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