Gifts to Sew For Friends Who Sew

Yes, you read that correctly! As sewists, we seek out friends with like-minded hobbies and interests, right? Of course we do.

And, if you don’t have a sewing bestie, you need one!! Search high and low. Scour the interwebs. Find a local craft club or attend a big conference like Crafcation.

Sewing besties are out there; you might even need to join a local, *GASP, quilt club. I know, but times can be tough.

Anywho, after you find your sewing bestie—I’ve had a few over the years—you’ll occasionally want to buy or make them a gift. I vote for the latter.

I’ve had many friends in the past who sew. I am always on the hunt for new ideas and gifts to sew up for my friends.

I’ve compiled a simple list of ideas for you, below. Some I’ve sewn, some are still on the “make someday” list. And, some I’ve received as gifts.

Grab a notepad, a cup of tea, and let’s dive in!

Get ready to take notes.

Bags

1. Overnight Bag

2. Makeup Bag

3. Zipper Pouch

4. Glasses Pouch

5. Purse or Handbag

Overnight & Makeup Bags

This is a fun gift idea for a friend. But, you’re not going to sew up just any old boring overnight bag. You’re going to win extra points if it’s a fabric they love, has a unique style, and it's something they’ll be proud of carrying on a weekend trip.

I’ve made a couple of overnight bags to give as gifts. I even made myself one.

This is a great pattern I found on Etsy a few years ago. Audrey’s travel bag is a circle shape, and it has a retro vibe.

I made the large size for my friend for her birthday with purple Hawaiian pinup fabric. And, I made myself the smaller one to use as a makeup bag when I travel.

Audrey’s Travel Bag

It’s circular and just cute! Anyone would love getting a bag like this. I know I loved making it and giving it as a gift. To be honest, I can’t remember what the inside looks like. But, she loves her bag!!

Small Version of Audrey’s Travel Bag

I made the makeup bag for myself with cute pinup fabric I bought at Joann. RIP. I use it every time I travel. It’s held up for almost 5 years. It has elastic straps to hold makeup and brushes. The mesh pockets are great too, you can see everything inside!

Another easy overnight bag pattern. I made this for myself to match my makeup bag. I use this if we go away for a single night. But if we’re going away for a week, I use this as my toiletry bag. I take everything with me, inside this bag.

• blow dryer

• curling iron

• hair flowers

• hairspray, lotion, etc.

• Full-size shampoo and conditioner

• And, sooo much more!

Betty Bowler Overnight Bag

Grab the pattern here. It’s an easy sew and has 2 front outer pockets and one small inner pocket. It’s nice and roomy and is such a cute bag.

Okay, onto the next bag ideas. Zipper pouches, glasses pouches, and totes.

Let’s face it, we use bags. Every. Single. Day. I used to make and sell these in my Etsy shop, and I was known to gift one to a friend here and there. That was a nice thing— to have a stock of handmade gifts to shop from. Haha, I still shop my leftover stock for gifts sometimes.

But, giving a sewing friend a handmade gift is different than a non-sewist.

You have to put thought into it. And, you have to make something a little more extraordinary. You want to wow your sewing friend!!

Retro glasses pouch

To make this cute glasses pouch:

• Trace around a large pair of sunglasses onto paper to get sizing. Add 1/2” seam allowance.

• Fold the paper in half to make sure the pattern piece is symmetrical.

• If you’d like to add a fun applique as I did, Google a shape you want and print it out.

• Use Heat n Bond with fabric pieces.

• Sew the rest of the bag like a regular zipper pouch.

• Easy peasy!

Purse & Crossbody

This is the absolute best crossbody bag I’ve ever made or seen. Here’s a whole blog post on it.

Another handbag idea is to just wing it. Here’s a custom purse tutorial. This is my favorite type of sewing project. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure.

Home Decor

The trick to sewing for a friend who knows how to sew is to make them something they wouldn’t normally make for themselves.

For example, I’d never make myself a fancy tote bag with lace and bows. But, if you made that for me, I’d use the heck out of it!

