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

Valentine’s Gifts to Sew

Love is in the air. I can feel it, and I can smell the chocolate. Now, I know Valentine's Day isn't for everyone. But it's for me! Is it for you, too? Pulling out the pink and red decorations is the highlight of my February. Or, sometimes late January. I love DIYing the next few holidays that are coming up too. I'm excited for Easter, St. Paddy's Day, and even the 4th of July. 

Valentine's Day is all about hearts, hearts, hearts. But, you don't necessarily need heart themed fabric to sew Valentine's projects. You'll see some heart fabrics were used in these projects, but anything red or pink will do just fine. Sift through your stash and scrap bin to give those red and pink fabrics some new life.

If you have little ones, they can help with decorating the house and making their Valentine's gifts too. I wanted to share some quick and easy things that you can sew for Valentine's Day, that shouldn't take a whole day. A few of these were made in previous years, and some were made this year.
Let's get our love on! 

Gift Card Holder

Sew up some cute gift card holders for teachers, neighbors, or friends. We know everyone could use a little extra love these days. Grab a $10 coffee, fast food, or bookstore gift card and slip one inside.

​If you have kids, stick a fro-yo, makeup store, online gaming, or other gift card inside.

The gift card holder isn't my pattern. It's by Anne at OrangeBettie.com, and I found it here. Print the free sewing pattern and follow her directions on how to make your own. I skipped the snaps because I was lazy. But, add the snaps or a button or not. Make it your own. 

Stick a giftcard inside.

Easy Fabric Basket

​Make a simple fabric basket as part of the gift. Fill it with candy, bath salts, a candle, toy cars, a small Lego set, some tiny dolls, a plant, or something else. These really make your gift extra special when paired with something.

This fabric basket is super simple. It doesn't require interfacing, only two layers of fabric. If you'd like something a little more stable, grab my tutorial here. But, if you just want a quick basket, keep reading.

Instructions:

The basket takes about 30 min from start to finish. Less if you're a speedy sewer. Gather your pink and red fabrics. 

• 2 Fat Quarters of non-directional fabric

• Ruler and air/water soluble marker 

• Thread and other sewing notions

• Sewing machine

Cut your fabric into one long rectangle, the length, and width you want. I folded a piece of fabric I had in half and trued up the sides. Don't overthink this, it's supposed to be quick and easy. Read: last minute gift ;)

For example, I cut mine about 16" long by 9" wide.

Fold in half to make it squatty, then even up the edges with a rotary cutter, if needed. Cut your lining fabric the same size.

Mark your squares for the boxed corners.

Take your ruler and mark a square in the bottom corners. You can measure 1.5" by 1.5" or 2" by 2", etc. It's up to you. Play with different sizes if you're making a few of these.

Sew down each side of the lining and outer fabrics.

Backstitch at the beginning and end.

With right sides facing, pin or clip the open sides together (not pictured). Sew, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end. I used a 1/4" seam allowance. You can use 1/2" if you'd like.

Open out the corners with your fingertips. Then, pinch back together so the seam matches the center of the bottom. 
Pin or clip the edges together and sew, backstitching at the beginning and end. Do this for both corners.

Sew the corner seams.

Your corner should look like this. This is the side view of the fabric basket. It forms an upside down T.

After it's sewn, it should look like the photo above. Do the same thing for the lining fabric. 

​
Now take your lining and turn it right side out. You're going to stuff this inside the other fabric bucket. Pin or clip, matching seams. Make sure to leave a 2-3" gap for turning out. Sew.

Lining and outer pieces.

Lining gets stuffed into outer, Right Sides Together.

Clip in place. Leave gap for turning out.

Leave larger enough gap for turning. This was too small.

Now it's time to bag out the basket. Start pulling the fabric through the gap you left, gently. It takes a little patience if you have a smaller hole. Be careful not to tug, or you'll rip open a seam or worse, your fabric!

Once it's opened out, your fabric will look like a wrinkly hot mess-express. This is fine. Poke out the corners with a chopstick. 

Stuff the lining inside the outer piece. I decided to use the pink fabric for my outer after completing my basket. To change it later on, I just have to flip the basket inside out. It's reversible! 

Give it a nice good press. Topstitch around the top, closing your opening.

