skirt for myself, because it wasn’t high on my list of priorities.

However, I love a twirly skirt, and a double circle is VERY twirly. So, my plan is to cut out the pattern in some blue linen that I’ve had waiting and perhaps play around with an alternative fastening method too, so that it’s not just an elasticated version.

This is the blue linen I have for it and if you fancy having a go too, grab this circle skirt templates pack and use the full circle skirt template, but cut twice at half the circumference! Easy peasy!

A Protective & Gorgeous Sunhat in April

I enjoy the sun, but my skin doesn’t so I’m planning on making myself a delightful sunhat in April, ready for when the sun arrives in May. It does every year – hopefully I’m not jinxing it by saying that! – so getting ahead by making myself a hat will be a great act of self-care.

I’ve got the sunhat pattern I made for my great niece, which is obviously too small for me, but it won’t take much to rework it to adult sizing.

This is the hat I made for my great niece, and I think it’ll be a great option for me!

Summer Shorts in May

When summer kicks in where I live it often gets too hot, especially for working indoors in my teeny tiny sewing room. One way to combat this is to wear minimal amounts of clothing, so shorts are a go too.

I haven’t made many shorts for me since a trip to Venice in May of 2022, and I have worn both pairs made then over and over again in the years since. I also have the pair of cropped Ninni culottes too, but they’re baggy and flappy and it’s time for a new pair to add to the mix.

I have a couple fabric options in mind. Either the pale green cotton eyelet fabric I bought in spring 2024, or perhaps a lightweight chambray, which always feels less sticky than full denim jean shorts in hot months.

I’m not sure what pattern I’ll use for these yet – perhaps the pattern from my Creative Dressmaking project No.2 or perhaps a new self-drafted one. We shall see!

Another Loosey Goosey DIY Dress in June

As comfy as shorts are, by the time summer really hits, even those may be too much. Last year I found that my DIY ruffle dress was great for keeping me cool, and it’s a super simple dress to sew too.

I made the original version from a thrifted caftan back in 2019, and it has been worn a lot since!

I made a list of some summer dress sewing patterns if you’re also in the need, but I’ll be using the original pattern I created for the DIY ruffle dress back in 2019. Though I’ll probably omit the ruffle this time!

A Wedding Corset in July

I’ve been working on my own wedding outfit for a little bit, but I want July to be the month where I take my time finishing up the details. I feel like one month out is a good time to have it 100% complete as I think that I am unlikely to change much in body shape and size this close to the big day.

At the time of writing this, I want to do some beading work on the bodice, and this will be something I can enjoy doing, knowing it’ll be for a very special day celebrating our love.

If you’ve not seen any of the updates, I have a few blog posts on my DIY wedding dress here!

A Special Drawstring Pouch in August

This is the month that we get married, and I really want my mum to be part of the day, even if she is no longer with us.

A great way to incorporate her and the love she and my dad shared, is to use her hand-made wedding dress in some way for my big day.

I chatted with this on a Creative Dressmaking members call and there were some lovely suggestions from those members present.

My Mum had given me her dress some years ago telling me to do something with it, and I think incorporating it into my wedding dress is one way, but I also want something else to ‘hold’ on the day, so she feels close. I’m thinking a drawstring pouch of some sort, that can be tucked inside my skirt during the ceremony and worn on my wrist during the party section.

Brain is still mulling it over, but please feel free to offer suggestions in the comments down below!

A Tissue Case in September

I know, don’t laugh! This probably isn’t the most exciting on my list for this year, but the number of tissues I carried around this winter is phenomenal, and I really dislike the plastic wrappers.

My thinking is that I can make myself a fabric case for tissues – maybe two, so I have one in my go-to hip bag and the other in my main bag – and then I’ll feel like I’m taking extra care of myself during the winter.

Also, using a vibrant fun printed fabric always brings a bit of joy to look at, so that’s an added benefit to this small project idea!

A Winter Coat in October

It’s been a long time since I had a ‘new’ winter coat. The current ones I wear are a Vintage Burberry trench coat – which isn’t really a winter warmer! – and a puffer jacket my friend Angie sent to me when she arrived back in Oz and realised she wouldn’t be needing it.

And fair play, the latter has kept me warm this past winter, which has seen double digit minus temperatures! Thanks Angie!

But perhaps it’s time to invest time and love into a warm winter coat. It doesn’t get really cold here in October, so that should be a good month to complete this project, ready for when the cold hits in November!

I have a couple patterns that I self-drafted when I had my studio in London. I’ll be using one of those as a base and will source some lovely warm fabric to make it from.

Luxury Pyjamas in November

I have a few pyjamas in my cupboard, mostly ones that my Mum used to give me for Christmas each year. Which is why some of them are looking a little old and gnarly – I can’t quite bring myself to throw them away as she’s no longer here with us.

So, maybe those will just gently be moved into my old suitcase, and I’ll make up some luxury pyjamas to treat myself. It’s always a lovely feeling to get out the bath and into fresh PJs, and some silky ones will feel heaven in the winter months.

I’ve had the Carolyn Pyjama pattern from Closet Core Patterns in my stash for some years and possibly printed too and awaiting being stuck together… so, this year may be the year I get a pair sewn up for me!

I don’t have a fabric in mind yet, but I’m sure I can pick some up that will do the trick!

A Wrap Dress in December

I love a wrap dress. It’s a great style for me when I want to feel (and look) amazing. The past December I was working on a wrap dress pattern and was so close to finishing it, but I didn’t want to put that pressure on me when making my perfect version.

So, this December I plan to make one for me that won’t be a ‘pattern sample’ version. I’ll probably go with the classic black, or maybe a sparkly something, but it will be a knit version, and it will be fabulous.

I hope you enjoyed this round up of twelve sewing projects I’ll be sewing for myself this year. I think it’s really important to express love towards ourselves and what better way than creating things that will bring us joy?

Let me know if you have any projects in mind for yourself this year, I can’t wait to hear about them!