I usually only sew practical things for myself. I don’t ever make myself embroidered kitchen towels or mug rugs to use under my coffee cup. But if someone made me one, I’d use it.

1. Kitchen Towels

2. Mixing Bowl Cover

3. Throw Pillows for the Living Room or Bedroom

4. Mug Rug or Coasters

5. Holiday Table Runner

I’m on the Gin & Tonic diet, so far I have lost 2 days, embroidered towel.

Tea Towels

If you have an embroidery machine or know how to do hand embroidery, you could make a sentimental gift starting with a store-bought towel.

I made this for a friend, and she loved it. Humorous gifts are always fun to make and give.

You can also make simple towels by adding ruffles or appliques to them. Kitchen towels are great gifts!

Stand Mixer Cover

I haven’t made one, but I’d love one. You could sew a mixer cover and a matching bowl cover. Pinterest has tons of patterns.

Pillows

Fun pillows for the bedroom or living room. You can use fun fabrics or appliqué designs on them. I made a matching set of pillows for a friend who moved away. So, she’ll always have a piece of me hanging out in her living room. Ha!

Cat Mug Rug

Grab the pattern and read the simple tutorial here. I’ve received these as gifts from sewing friends. You can adjust the size and shape and create a set to make coasters as well.

Table decor for the kitchen or coffee table is always a welcome gift. You can choose between holiday themes or use fabric that is sewing-related.

Table runner for Valentine’s Day.

More Gift Ideas

Think outside the box.

Like I said above, if you’re making something for a friend who sews, you have to make it extra special. Now, if you’re new to sewing, a simple zipper pouch is wonderful! But, if you’re a seasoned sewist, you gotta make something extra special.

What other hobbies does your friend have?

• Do they love gardening? Make a gardening apron

• Do they bake? Sew up a fun, frilly apron

• Perhaps they have chickens or ducks and would benefit from an egg gathering apron?

• One friend made me a beautiful pink apron with ruffles, and it’s still my absolute favorite to this day!

Fun egg gathering apron complete with chicken fabric and lace.

Grab this pattern and tutorial here. I have made a few of these and given them as gifts to my small farm friends.

Sewing Books

Books, gadgets, and more always make wonderful gifts. We could always use an extra pair of scissors, rotary blade refills, thread, fun fabric, silly sewing signs, etc.

Fabric Baskets

And, when all else fails, give your purchased items in a handmade fabric basket or simple tote bag. We can all use a little more storage and organization.

Pinup Hair Scarf

If your friend is a Rockabilly or Pinup fan, sewing a simple hair scarf would be exciting! Use fabric that would match what they wear.

There are many more things to sew, I’m sure.

Clothing is more difficult if you want to keep the gift a surprise. Quilts are good too, but can be time-consuming. A quick Pinterest search will give you lots and lots of ideas.

I usually stick with bags, home decor, or other little fun items. I’ve given many and received many handmade gifts throughout the years. I wanted to share with you what’s worked.

My biggest advice for giving a sewing friend something you make is to make it extra special. You don’t want to give them something that they have five of.

Think outside the box. Add extra details to give it the personal touch. And, make sure it’s made with love!

Happy gift making,

Annette

Halloween Sewing Projects

Once upon a time, there was a not-so-old lady who bought some fabric she didn't have any plans for. She saw it online and had to have some. No clue what she'd sew with the fabric, she bought it anyway.

That's the tale of every sewist at one time or another, right? We buy fabric without a clue what we'll use it for. We just love fabric. Give us aallll the fabric!!

​Here are some spooky things you can make with your new or old Halloween fabric. Disclaimer: they're not really spooky. ;)

I recently bought a Halloween fabric panel online. The designs were much larger than I anticipated because...online shopping. There are six rectangle designs in the one-yard panel. So, I made two pillows with my favorite ones and trick or treat bags with the other ones. I had orange Kona cotton in my stash which was perfect for the backside of the pillows. These are not lined and are meant to be an easy sewing project.
​
The fabric is Art Gallery Fabric and from their Spooky and Sweet line. ​​Which one is your favorite design?

