5 Sewing Projects for Autumn
Hello September, and welcome, Autumn. After a beautiful summer in the south of France with endless sunshine and long, carefree days, I find myself ready for a change of pace. This year feels different—perhaps for the first time, I’m truly looking forward to Autumn. The gentle crispness in the air and the golden leaves slowly appearing make me want to pause, breathe, and let life move at a calmer rhythm. I even treated myself to some new yarn for knitting, and I’m very excited to get started.
And what better way to embrace the season than through sewing? Autumn is the perfect time to pick up a new project, something small to start with, or something a bit more challenging. So I thought I’d share five creative sewing projects for this season—I think those would be perfect for both beginners and intermediate sewists looking for inspiration.
Number 1 — Penelope Faux Vest
How about making a faux fur vest this autumn? It’s simple, practical, and doesn’t require an overlocker or serger—you don’t even need much fabric. It’s the perfect project to kick off the season. And if you’re not completely confident about cutting into fur fabric, I recommend starting with a blazer in another fabric first, just to warm up. The pattern is straightforward and easy to follow.
I’ve already made two vests—one in a deep burgundy fur and another with a white striped detail. Both turned out beautifully, and I love how versatile and practical this project is for autumn. I truly believe it’s a fantastic place to start.
Sewing Pattern: PDF Penelope Vest Pattern
Skill Level: Beginner – perfect for those new to sewing or looking for a quick, satisfying project.
Size Range: UK 4-24 | EU 32-52 | US 0-20 | AU 4-24 – a versatile pattern designed to fit a wide range of body shapes comfortably.
Fabric Requirements: 1.65 m / 1.8 yards
Lining Requirements: 1.4 m / 1.5 yards
Suggested Fabrics: Soft wool, corduroy, faux fur, or fleece for the outer layer, paired with satin or cotton for a smooth, comfortable lining. These fabric combinations not only make the vest warm and cozy but also give it a polished, stylish finish.
The Penelope Vest is a chic, versatile piece that can be layered over shirts, sweaters, or dresses, making it a perfect addition to your autumn and winter wardrobe. With detailed, step-by-step instructions, even beginners can create this vest.
Number 2 — Odette Courduroy Skirt
My second suggested project for autumn is a simple mini skirt. Trust me, it’s not difficult at all. You can make it in denim or corduroy to really capture that autumn vibe, and it’s very beginner-friendly. I love pairing skirts with high boots during the transitional season, and the best part is that you can still mix and match your favorite tops and skirts.
I designed this pattern with a side zip, making it easy to put on and take off. It also has a waistband, but you can add elastic inside if you prefer extra comfort. The whole project shouldn’t take you more than a day to complete.
Sewing Pattern: PDF Odette Skirt
Skill Level: Beginner – perfect if you want an easy-to-sew skirt that you can finish in a few hours.
Size Range: UK 4-24 | EU 32-52 | US 0-20 | AU 4-24 – designed to fit a wide variety of body shapes comfortably.
Fabric Requirements: 0.75 m / 0.77 yards
Suggested Fabrics: Linen, cotton, polyester, satin, crepe, or corduroy – fabrics that drape beautifully or hold structure, depending on your look. Linen and cotton give a fresh, casual feel, crepe and satin offer a fluid, elegant finish, and corduroy adds warmth and texture for cooler days.
The Odette Skirt is a flattering, versatile piece with a flattering shape. Its simple shape allows you to experiment with textures, patterns, and colors, making it a skirt you’ll want to wear over and over.
Number 3— Josephine Tote Bag
Now that we’ve built up a bit of confidence, I think it’s time to try something a little more advanced. Don’t worry—it’s not too tricky! I’m talking about the Josephine tote bag, and honestly, there are so many reasons to love it.
You’ll use it all the time. It looks gorgeous. And finishing it will give you such a sense of pride—it’s the kind of project that makes you feel like, “Wow, I made that!”
I made mine in pink and burgundy, and my friends and family loved them so much that I ended up gifting both! That means I don’t even have one for myself yet…so now I get to make another, and I’m so excited. It’s just the cutest little bag, and it honestly makes my heart so happy.
This bag is great for beginners and intermediate sewers because I break down every step so it’s super easy to follow. And if you want to make it even easier, I have a full sewing kit for the Josephine tote in pink and burgundy. It comes with everything you need—pre-cut fabric, thread, buttons, and all the pieces—so you can dive right in and start creating.
Level: Beginner – perfect for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying project that results in a useful, everyday accessory. Even if you’re new to sewing, this tote is approachable and not difficult to make.
Size Range: One Size – designed to fit most needs comfortably, providing enough space for daily essentials without being bulky. It can easily fit a laptop.
Fabric Requirements: 70 cm / 0.77 yards
Lining Requirements: 40 cm / 0.4 yards
Model Details: 1.67 m (5'6") carrying the One Size tote – for a sense of scale and proportion.
