LAST-MINUTE HANDMADE GIFT IDEAS
Thinking of whipping up some handmade gifts this festive season? Crafting a present for a loved one brings a unique joy, with each piece chosen and stitched with love. The lucky recipient gets a one-of-a-kind token of your care and affection, fingers crossed, they treasure it (no promises, though!)
As time is running out, we've chosen projects perfect for last-minute makes that will work nicely if you plan to batch sew Christmas gifts. These giftable indie patterns are great if you want to treat them (and yourself!).
Matchy Matchy Quilted Pocket Stocking
Looking for a speedy festive make or a novel way to give your gifts? This quick and fun holiday project was designed with creative patchwork in mind. Use scrap fabrics you have on hand or start fresh, and mix and match to your heart's desire – whichever fabrics you choose, your stocking will be full of joy! No quilting experience is required, and this is a lovely project to build your patchwork and quilting confidence.
Lou Orth Designs Gemini Pouch
Fancy a mini-project that will utilise your scraps, transforming them into delightful gifts? The Gemini Pouch is a fun to make double-zip compartment pouch with an added slip pocket in the middle. It is perfect for organising and storing a whole range of items, from makeup and toiletries to sewing tools and supplies. You can batch sew several and keep them on hand for last-minute gifting.
Merchant & Mills Carrier Bag
Fancy giving the most useful gift of all to your loved ones? Based on a classic everyday design, the Merchant and Mills Carrier Bag features French seams and an added lining. Pack it down into your handbag and never play grocery Jenga again. It's ideal for using up larger fabric offcuts that you saved many moons ago, as one day you knew it would come in use!
Thread Theory Mahle Tie
Men can be really challenging to shop for, so it's no surprise that ties have become a customary, foolproof gift. Say goodbye to naff ties and hello to lovely handmade ones. Using traditional stabilising and hand sewing techniques, the end result of this quick but thorough tie sewing project will be a high-end piece ready for even the most formal of occasions.
Merchant & Mills Barka Dog Coat
Dogs deserve to be stylish (and dry) too! Maybe a festive coat is in order for a Christmas to remember?! Whether you have a precious pooch you want to spoil or have a dog-lover on your gifting list, you cannot go wrong with a snazzy new dog coat. Make it bagged out with lining or lined with bound edges. Maybe even make one to match your own coat. How cute would that be?!
JULIANA MARTEJEVS Sophie Beanie
Use up those jersey scraps with a clever mini-project! This on-trend slouchy beanie hat is the perfect gift for just about anyone! The pattern includes two design lengths and two sizes. It's perfect for frantic batch sewing as you can make many in a short space of time.
Matchy Matchy Butter Quilt Scarf
Give someone a big, warm hug with a quilt scarf. It is a quick and satisfying project that is perfect for keeping you warm and toasty. Another excellent scrapbuster, you can sew Butter as a traditional scarf, or trendy triangle neckerchief style. Mix and match the patch pieces to suit your lucky giftees' taste.
Veronica Tucker Frankie Bag
If you want to make a bag for a pal, this reversible tote (two bags in one!) is a great option. The knotted shoulder tie straps allow this pattern to omit fiddly fasteners you would need to source, allowing you to dive straight into the sewing. Treat yourself with one to match your outfit or make a batch to gift!
Merchant & Mills Unisex Workaday Apron
This traditional apron has Christmas cooking and baking written all over it. The ultimate apron for all your culinary needs, Workaday can be made from under 1.35 metres of fabric. The unisex design makes a great gift, so if you have any wannabe chefs in your life, their Christmas present is sorted.
Lasenby Foxglove Oven Mitt and Hand Towel
If you have a friend who loves their kitchen to look coordinated and put together, they will love this set. The compact hexagonal oven mitt has a quilted base and a hanging loop. The matching hexagonal hand towel, also with a hanging loop, is backed with muslin or towelling. They will be almost too pretty to use!
Hopefully, that saves your last-minute gift woes. You are already incredibly generous for even considering sewing for someone else. Happy festive making!
