Judging from the growth of the Beginner Sewing Facebook group in 2020, I think it is safe to say the idea of being able to make your own facemasks sparked a lot of new interest in the hobby. New members joined the group from across the globe, where we were able to come together to share and learn more about sewing face masks, face masks, and more face masks. Watching from afar as more countries are beginning lockdown round two, and anticipating when it will happen once again in the States, I wanted to put together a list of new projects for those that have mastered and perfected sewing face masks. It is time to move on to a new challenge. I present to you my sewing during lockdown challenge!

5 Sewing During a Lockdown Challenges:

Challenge 1 – Back to the Basics
Learn the basics of sewing

I am hoping that sewing during lockdown this time around can be less for necessity, and more for relaxation. Hopefully you can can find more time to learn the skills. Perhaps you jumped right into sewing without learning the basics. If you are in lockdown round two, now is a great time to take this free five-series online course to learn the basics. Perhaps a step backward if you just sat down at a sewing machine and jumped right in. However, now could also be the best time to take a step back and further educate yourself before moving forward. Beat your lockdown boredom by backing it up and learning the basics in this sewing during lockdown challenge.

Challenge 2 – Make a Face Mask Pouch
You’ve made facemasks… now what?

Chances are not many across the globe are traveling out and about too much at the moment. But if you do have to head out to grab some essential items, here is a tutorial on how to make a face mask pouch so you don’t lose that new 2020 accessory. When you are finished with that, head over to the hand sanitizer pouch tutorial. Having these two projects attached to your keychain will come in handy more than ever these next few months!

Challenge 3 – Learn a New Skill
Learn the skill of sewing a zipper

Each tutorial I have posted on the website is a beginner level – from basic beginner to advanced beginner. Find one that incorporates a new skill that you have not tried yet. For example, have you made a few bags recently, try adding a zipper pocket to your next one. Here is an easy to follow tutorial to teach you how to sew a clutch that has a zipper in it!

Challenge 4 – Support a Small Sewing Shop
Support your small sewing shops

If you haven’t visited our Makers’ Guide yet check it out. The Makers’ Guide is dedicated to our bloggers, tutorial and pattern creators, and sewing & craft supply businesses that sponsor our Beginner Sewing page.  There you can find an accumulation of where to find what. Not only can it help you avoid getting lost in YouTube and internet searches, it is also supporting small businesses that support us! This is a growing list of reputable partnering businesses for beginner sewing referrals.

Challenge 5 – Sew a Smile
Sew a gift to make someone smile.

You can take this literal if you’d like by sewing this adorable sloth! Or you can take it another direction (which is what I was intending), by sewing a gift item for your family and friends and leaving it on their door steps, or mailing it to show you are thinking about them while you can’t visit. For this challenge, I like the idea of this petal bag filled with Hershey Hugs & Kisses. Or maybe you would prefer to sew a nice relaxation gift and include these frog rice warmers. Another one you can literally “sew a smile” on!

Joan Mantini

About Joan Mantini

After several years of being the Facebook page owner at Beginner Sewing, I noticed there was a desperate need to have a single go-to spot for members to be able to find answers to their common questions, get some useful tips & tricks, as well as find reputable places to purchase sewing products online. Taking my role as a trade publication editor by day, and combining it with my knowledge of frequently requested beginner sewing advice, I created www.https://beginner-sewing.com/. An outlet that gives new sewists a free digital magazine geared for entry level sewing as an extra bonus!

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