Halloween Pillows

You will need:

• 1/2 yard of Halloween fabric

• Bag of fluff to stuff the pillow or a pillow form

• Sewing machine and notions

• Invisible zipper (or regular if that's what you have on hand)

Witch Hat Pillow

I chose the witch hat for one pillow. Pinned a matching invisible zipper in place. See those cute pumpkin pins? My friend made them for me. Squeee!!

Cutting out the large pieces. Ignore the wrinkles. It was easier ironing each piece individually.

If you have a panel like this, it makes pillow making easy. Just cut out the design you want to make the pillow with. Place it on top of the fabric you want to use for the back, using the rectangle as the pattern. Trace and cut. 

If you don't have a design piece like I used, grab a couch pillow and measure it. Write down the measurements on paper and add a 1/2" seam allowance. Use your ruler, chalk marker, and scissors to mark and cut out 2 pieces of coordinating fabric. Place your zipper on the bottom end of the pillow. I used an invisible zipper but, you can use what you have on hand. Buttons are always cute too. Just be sure to add extra length if you choose that route.

This is Halloween sewing, it doesn't have to be fit for a queen. It's supposed to be spooky fun! Turn on some Halloween music and just enjoy the process. 

Invisible zippers are supposed to be hidden. This one turned out perfectly, whew!

Sewing the invisible zipper.

After your zipper is in, check to make sure it is smooth and not catching any fabric. Open it up about halfway. Fold the pillow with RTS (right sides together) matching corners and edges. Pin or clip together. Depending on how long or short your zipper is, you may need to sew the seam a few inches at each zipper end. *If using an invisible zipper, stitch 1/8" away from the zipper seam. This keeps it from puckering and gives a nice finish.

Clip corners and seam allowances if needed. Turn right side out, gently poke out corners with your fingers or blunt end of a chopstick. Go grab the pillow form or bag of fluffy stuffing. I give this job to one of my kids. They love to stuff the pillows. The pillow will turn out like a limp noodle or a stuffed pig, depending on the child. LOL 

Trick or Treat Bags

You will need:

• 1/2 yard or so, of Halloween fabric

• Webbing for handles (you can use grosgrain ribbon if you have that)

• Sewing machine and notions

Sew the sides and bottom together.

These are quick and painless and I did not line these. They only hold candy for one night so, they don't really need a lining. If you're unsure about the weight of candy from trick or treating, we're reinforcing the seams. You're going to use a french seam finish. Let's get started.


Cut out a rectangle the size you want. Make sure you add a 1/2" seam allowance in your measurements.
My pieces were 14" wide by 17.5" tall. A perfect size for a trick-or-treat bag. Long gone are the days of the pillowcases. 

• Lay your two bag pieces WST (wrong sides together), I'm not crazy, stay with me. You're going to sew a French seam. It's easy, I promise.

• Pin or clip the two sides and bottom edge. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance, backstitching at the start of one side and finishing up all the way around to the next side. 

• Turn it inside out (your bag should be inside out). Trim the seam allowances as close to the seam line as you can. Press the seams flat. It's very important to trim the seams allowances, otherwise, you could end up with the raw edges poking out.

• Stitch 1/4" seam around the sides and bottom, backstitching at the beginning and end. The raw edges should be fully enclosed now. Press flat. 

Trim seam as close as you can.

Turn inside out.

Press, then sew around sides and bottom.

After second stitching, bag looks clean on inside and out.

Turn right side out, press.

Turn under, and under again for the top of the bag opening.

Take the top edge and fold under 1/4", then under 1/4" again. Topstitch around the whole top. I like to use a 3.0-3.5mm stitch length for this. Press flat. 


Now for the bag handles.
Measure on your child how long or short you want them. Does your child want shoulder length or handle length only? I cut my handles 20.5" long.  

Position the straps about 1.5-2.5 inches in from side seams and pin. Sew a box and X to secure the handle to the bag. 

Grab ribbon or webbing.

Cut to length.

Decide where you want the handles.

Now you have a sturdy bag to head out and fill with candy with! 