Suggested Fabrics: Corduroy, faux leather, suede, denim, or cotton – choose a fabric that suits your style and purpose. Sturdier fabrics like corduroy, faux leather, or denim give the tote structure and durability, making it perfect for everyday use. Lighter fabrics like cotton can create a casual, versatile tote for shopping, errands, or layering with other accessories. The bag can also be lined with a complementary fabric.
The Josephine Tote Bag is not only practical but also beautiful—a project that combines simplicity with elegance. Its clear, beginner-friendly instructions make it easy to create a tote you’ll love to carry every day, whether for work, school, or casual outings.
Which color do you pick?
Josephine Tote Bag in Burgundy
Number 4— Polina Shacket
I know that making a jacket, blazer, coat, or any type of outerwear can feel a little intimidating for beginners or intermediate sewers—but don’t ever doubt yourself. Creating outerwear isn’t really different from making a shirt. Think of it this way: it’s essentially a shirt, just in a thicker fabric.
Of course, mistakes can be a bit more costly with outerwear since the fabric tends to be expensive. That’s why I always suggest making a sample first in a cheaper fabric. This way, you can check the sizing and fit before cutting into your more expensive material.
The Polina Shacket is a very straightforward pattern, and I love that it has an oversized fit, which makes it forgiving if you need to make adjustments. I made this pattern a few years ago, and I still wear it today—I highly recommend giving it a try. You can also watch the tutorial I made on how to make the Polina Shacket before committing, just to see if it’s the right project for you.
Sewing Pattern: PDF Polina Shacket
Level: Intermediate – perfect for everyone who is ready to take on a project with a few more construction details.
Size Range: UK 4-24 | EU 32-52 | US 0-20 | AU 4-24 – thoughtfully designed to flatter a wide range of body shapes and sizes.
Fabric Requirements: 1.9 m / 2.0 yards
Suggested Fabrics: Wool, corduroy, loop knit, velvet, or brushed jacquard – these fabrics give the shacket structure, warmth, and texture. Wool and corduroy makes a classic, cozy outer layer; velvet adds a touch of elegance; loop knit provides a softer, casual drape; and brushed jacquard offers a unique, textured look.
The Polina Shacket combines the best of a shirt and a jacket, making it a versatile piece for transitional seasons. Its slightly oversized silhouette allows for layering over sweaters or blouses, and it pairs effortlessly with jeans, skirts, or trousers. With my step-by-step instructions, even intermediate sewists can create an outer layer that’s both comfortable and good looking.
Number 5 — Elodie Coat
Now, let’s get serious—this is why we’re all here: to make jackets and coats for autumn. And here it is—the Elodie Coat. Cuteness level: 100. Fabric choice: 100. Details: 100. Everything about this short coat is pure perfection.
I’d say it’s best for intermediate to advanced sewists, mainly because it has a lining and self-covered buttons, which can be a bit tricky. But honestly, who doesn’t love a little challenge to make themselves a super cute coat?
I loved it so much that I even made a longer version in green, and it turned out just as adorable. What really excites me about cooler days is seeing the golden leaves, sipping tea or hot chocolate, and wearing my Elodie jacket. It’s just one of those pieces that makes autumn feel extra cozy.
Sewing Pattern: PDF Elodie Coat
Level: Intermediate – ideal for anyone ready to take on a project with a lining and self-covered buttons. While slightly more advanced, clear step-by-step instructions make it achievable for confident beginners and intermediate sewists.
Size Range: UK 4-24 | EU 32-52 | US 0-20 | AU 4-24 – designed to flatter a wide range of body shapes while offering a stylish, oversized silhouette.
Fabric Requirements: 1.65 m / 1.8 yards
Lining Requirements: 1.4 m / 1.5 yards
Suggested Fabrics: Wool, fleece, corduroy, or faux fur for the outer layer, with satin for the lining – choose fabrics that balance warmth, structure, and style. Wool or corduroy provide a classic, structured coat, faux fur adds a luxurious touch, and fleece is cozy and casual. Satin lining creates a smooth, professional finish and adds a hint of elegance inside the coat.
The Elodie Coat is a timeless, versatile piece perfect for autumn and winter. Its slightly oversized fit makes it comfortable to layer over sweaters or blouses, while the attention to detail, including lining and self-covered buttons, gives that beautiful and cute finish. This coat combines style, functionality, and warmth, making it a statement piece you’ll reach for season after season.
So, out of these five patterns, which one would you like to start with? I’d love to hear your thoughts! I genuinely love all of these patterns, and I can’t wait to make more. This autumn, I’m planning to sew a few more favorites and explore some new designs—but I always find myself coming back to the patterns I truly love.
Autumn is such an exciting season for sewing. It’s the perfect time to experiment with fabrics—or finally use those fabrics you didn’t get to try last year. It’s an opportunity to slow down, create cozy pieces, and make clothes that keep you comfortable and warm.
I hope you found this helpful—I really enjoyed sharing my top five patterns for autumn, and I can’t wait to see which ones you fall in love with too.
