By Eva and Stell Fried
Summer is officially here, so why not plunge into the season with some fresh, new summertime projects? Summer isn’t just for basking in the sun and swimming in the waves; it’s the season to relax, recharge, and create.
Maybe you’re looking for simple poolside projects, or perhaps you want to dive into something bigger while you escape the summer heat. Whether you are looking for summer craft project ideas, sewing patterns for summer clothes, or some cute new tools to spice up your craft space, we have collected all the best ideas for summer right here.
Easy Summer Crafts
Are you trying out making new things or just looking for simple summer craft projects to create with kiddos? Either way, we have some of the cutest and easiest summer craft ideas around.
Cross-Stitch Kits
Kawaii cross-stitch kits by Marvling Bros. come in a tiny matchbox with everything you need to create an adorable yet simple cross-stitch. This activity is perfect for beginners, but still totally fun for an enthusiast. Check out the Jolly Lolly kit and create a tiny popsicle, or show your pride with the Rainbow Heart and Rainbow Arc.
The Jolly Lolly cross-stitch kit includes all the tools for an easy summer craft packaged in a tiny matchbox.
Dye Your Own Yarn
Summer 2025 is about to be the summer of dyeing your own yarn. The Nakid Series from our friends at Scheepjes includes raw, undyed yarn in sizes ranging from fingering to chunky. The series offers several yarn blends for all your crocheting and knitting needs. Dye your own yarn this summer, and enjoy a colorful selection for all your fall and winter projects. (Learn more about the millennia-old art of dyeing in our blog, “Natural Dye for Eco-Friendly Creations.”)
This undyed yarn series by Scheepjes makes the perfect blank canvas to try your hand at natural dyeing.
Learn to Weave
This Friendly Loom: Peg Loom isn’t just for children. While it’s an easy enough summer craft for kids, it is also a fantastic introduction to real weaving for beginners of any age. This kit includes everything you’ll need for a complete woven project.
The Friendly Loom: Peg Loom is fun for all ages.
Needle Felting
Whether you are catching a tan or catching up on your favorite shows, needle felting is a fun summer craft to keep your hands busy while you relax. Needle felting kits take the guesswork out of this activity, making it a super simple and easy summertime craft. Check out this Toadstool House Kit, which includes everything you’ll need to start needle felting, besides a pair of trusty scissors (and we can help with that).
This kit includes everything you’ll need to needle felt this adorable toadstool house.
DIY Summer Outfits
With each new season comes a new hot wardrobe, and what looks better than an outfit completely tailored for you by you? If you’re looking for sewing patterns for summer clothes or wondering what the best fabric for summer clothing is, look no further. We’ve got the stitch-uation covered.
Summer Loungewear
Summertime isn’t just for tank tops and bikinis; it’s also a time for loungewear to shine while we hang in the shade or ride out a summer storm. Try creating these super-comfy knit PJs from Style Arc or these Geoffrey Knit Pants to wear on a cozy night in. Check out our great selection of knit fabrics to find the perfect look for all your PJs, T-shirts, and joggers.
Is it guaranteed that you’ll sleep better in pajamas you made yourself? No, but it couldn’t hurt.
DIY Towels
Terry cloth is in stock just in time to make a splash this summer. Experiment using this fabric with patterns like these shorts and pants for a unique bathing suit cover-up, or create your own towel, like this Kids' Hooded Towel.
Cool off in style with this Kid’s Hooded Towel project.
Officewear in the Summer
The name may sound funny, but the Pussy Bow Blouse from Sew Over It is a beautiful top and perfect for the office. Use cotton lawn for a more structured look, or a viscose fabric for a nice, flowy top. The Donny Shirt by Friday Pattern Co. is another summertime staple that can be dressed up or down, depending on your vibe.
Refresh your summer wardrobe with a top you made yourself from Sew Over It.
Sundress Making
Nothing says summertime quite like a sundress. Learn to make your own sundress this summer with simple patterns. This versatile Sauvie Sundress pattern can be created as a cover-up, sundress, or elegant evening outfit, depending on the fabric you choose. The Honey dress by Merchant and Mills is a maxi sundress designed to keep you cool and stylish in the summertime.
Lightweight fabrics are the best for summer clothing. We recommend linen, chambray, seersucker, cotton lawn, and cotton poplin. Select a fabric with a fun pattern to stand out, or create a clean look with a solid color.
Stop shopping around! Make your perfect sundress in your favorite fabric and color. The Sauvie Sundress is super customizable.
Summer Sewing Projects
Looking for a more involved project to work on this summer? Pass the dog days with these sewing projects.
Summer Quilt
Who said quilts are just for the wintertime? These quilt kits from Ruby and Bee are perfect for summer picnics, watching Little League baseball games, or lying out and stargazing. Whether you choose the Checkered Flower or Checkered Star kit, you'll create a stunning summer blanket that you will use for years to come.
This beautiful summer quilt was created from the Checkered Flower Quilt Kit by Windham Fabrics.
DIY Apron
This Pinnie Sewing Cooking Apron pattern is a lightweight and comfortable apron, not just for cooking tasks, but also for crafting, gardening, and more. Make this summer sewing project for yourself or create the perfect DIY gift for the baker, griller, or gardener in your life.
This apron is not just for cooking; it’s perfect for holding all your crafting and sewing supplies too!
DIY Bag Making
Whether you need a new tote bag to take to the farmers market or a duffle bag for your summer vacation, we have bag patterns and fun fabrics galore, making your summertime DIY project totally your own. Create this sling-style bag for carrying essentials on your summer adventures or this make-and-go pouch for traveling with makeup, toiletries, or other small items.
This patchwork duffle bag is perfect for a summer getaway.
Hot Tools this Summer
Spice up your tool kit this summer with some cute and useful additions. These tools are sure to help you in all of your DIY craft projects.
Needlework Tools
Get inspired with your colorwork with these Doodle Card decks and expansions from Pacific Knit Co. These little decks have so many great colorwork patterns to give your makes that special touch.
If you’re a maker on the go, take this portable ruler along with you wherever the summer takes you.
Check out these adorable Teddy Bear Family Stitch Markers to add a personal touch to your toolbox.
This Doodle Card deck is sure to inspire you or your favorite crafter.
Sewing Tools
Keep your binding nice and tidy while feeling like a little fish in the sea with this Fish Binding Spool from Feral Notions!
Enjoy that summer feeling all year long with these Sun and Clouds and Flower thread cutters. Add an old rotary blade and quickly cut your chain piecing or any other pesky threads apart.
How cute is this Fish Binding Spool from Feral Notions?
• • •
Whatever you are making this summer, we are here to help at Sew to Speak. Whether you are looking for the best summer fabric, tools, patterns, or just a little inspiration, head into our store or visit us online for all your summer craft needs.
About the Authors
At Sew to Speak, we are all about collaboration, and this blog post is no different! These words are a group effort with thoughtful input from Eva Fried and Stella Fried.
Since 2023, Eva Fried has been the co-owner of Sew to Speak; however, she has been a customer of the shop since 2013. Eva is a loving mom/wife, health care provider, and a self-taught lifelong maker with an unquenchable thirst for learning and creating.
Stella Fried has been a versatile team member at Sew to Speak since May 2023, but they have been a passionate maker for years. While they love to knit, crochet, and sew, they also express their creativity by making marketing magic on our Instagram and Facebook and when writing our fantastic newsletter.