If you have smaller pieces of Halloween fabric you could make a crossbody bag or self-tie headband. Or, even a fun little purse. And, if you want a wardrobe piece and have two yards of fabric to use up, check out my skirt post. I have 5 Halloween skirts in my arsenal now. Yikes!! 

​
Halloween looks a little different this year. But, keep the spark alive by finding new ways to celebrate. We're going to do trick-or-treating with an Easter twist. Buckets of candy will be hidden around our property and have a glow stick inside. My kids will have to hunt for their candy this year. My older kids plan on dressing up to scare us as we walk our property. We'll have our usual chili and cornbread dinner and watch a Halloween movie outside unless the weather doesn't participate. 

What are your Halloween sewing plans? Please share in the comments below. We all could use some new ideas. 

Happy Halloween, sewing friends!

XO,

Annette

7 Sewing Myths, Busted

Wow, sewing sure seems to have made a popular comeback! Let's debunk common misconceptions about sewing and the people who do it. Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned seamstress, you may have heard some of these tall tales. Let's put an end to them, now. Since more people are sewing nowadays, it'll be easier to make new sewing friends. Hopefully, fabric and notions will be easier to find as well. 

Let's dive into a few sewing myths and bust them! 

Vintage wooden sewing spools

1. Sewing is for old ladies

A common sewing myth is that sewing is for an older generation only. I'm here to tell ya, that more young people are learning how to sew. And, men sew too. My husband learned to sew when I put him to work for mask making. If you don't know where to start, you can find online classes, head to your local college and sewing shops, or even ask a friend to teach you. Sewing people are everywhere, you just gotta look. 

I have taught a handful of friends and family that I don't consider "old ladies". However, I do refer to sewing as one of my old lady hobbies. LOL. Oh, and kids sew too. I have taught all 4 of my kids to sew at a young age. It's a good life skill to have and it's not being taught in school anymore. Here's an article I found online about young people sewing more and more. I'm not crazy, I swear! Sewing is for everyone.

Busted!

2. Sewing is cheap

LOL! I always laugh at this one. Sewing is often more expensive. A lot more expensive. 

Making something from start to finish is costly. You walk into the fabric store and buy a pattern (or online) for roughly $12. You need a minimum of 1-2 yards (for most garments) of fabric which costs roughly $20+. A spool of electric blue thread to match your new fabric, $3. You need a new pack of needles too, $5. Not to mention the price you paid for your machine and all those other glorious notions you've put hard-earned money into. The cost is $40+ just for the 4 items I mentioned. And, I didn't include the price for your time. Time is money and you know it doesn't take 10 minutes to whip up a dress for little Suzie.

You can buy a nice top or pair of shorts for $25 at a big box retail shop.   

This misconception always gets me and it hurts my feelings sometimes. I love making gifts but, I've gotten looks and questions asking why I didn't buy something instead. Sigh. It takes a lot of time and energy to sew something. It ends up costing more than if you purchased the same item in the store, usually.

Let's spread the word and lay this myth to rest. 

Busted!

3. Only talented people can sew

Remember the movie Ratatouille? The chef's motto was "Anyone can cook." Welp, I believe anyone can sew! Seriously! I truly believe anyone can sew, anything.

This is a silly misconception that even runs in the sewing community. I've met sewists who say they could never make bras or they could never make a certain garment! Um.. yes you can! If you have the drive to sew a pot holder, you can make a prom dress. You can make anything you put your mind to. Cliche, I know. But, with the right tools and experience, you can sew whatever your heart desires. Will it be cheaper than buying it? Probably not (see myth number 2).

If you want to make something that seems crazy and difficult, search for it on youtube. You'd be surprised at how much info is out there. Not everything is there though, and that's why I started my blog. Shameless plug. ;) 

Busted!

Photo by Erica Lancaster

4. It's an inexpensive hobby

Sewing can be frugal or it can be really expensive. 

If you were gifted a sewing machine and boxes of fabric and notions, you're on team frugal. You can use bedsheets to make dresses. Scour yard sales for patterns and buy scissors at the dollar store. It can be a frugal hobby. *Never use old thread though. Please, splurge and buy new spools. Old thread breaks easily, causes issues with your tension discs, and creates more lint. 

