HANDMADE GIFT IDEAS
Are you planning on sewing handmade gifts this holiday season? There is something rather lovely about making a present for somebody. You have a story behind each piece you’ve sourced to make it and the time you spent stitching away. The lucky recipient gets something that’s completely unique and full of love, care and attention, that they will (hopefully!) treasure.
We’ve scoured our shop for some patterns that are relatively easy to make. Some projects will be quicker than others and some will also work nicely if you are planning to batch Christmas gifts for people. Sewing the same item in different fabrics can make the process a little easier for you. These indie patterns are great if you actually fancy treating yourself (to me, from me)!
So, onto the gift ideas…
Bags…
If you want to sew something for a loved one, a bag is a great option as there is no fitting or size information required! There are some lovely, yet robust cotton canvas fabrics out there that you can find in an array of colours and prints to suit their style.
The One and a Half bag by Merchant and Mills would be a lovely choice for a posh weekend away bag and the Shopping Bag by Lenaline Patterns is a perfectly practical option that everyone could put to good use!
Browse all bag sewing patterns
Purses and Wallets…
If you want to make a little stocking filler, a wallet or purse is a good gift. The Bifold Wallet by Thread Theory is a minimalist take on the classic bifold wallet. This design is very simple to construct because it uses only two pattern pieces to result in a myriad of pockets. The Frankie and Faye Fannypack by WISJ is a fully lined fannypack or bumbag in two designs, each with a mini and maxi version – perfect for kids too!
Hats…
Winter hats are a classic Christmas gift, but I bet you’ve never thought about making one! This would be an excellent project if you want something speedy and easy to batch sew. The Delia Beanie by Named is a cool, one size pattern for adults and the Knut Hood by Melilot is a hood with a bib (perfect for wearing with coats or jumpers with no hoods) that comes in child and adult sizes.
Browse all hat sewing patterns
Gloves…
Another classic (and rather lovely) gift you could make is mittens! These cosy mittens would surely be treasured for many years to come. The Atlas Mitten by Victory Patterns is designed for use with mostly upcycled materials, such as recycled knit sweaters, wool and leather goods, and there are several fabrication options for you to personalise these mittens for your loved one. Remember the Bernie Sanders mitten craze? You can make a pair as a fun and practical gift! The Condon (Bernie) Mittens by Ensemble use upcycle old sweaters or scraps to make these warm and fuzzy mittens.
Robes/Dressing Gowns…
My personal favourite thing to make for gifts are robes. I have made several (in lovely Liberty fabrics) for some very special people and will be making a waffle dressing gown for my husband this Christmas! I’m using the Unisex Lahja Dressing Gown by Named to make his (which will coordinate with mine from the same pattern) in a lovely cotton waffle fabric that looks just like the fancy robes you get in spas! The Hayley Robe by Tammy Handmade is a lovely design if you want to sew for a sister, mother, grandmother, special friend etc. The pattern looks great in a traditional cosy robe fabric, or a slinky satin for a luxurious look.
Browse all dressing gown sewing patterns for women
Browse all dressing gown sewing patterns for men
Pyjamas…
We are packing this list with absolute classic gift ideas so we had to include pyjamas. To sew PJs for someone you would have to have a pretty good idea of their size so you know what to make, but as pyjamas generally have a relaxed fit, they shouldn’t require much fitting. Tilly and the Buttons have a ‘his and hers’ pattern for pyjama bottoms that are easy to sew. The Joe Pyjama Bottoms and Shorts coordinate with the Jaimie Pyjama Bottoms and Shorts so you could make a matching set! The Perri PJs by Pattern Paper Scissors comes as a family bundle option if you want to make everyone match this Christmas! You can also buy them separately.
Browse women’s pyjama bottom sewing patterns
Browse men’s pyjama bottom sewing patterns
Slippers…
Something is missing if you don’t find a pair of slippers under the tree, don’t you think? You could make your own for someone special with the Unisex Quilted Slippers pattern by Sew DIY. It’s also a great way to introduce yourself to quilting, so you’ll learn as you gift! The quilted exterior is constructed by quilting a layer of fabric and batting together. Or you can use pre-quilted fabric for a quicker project.
Unisex Sweatshirt…
A cosy sweatshirt will always be a welcome gift, especially if it’s handmade by you! The Unisex Jackson Tee and Pullover by Helen’s Closet is a wonderful pattern that comes with two lengths for both the tee and pullover so it’s easy to suit yourself or the person you are sewing it for. It’s a good pick for present sewing, and could become your own favourite basic pattern to sew!
The Unisex Arlo Track Jacket by Friday Pattern Company is another design that makes a great gift. Keep it simple in a plain colour, or have fun colour blocking with the pattern pieces. You will have a very grateful gift receiver!
Browse all unisex sweatshirt patterns
Apron…
Are you making something for a budding chef or crafter? A handmade apron would be a lovely gift! The Unisex Workday Apron by Merchant and Mills is a traditional apron with a waist tie that can be made from robust denim or oilskin, or tumbled linen for a softer feel. Another fab option is the Tessuti Apron, a tunic-style cross-back apron that’s comfortable to wear and has no fiddly fastenings. Oh, and it’s easy to sew!
Browse apron sewing patterns
Toys…
If you want to make a special present for a little one, or a big kid at heart for that matter, you could sew a toy! We love these cute patterns by Craft Kooka and there are so many fun animals to choose from. Our particular favourites are the Llama Soft Toy and the Sloth Soft Toy. The only problem is you might not want to give them away!
