Holiday Gift Guide – 2023
Tis the time of year that I love to share fun ideas for gifts that you can sew. A little handmade gift is often treasured more than anything you can buy. I am sure you remember the gifts that were made for you much more than those that came wrapped from the store, in the wrong size or had to be returned.
Each year I promise myself to get ahead of things and start early…..oh, you to? So, it is time to get busy and sew up some holiday gifts for those I am thankful to have in my life. Sometimes it is a neighbor, a teacher, a friend or co-worker. I want to share how thankful I am to have them in my world with a handmade gift. While your sewing, pick a few quick and easy items as hostess gifts too!
Noodlehead: Tiny Treasures Basket & Tray:
We all love a FREE pattern and this one from Noodlehead works for nearly everyone on your gift list. Who doesn’t need a place to stash projects, car keys and wallet at the end of the day. My husband has one on the dresser that keeps his pocket contents organized for him. The pattern includes both the basket and the tray. Here is a link for the pattern.
Seamwork: The Jordan Device Sleeve
The Jordan laptop and device sleeve will keep all your tech safe and cozy. This zippered pouch features a padded interlining and comes in four different sizes so that you can sew one for your reader, tablet, and small or large laptop. Sew Jordan in medium to heavyweight wovens like denim, twill, or canvas, and put those fun quilting cottons in your stash to good use for the lining. Bonus, there is a Sew-along available if you need just a touch extra help.
Tytka Studio: Wine Holder Tote
This Tytka Studio Tote is a beginner level sewing project! Step-by-step instructions and photos are included with this pattern. Use lightweight denim, canvas, medium weight cotton or linen to sew up this bag. It is perfect for picnics, beach trips and an ideal gift for almost everyone on your list. Get creative and mix & match fabrics for a fun color block look, embellish with embroidery or add a patch to customize for the special person on your list.
Helen’s Closet: Sam Apron
The Sam Apron is the perfect everyday apron for cooking and crafts. This pattern includes sizes 0-34 and cut lines for heights from less than 5’ tall to over 6’ tall! No more “one size fits all” aprons that don’t fit properly. Sew one for yourself or for a loved one and make them something they will wear and love for years. The Sam Apron includes chest and waist pockets, towel loops, and two strap options! Make a modern cross-back apron or a classic halter neck apron. This pattern is endlessly customizable and an ideal sewing project for beginners. Best of all this pattern is FREE to newsletter subscribers!
Kylie and the Machine: The Mule Tote
This pattern has two size options. The classic Maxi is perfect for a trip to the farmer’s market, the grocery store or to carrying a million things for a trip to the park. The standard can be used as an everyday bag to carry your lunch, book, wallet and water bottle, or dress up with special fabric. This is a versatile pattern with detailed instructions that make this a beginner-perfect pattern. Use twill, light canvas, or corduroy and don’t forget to add a fun label to personalize. If you are an intermediate/advance beginner sewist, you may want to sew the standard bag in a suede or leather for a special gift recipient.
Purl Soho: Pieced Napkins
Who does not love a beautiful cloth napkin? Luxury and sustainability all in one. Composed of three right triangles, these Pieced Napkins exploit the brain’s natural affinity for three, as well as for all things beautiful! Run to your scrap bin and grab fun fabrics to play with, sew up some napkins and tie with a beautiful holiday bow ~ all set for gift giving. Cottons or Linens work for these napkins, use complimentary colors, or fun prints to match the personality of the people lucky enough to be on your me-made list. Also makes another wonderful Hostess gift all year around. Easy project for a Sunday afternoon.
SEW DIY: Stocking Pattern
Handmade Holiday Stockings are the best! Use these as a gift bag for other treats or sew up stockings for the whole family. The stockings feature a classic design with a rounded toe and heel, a hanging loop and a fold-over cuff. The stockings are quick to sew and, if desired, the small, medium and large sizes can be sewn with a lining. Make it in velvet for a classic, luxurious feel or sew up a set in a plaid cotton flannel for a cozy, homespun vibe.
Made for Mermaids: Pillowcase
Okay, this seems maybe a bit simple…but if you have a special teen or kid on your list, trust me a fun pillowcase can be a hit! Choose a fun fabric (okay, maybe from the big box store this time!) that reflects their interest. You might even want to try some of the glow in the dark options! This FREE pattern includes measurements for a multitude of sizes, including a body pillow. You might even want to sew up a Silk pillowcase for your bestie, it is said they help prevent wrinkles, split ends and bed head! Wrap around some amazing bath products and tie with a stylish bow – Ta Da!
Sarah Kirsten: Sweetpea Sweatshirt
What a wonderful cozy gift to receive! The Sweet Pea Sweatshirt is classic vintage style. A basic sweatshirt that can be worn alone or as a layer. It’s good at being dressed up or down, and goes with a ridiculous variety of pants and skirts. If you are into minimalism, its versatility makes it an essential addition to your wardrobe. If you’re a maximalist, you’ll want to make one in every color. Designed for sweatshirt lovers, women and men alike. This is a gift for someone you have a good idea of their measurements and size, the looser fit means you don’t have the be exact. Now you want one for yourself, right? I have quality fleece & French terry in the shop that will make this a lux gift.
Helen’s Closet: Arbutus Robe
A robe is a gift of sheer luxury….if you saw my collection, you know they all need to be replaced! The Arbutus Robe is perfect for mornings, self-care, and general lounging. Make an Arbutus for yourself or make one as a gift for a loved one! Arbutus has a relaxed and comfortable fit. This pattern includes lovely details like an inner tie, belt loops, pockets, and a shawl collar. Make the Arbutus Robe out of drapey silk or silk blend for a luxurious feel or get cozy and make it in fleece or terry cloth. Arbutus is versatile and satisfying to sew. Once you sew one for a gift, bet you will want one for yourself too!
True Bias: Hudson Pant
The Hudson pant is the piece of clothing that will be worn all of the time. It is comfortable enough to wear around the house but can easily be dressed up to go run errands. The modern fit of these pants leaves a bit of extra room around the hips and then tapers into a skinny leg. As you see, there is a pattern for everyone on your gift list. Be careful, once you gift these you may be asked to make another pair…or two!
Quilters Candy: Quick and Easy Fabric Bookmarks
Okay, these are super quick and easy. BONUS – you can use up scraps in your stash! These fabric corner markers make perfect gifts – include with your favorite book or make a few for those readers in your world that multi-task and read multiple books at once. For a teacher or babysitter, consider adding a fun card with a cute quote to your bookmark gift! (Dr. Seuss quote card & button paperclips from Noodlehead here). Consider using a solid fabric and adding a bit of embroidery or cross-stitching embellishment.
If you are looking for more handmade gift ideas, check our prior years selections here:
Creative Scrap Busting Patterns
There are SO many more ideas to share. I hope this gets you started sewing some amazing handmade holiday gifts this season. Most of you will have the fabric needs in your stash and not even need to spend much more than a little time to make everyone on your list glow with happiness.
Thank you for your support of this Small Business during 2023, we appreciate your loyalty. Wishing you and your family the very best holiday season!
and dogs. dogs are also the best friends.
This blog was originally posted on November 21, 2023.