However, if you are new to sewing and don't have a hand me down machine, you'll have to buy one. They cost upwards of $100. You should start with a basic machine and if you love it, upgrade a few years down the road. This is my upgraded one. Fabric and interfacing cost money. Thread, bobbins, needles, and rulers are needed to make everything. Scissors. So many pairs of scissors are needed. Fabric shears, thread snips, paper scissors, applique and embroidery scissors, and pinking shears, I have so many pairs of scissors. A rotary cutter and self-healing mat are nice, but not necessary. Not to mention elastic, buttons, sewing feet, zippers, and tons of other fun notions you have to have. Oh and don't forget about a seam ripper. Because... sewing. Seam rippers are the second thing you need after you purchase your machine. You'll need an iron and ironing board too.

I didn't list everything for sewing, but these are the basics. Sewing is not an inexpensive hobby. Eeek!

Photo by Erica Lancaster

5. Handmade looks homemade

Making a handmade gift for someone is such a sweet gesture. But, not all sewing is created equal. If a sewist takes shortcuts and skips pressing all the seams, the item will look wonky and homemade. We don't want that.

When you think of handmade, you should think of artisan quality. You shouldn't think of little Darla's card she made for grandma last summer. Handmade is often better quality than what you can buy in a store. It's made with love and the person has looked it over twice before giving it away or selling it. This is true as long as the artist doesn't take shortcuts. Seams need to be pressed, under stitching needs to happen, and interfacing must be used when needed. That being said, practice makes perfect stitches. Someone who is a passionate sewist takes their time and creates something beautiful.

Let's change the stigma on the term "handmade". Think artisan-made instead.

Busted!

Photo by Erica Lancaster

6. If you sew, you need to sell 

Nope, not true. This is a huge misconception. If you sew, you do not have to make items to sell. Sewing is a hobby, just like gardening, painting, or listening to music. Just because you love it doesn't mean you have to turn a profit. I sew and I choose to make things to sell. But, there are many folks out there who sew every day and never sell their items.

If you don't feel like your skills are developed enough to sell, then don't. If you don't want to make things to sell, don't. Also, if you are a new sewist, you need time to perfect your skillset before you should sell. You want quality products at your craft booth or online shop.

Don't beat yourself up over it either. If sewing items and selling them at local craft shows makes you happy, then do it. But, don't let someone make you feel bad if you don't sell stuff that you make. It's your hobby. Yours. You do what you want with it. 

And, no, I won't hem your pants. Hemming and sewing are 2 different things in my book. One is fun, the other is soul-sucking. Hahaha

My husband's pants get hemmed at the cleaners. #sorrynotsorry

Busted!

7. Quilting and sewing are the same

I'm probably entering controversial sewing territory.

But, I sew. I don't quilt. To me, they are different. Quilting uses quilting cotton fabrics. You sew rows of different pieces of coordinating fabrics. Cutting must be precise and it can take many, many hours to complete a quilt. They can be in blanket form, placemats, bags, jackets, etc. You then sandwich the pieced front to a solid back with a layer of batting inside. Then, you stitch rows or swirls on top to keep all the layers together. I have made a few quilted table runners for the holidays. I bring them out and place them on the coffee or kitchen table for the holiday. Then, put them away until next year.

But, to some, quilting is extraordinarily fun!!

I.... love sewing and the process of sewing. Finding that perfect pattern. Looking and touching pretty fabrics for said pattern. Figuring out the fit for your body. Making a muslin, or not.

If you sew a garment, you have something you can use every day. The key term is use. If I spend hours on something, I want to use it. I want to wear it out into the world. I want to show it off!

My mom has made the most beautiful quilts and I hope to get one, someday. I sew. I don't quilt. 

Busted!

UPDATE: I made a quilt! And, I liked it. I made two, actually. Shhh, don’t tell anyone.

I'm sure I missed tons of other sewing myths, but these are the top ones I wanted to bust for you.

Please share in the comments below any myths or stereotypes you've encountered. 

Thanks for hanging out today and happy myth-busting!

XO,

Annette