50 Back to School Sewing and Craft Projects

Back to school time means back to school sewing and crafting time if you’re a creator like me, which I think we can safely assume that you are if you’re here! With my oldest two now in high school (what?!), I’ve done my fair share of back to school sewing and crafting projects, and I’ve compiled a list including favorites of both of my own projects and others’ to share with you in one place!

50 Sewing + Craft Ideas for Back to School

Below, you’ll find 50 back to school sewing and craft projects, including sewing tutorials, Cricut projects, and craft ideas that range from key chains to clothing to zipper pouches and sew much more (I mean, there may also be a blanket hoodie free pattern included…)!

I’ve even included a handful of back to school projects that fall more into the “after school” category (like a DIY sleep mask!), but they’re all ideas that have helped my kids get back into the school rhythm. I kid you not, my new 4th grader came home from her first day yesterday in the 106 degree Texas heat and immediately cozied up in her blanket hoodie while we snuggled and talked about how her day went.

Whether your sewing skills are beginner or advanced level, a sewist or a crafter, there’s something for everyone on this list to help you start this school season!

Back to School Bags and Totes to Make

DIY Monogram Teachers Tote Bag with Cricut Infusible Ink – make your teachers feel extra special with a personalized bag to start the school year with

Reusable Sandwich Bag Wraps from Sisters What – reusable snack bags are a favorite it our home and these wraps are a fun twist on the idea

Lunch Tote Sewing Pattern from Sew Can She – such a cute lunch bag!

Airdrie Bag PDF Pattern – this bag has all the benefits of a messenger bag and can hold it ALL with it’s million (almost) pockets to keep everything in it’s place

Lunch Box Tutorial from Craft Passion – this is a fun one because it’s like a drawstring bag and lunch bag all in one

Back to School Mini Backpacks to Make

Unicorn Backpack Tutorial – another backpack perfect for your unicorn loving preschooler, and the free pattern has options for both Cricut Iron-on or a fabric applique template

Cat Backpack Free Pattern – purrrfect for little ones headed to preschool

Bunny Toddler Backpack Free Pattern

Cricut Maker Toddler Backpack Tutorial – the Maker can cut every piece needed for this modern sewing project!

Heart Backpack Free Pattern – perfectly pint sized for preschoolers and up!

Back to School Accessories to Make

Mini Bow Scrunchies Sewing Tutorial – these darling hair ties are in constant use by my girls and the mini size is perfect for thin hair or half-back styles

Keychain Lip Balm Holder Tutorial + Free Pattern – now if only this could prevent my girls from stealing my lip balm…

Leather Coin Purse – perfect for holding bus passes, money, or your little’s sticker collection ;). Learn how to use your Cricut Maker to cut leather with this fun back to school project.

Felt Ball Ice Cream Cone Keychains from A Kailo Chic Life

DIY Scrunchies Tutorial + Free Pattern – with everything you need to know about making scrunchies, this is one of my number one back to school sewing and craft projects!

DIY Beaded Stretch Bracelets from Sarah Maker – are your kids as obsessed with these as much as mine are?!

Cricut + Iron-on Cactus Keychain – because keychains are the #1 accessory choice in my household

Cricut Monogram Teacher Mug – show your teacher appreciation with a sweet personalized mug

DIY Lanyard Tutorial from Sew Can She

Cricut Custom Water Bottles Tutorial

Sleep Mask and Rice Bag Tutorial – anything to help get those sleep schedules back on track!

DIY Macrame Keychain for Beginners from Fish and Bull

3 Back to school Cricut projects – make a backpack monogram, personalized water bottle, and a special note card, perfect to throw in a lunch box with an encouraging note!

Felt Flash Cards Memory Game – helps your littles have fun while working on their numbers and letters through play

Hand Sanitizer Holders – so helpful to keep those mini hand sanitizer bottles handy (pun intended)

DIY “Mom” Fanny Packs – cause let’s not ignore the moms who keep the gears of back to school moving ;) – we’ve got this!

DIY First Day of School Chalkboard Signs from Printable Crush

Back to School Zipper Pouches to Make

Scalloped Zipper Pouch Tutorial – the Cricut Maker will do ALL the cutting work on this back to school project, and teens will love it for holding all of their locker must-haves

School Supply Zip Pouches from Melly Sews

Personalized Pencil Bags from the Crafting Chicks – an adorable way to ensure it will never get lost

10 Different Zippered Pouch Tutorials – use them for a pencil case or other school supplies!

DIY Clear Vinyl Zipper Pouch from Sweet Red Poppy – I mean, confetti zipper pouches, need I say more??

15 Minute Zipper Pouch from Melly Sews – learn how to make a pencil pouch in no time

Back to School Clothing to Make

DIY Be Kind Cricut Iron-on T shirt – I once heard of a friend’s mom who always told her kids to “be the kindest person you know,” and I thought it was fantastic advice. I started saying it to my own kids because sometimes we all need the reminder, especially in a new school year when everyone is filled with butterflies.

Skipper Top PDF Pattern – my go-to quick t-shirt pattern for my girls, and perfect to sew up a bunch at once with your favorite knits

Kid’s Apron Free Pattern + Tutorial – perfect for those messy art class projects!

DIY Paper Bag Skirt Tutorial – perfect for the first day of school for your skirt loving littles! A fast and easy skirt pattern with an adorable twist!

Bellamy Nightgown PDF Pattern – my girls love to have a fresh cozy nightie to start the school year with

Blanket Hoodie Free Pattern – okay, not exactly school related but my kids love to cuddle up and relax in these after school when they’re decompressing so I had to include it!

How to Hem Jeans – while this project doesn’t scream FUN like some of the others, it is so needed to get those jeans the right length before school starts!