SEWING Articles 3 min read

Beginner-Friendly Gifts to Sew

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Going handmade for the holidays doesn’t have to be an intimidating prospect. Even beginner sewists can find delightful gifts to sew in a short period of time . . . while skill building along the way! Read on for our top beginner-friendly patterns that are designed to sew and gift.

Meg’s Picks: Try Batch-Sewing

When I sew gifts, I like to batch-sew. So one year, everyone might get faux fur headbands, and another year everyone gets pajama pants — but all customized to the recipient’s personal style. In other years I have sewn up embroidered tea towels and eye masks, and now I’m looking for new ideas. Here are some beginner-friendly, batching-friendly projects that would make fabulous gifts for the holidays.

Face Masks

I don’t think me-made masks are going away anytime soon. I know they are more readily available now, but it’s always nice to have a one-of-a-kind personalized one.

Batch sewing example, close up

Look for fabrics and prints that you know your gift list recipients will love and sew everyone something that is useful. You can even include machine embroidery for a different type of customization!

Ties

I always find men’s gifts get a little neglected when it comes to handmade gift ideas, which is why I love the idea of sewing up ties for all the men and women on your list.

I know a slender tie silhouette is on my to-sew list for myself after making a ton of button-up blouses — very chic, and will come in handy for all on those zoom calls where you can just be presentable from the waist up.

Kate’s Picks: No Size Necessary

When it comes to sewing gifts, it’s often best to stick with bags and accessories because you don’t have to worry about sizing or fit.

Hair Bows + Accessories

I love projects like the Best Tressed Velvet Bows. They’re elegant, quick and easy to make, don’t require a lot of fabric and are great gifts for any long-haired person in your life.

You don’t just have to use velvet, either; try using sequin fabric for even more glam.

Speaking of sequins, if you’re a fan of accessories but want to mix it up a little, check out the Sparkle Party accessory set in the Dec/Jan issue of Sew News.

Simple Bags

Bags are also a great way to go. They range from very simple to extremely complicated, so a sewist at any level can find a bag that they’re comfortable making or even one that will stretch their skills just enough.

I like the Heavy Metals Bag for sewists who are ready to move beyond the most basic projects. It has a couple of slightly more advanced elements — basic piecing, a zipper, and tabs for the strap — but if you take it step by step, you’ll discover that none of those things is actually as scary as they sound.

If that still seems too much for you, check out the Tied Up Tote from the free Sew Quick + Easy collection for a basic lined tote with an adjustable strap.

Amanda’s Picks: Level Up

These projects are a slight level up from the gifts below, perfect for honing your skills! Create a simple garment that’s easy to fit for a sure success, or create a custom backpack that will delight recipients of all ages.

Easy-Sew Garments

I don’t usually sew full-on garments for holiday gifts but I do like sewing wearable items. The Plata Jacket is the perfect gift!

The jacket is a very basic silhouette, featuring French seams and a bound neckline. Sewn up in something plush and with an easy belt, this jacket can serve as a cozy robe. Or sew one up in a special fabric and a fun trim for a holiday look! The design is open and over-sized so you don’t have to worry about fitting issues. Grab this pattern for free as part of the all-new Sew Quick + Easy collection, available free.

Custom Backpacks

Bags are another top gift idea on my list every year. The Bear Essentials Backpack is a win, win, win! This design makes the perfect kid-friendly backpack and can be easily customized by changing the ear and mouth shape: panda backpack anyone?

Or skip the ears and create a chic circular backpack in a variety of fabrics, from corduroy to denim to leather: the results are high end and custom.

The vinyl ups the difficulty level on this bag just a bit; choose canvas or another woven that presses well for a bag that’s less intimidating.

Want more gift ideas? Check out our DIY Holiday Gifts workshop, where you can get expert help to sew a variety of fun gifts.


Originally published 11/4/2020. Updated 11/2/2021.


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