Handmade Gift Ideas
Christmas is fast approaching. As is our Christmas Gift Sewalong on November 16th. This is a great time to dedicate for #AGiftToNovember24 #AGTN24 if you are taking part!
If you are looking for inspiration for loved ones, some ideas I am considering to make this year.
Top Tips before you start
One persons scraps, is another persons treasure. Don’t feel duty-bound to buy new fabric for someone, especially if you don’t have the funds. Scraps of all sizes can be repurposed. Check out our previous blog on scrap busting for ideas.
You do not have to make for anyone. Not everyone appreciates a handmade gift. A sad fact of life. Consider your ideas and who you are making for. Will they appreciate the item and the time you have put into making it? If not, perhaps reconsider if it is worth making for them. Don’t stress yourself out if your gift won’t bring them and you absolute joy.
If you are feeling creative and no one to make for, check out some charities who are looking for items at this time of year. Often homeless charities may be taking in donations of hats, scarves and gloves. Children’s charities or hospital baby units may be in need of blankets, garments or toys. Get in touch with them directly and check what they are short of before you get making.
Making a garment for someone, need their measurements but don’t want to reveal what it is you are making? Ask for ALL their measurements and sizing to help you cover up what their present might be. Alongside the standard, bust, waist, hip, ask for;
any valid measurements you need for your garment. Check your pattern for
leg length
shoe size(including length cm/inches too)
ring size
ideal bag size / what do they usually carry in their bag
head circumference
wrist circumference
They’ll be confused, but hopefully obliging! Go the whole hog for creating mystery and ask them about fabric choices - would you prefer dark blue or baby blue? Big spots or little spots? Monotone or mixed palette? Florals or botanical? Novelty fabric?
Ideas
Pyjamas!
Who doesn’t need another pair of pyjamas to their collection? If you ask the right sneaky questions (see top tips above), or get hold of the sizing on their current choice of pjs, you can whip up a new pair for them quite easily.
You can really personalise Pjs by picking snuggly fleecy fabric, or perhaps a novelty fabric which reflects one of their favourite things? And don’t forget to add pockets.
Pyjama pattern suggestions can be found on previous blog post for our recent PJ party. It includes free patterns and patterns for slippers.
During the party I made myself another pair of TaTB Jaimie shorts, which look more like bloomers!
Sew Over It Totepack
A tote bag that can transform into a backpack? I hadn’t heard of the concept of the totepack, but when Sew Over It released their pattern, I had to make it.
And so did our host Dee, who has made THREE now. For two of them, she scaled down the pattern (about 80%) to make mini Totepacks, including this one pictured for her travels to New Zealand!
The outer pocket is perfect for your water bottle (my Chilli’s fits in perfect) and I added an inner pocket and key attachment.
The pattern is very adaptable to be personalised from fabric choices to additional pockets and accessories.
And you could always pop in extra treats inside the bag - sweet treat or another present?
Jewellery Roll
Simply Sewing have a great selection of free patterns which might suit someone you want to make for.
This simple make will keep someone’s necklaces, bracelet or earrings safe, especially if travelling.
Billie Blanket
This pattern was a suggestion from a VSR attendee (I think it was Jo!). It requires very few measurements due to its oversized snuggly fit. It could be ideal for making for any sea swimmers out there as seen on the #BillieWearableBlanket hashtag.
The unisex Billie Blanket will keep anyone warm and comfortable through winter, with optional hood, kangaroo pocket and two different lengths. Oh, and it’s FREE!
AND, there is also a free children’s version called Blaise, so you can make one for all the family!.
Beloved animal
I made this elephant for my godson earlier this year. Ricrasews has a great collection of animal and doll patterns and really quick and easy to sew up.
I used scraps having made a quilt for my Godson last year with this Wallace and Gromit fabric(previously a PJ top). You can make the animal your own with fabric choices!
Book case and bookmark
For the person that still reads physical books. I loved this idea Tamlyn wrote for SewHayleyJane, I’ve had this tutorial bookmarked (excuse the pun) for ages! I have a few friends who travel with a book regularly and would love this. I’ve made some of these bookmarks and they are quick, easy, and great for scraps too.
Check out the tutorial here.
[Image credit to SewHayleyJane]
Reading Pillow
Another one for the book lovers you might know. Or perhaps adapt it for handheld games console or small toys (children’s or pet).
Polkadot Chair has a very simple pattern to follow. It’s a great make because it’s cotton, can be easily personalised, AND who doesn’t love an extra cushion?
You might find space to sneak in some treats for the recipient, if they’ve been good this year.
Reusable Pullable Crackers
Charm over your whole family by being in charge of the crackers. This pattern from Steffi’s Etsy shop is a must for a reusable item every Christmas. Or, in my case, at all the houses you visit.
If you make them, don’t forget to fill them! Cheesy jokes, crown(paper or fabric) and maybe a chocolate treat? If you are stuck, Steffi has some downloads to help you fill them before the big day.
Hair Towel Wrap
Another pattern I’ve had tabbed for ages to make for myself and a few loved ones. Attendee Mel told me about this MadamSews tutorial and shared the link. Can be sewn up in an hour, and can be personalised with choice of fabric and a label.
I can totally imagine a matching set for a family or group of friends.
Dog Poop Bag Holder
We all have a dog owner in our lives. Make them a snazzy dog poop bag holder and they might never forget poop bags again!
SeeKateSew’s pattern is another good scrap busting idea, but could easily be personalised with choice of fabric. Maybe a bit of embroidery too - “Poop Happens” beautifully embroidered down one side?
Moss says you should scale up the pattern to make room for treats.
Retreat Bag
Another recommendation from an attendee, the Retreat Bag - a free pattern by Emmaline patterns.
There are two size bags, one that fits inside the other. A lovely gift for a loved one.
They have three other free bag patterns as well as many other paid bag patterns which come recommended.
There are an endless amount of patterns and tutorials out on the internet to be inspired by. Here are a few more ideas, if you weren’t already feeling overwhelmed. Some of them would make excellent stocking fillers.
Hat, scarf and/or gloves (set or individual)
Hand warmers
Embroidery hoop art
Coasters and placemats
Bowl cosy (see Helen’s Closet for pattern)
Personalised napkins
Zipper bags for organising needs [ I have my eye on Annela Hoey patterns]
Apron (I use my apron for cooking and messy crafts)
Coin purse.
So many ideas! and here are a few more blogs with ideas.
Other blogs
Check out my previous Virtual Sewing Room blog post on scrap busting projects. Some varied ideas of what you can use scraps for, from small to large leftover fabrics.
My particular favourite scrap busting idea was attendee Kristel’s idea for a travel set;
passport cover
face mask
sleep mask
zipper pouch
luggage tag.
Ideal for someone with travel plans in 2025.
You could also make this from a fat quarter of fabric they will love. Floral? Animals? Favourite colour? Endless creative options.
SewHayleyJane recently released this great video with 5 simple sewing ideas. It includes three garments and two accessories.
Free pattern list
Emma at Studio7T7 put together a list of free patterns, great for gifting. I LOVE this shark pencil case idea with the subtle patterned fabric. My immediate thought was to make it into a dolphin… somehow.
Check out her whole section of FREE PATTERNS list here.
SimplySewing magazine have collated lots of idea for festive makes if you are keen to decorate the whole house with handmade items. From tree decorations, cushions to a glittery shrug - there is bound to be something you can make for your (or someone else’s) home.
Hopefully that has you inspired to make some gifts this Christmas.
Don’t forget to sign up for the Christmas Gift Sewalong!
Happy making, and don’t forget to let us know what you make #VirtualSewingRoom.