If you want to add something extra at this point, add a short loop for hanging. Grab a piece of ribbon or make one from a fabric scrap as I did. Pin in place, then sew. 

​Having a loop gives you more usage options for the fabric basket.

Add a ribbon or fabric loop for hanging. They work great as car trash bins, or makeup brush holders.

Basket Filler Ideas

Fill them with little gifts, candy, and small toys, and give them to teachers, a friend, or a child. I filled mine with fabric clips. Happy Valentine’s Day to me. Haha

I usually use interfacing for these, but for a quick gift, they are fine without it. Of course, you can make a few of these to decorate your house too. Place them on the coffee table, console table, kitchen counter, etc. Make them bigger or smaller. The sky is the limit!

Pennant Banner

I made these years ago and still put them up every year. Pennant banners are my favorite type of decoration. They are simple yet make a big statement. You can make yours with two layers of fabric sewn and turned out, or a single layer one. Nobody will see the back if it's displayed on a wall or cabinet. 

There are tons of free pennant banner templates online. Do a quick Pinterest search, and hundreds will come up. 

However, to make your own pennant, grab a ruler, some paper, and a pencil. 
My triangle one is 5" wide at the top and 8" long. We'll use those measurements for this example.
​

1. Draw a 5" long line at the top of your paper. 

2. Mark the 2.5" spot.

3. Draw an 8" line straight down from the 2.5" spot. 

4. Connect the end of the long line to each end of the short line, forming a triangle. 

5. That will be your template. It's easy, right?

6. Make an odd number of them. For some reason, an odd amount looks better than an even amount of pennants.

Use your own measurements to make it longer, wider, shorter, etc. Trace onto your fabric scraps. Sew a ribbon or bias binding on top to connect the pennants. Leave long tails at each end for tying onto something.

Draw line at top of paper. Divide in half, mark.

From that spot, measure length you want. Mark.

Connect marking to form a triangle.

Ways to change up the look:

• Pink the edges for a fun retro look

• Leave the edges raw and let them fray a little bit. (They won't fray much because they are cut on the bias). 

• Sew different style fabrics together to make it reversible.

• Sew multiple sizes on top of each other to create a layered look

• Use embellishments, ribbons, tassels, etc.

• Make one for every holiday.

Below is another one I made out of felt. I added buttons and other embellishments to add some pizazz.

Table Runner

I made this simple table runner many moons ago. It's an easy strip quilt design that was pieced together using fabric scraps I had on hand. The whole thing took around 2-3 hours from start to finish.
​ 

• I sewed the long edges together.

• Used spray adhesive to temporarily attach the backing (ugly scrap fabric)

• Stitched in the ditch along the seam lines.

• Attached the binding by machine.

• Wah-la! Quick and painless table runner.

Measure the table you want to add some Valentine's Day decor to and make it for that size. Table runners are usually a little bit shorter than the length of the table. I don't know the exact math, but Google probably does.

Easy peasy! It goes on my coffee or kitchen table, depending on my mood. 

Pillow Cover

Last but not least is a pillow cover. 
They are fun to make, and you can use different fabrics to cover your already existing throw pillows. Again, adding embellishments, embroidery, or other trims will make it extra fun. 

Below, I cut out letters from fabric and sewed them on. Nothing fancy, but it was quick and easy. This pillow cover is over a decade old, and the style is a bit dated, but I still use it. As I was taking photos, I realized how worn the letters have become and my stitching is subpar. Sometimes, it's fun to go back and look at old sewing projects. It's nice to know my skills have improved over the years.

If you've never made a pillow cover and don't know where to start, head to this blog post. I share some Halloween pillows I made and how to use an invisible zipper.

I hope I've inspired you to decorate for Valentine's Day and create some handmade love-themed items. Remember, sewing for a holiday should be quick and painless. Take a shortcut here and there when you can. ​All in all, just have fun with it.

Happy St. Valentine's Day and Happy Sewing!
​
XOXO,
Annette

Handmade Christmas Gifts in No Time

The holidays are here and it's time to whip up those handmade gifts. Eeep! Hopefully, you started sewing for the holidays back in the summer but, if you're on team procrastinator, I got you. These are all quick sewing ideas and range from baby to grandpa.

Below you will find some tutorial links and free patterns. Although, I've created this list to get you brainstorming and ideas flowing. Less talking and more making.

​Get ready, get set, sew! 

Baby Items

There's always someone who's having a baby. You can whip up a bib, burp cloth, and blanket in about 30 minutes. All you need is some fabric and a snap or velcro for the bib fastener. Read my baby items post here. 

• There are tons of free bib patterns you can find online. Or make a bandana-style bib. 

• Here's a super easy burp cloth tutorial. Hint: it's just a rectangle.

• For an easy blanket, cut one square yard of flannel and one of cotton fabric. Sew them RST, leaving a gap for turning out. Topstitch the opening closed, and you're done. Sew easy!

• If you have more time, you can make a fabric alphabet set, baby outfit, fabric book, or sleeper bag. You could even add an easy-to-sew teether, pacifier clip, or mittens. Pinterest is your friend. LOL

• Fabric letters are a fun gift idea too. Print out a boxy font A-Z and use as a template. 2 layers of fabric and add a layer of fleece in between to add some bulk. Sew around and cut with pinky shears.

Toiletry Bags

Do you have a zipper and some scrap fabric? Sew a zipper pouch in less than 30 minutes. Follow this tutorial for an easy refresher on zipper installation for a makeup bag. Make them as big or little as you want. 
​
Teens love these. Little kids love these. Everyone needs a zip bag for something. They work great for tools too. I’ve sewn a few for my husband’s random things he wanted to protect from rolling around inside the toolbox.

Keychains

Sew a quick keychain following Melly Sews tutorial. Grab some lip balms, lotions, and hand creams to complete a gift set. This is perfect for the babysitter, pre-teen, teacher, or neighbor. Heck, even Dad uses lip balm.
All you need is a scrap of fabric and a metal keyring. If you have a pack of key rings, batch-sew a few of these for gifts. Lip balm holders for everyone!!

Infinity Scarf

Have a yard of 60" wide stretch knit fabric? You can make one with soft flannel or even crushed velvet for a luxurious scarf.  They make great gifts for moms, aunts, teachers, etc. This length creates a single-loop scarf. 

1. Cut the yard in half, lengthwise. You can make 2 scarves from one yard.

2. Grab one piece and fold RST. Sew the long side. Use a ballpoint needle, zigzag stitch, and 1/2" seam allowance.

3. Reach your arm through and grab the other end, keeping RST (right sides together) pull the ends together, matching seams.

4. Sew around the seams, leaving a 2"-3" opening for turning. Then, hand-stitch the opening closed. Wah-la!

Use for hand warmers, aches and pains, or freeze to use as an ice pack.

Rice Bags

Your family members all spend lots of time on laptops, phones, and other devices. Their sore muscles could use a little TLC. This is another scrap-busting gift idea. Yay!!

• Cut squares or rectangle pieces from cotton fabric in any size you'd like. Add a 1/4" seam allowance. 

• Sew the pieces right sides together.  **Use cotton thread if you plan on microwaving these. 

• Leave a 2" gap for turning out. 

• Fill with rice, flaxseed, or corn. Topstitch around the whole bag, watching out for kernels. 

 Store in the freezer and use on tired eyes. Microwave for 20-second increments until you've reached the desired temperature, for sore muscles. These make great hand warmers for chilly walks, too.

Aprons

Have a baker or chef in the family? Pick a pattern style from the links below. Pick an apron that matches his or her needs. Each highlighted link leads you to a different FREE pattern.

Aprons make nice gifts for little ones and adults. They are completely customizable. Add ruffles. Make the straps longer or shorter. Sew on some extra pockets.

Some Different Styles:

• Make a simple rectangle style with pockets and make a tool apron for the person who fixes everything. The littlest mechanic would love one filled with plastic tools. Leather would work for a metal worker. Canvas can work for wood or other jobs.

• Have a gardener in the family? They could use one as well. Aprons can be so diverse with a tweak here and there. A half apron works great for gardening. Make sure to add lots of pockets.

• Egg Gathering aprons are a Godsend to folks with ducks or chickens.

Aprons usually take one yard or more of fabric so, this might require a trip to your local craft store. Oh darn! You need extra white thread anyway, make a fun trip out of it. ;)

Home Decor Baskets

          "A place for everything and everything in its place."
                                                                                               -Benjamin Franklin

We all have stuff. Lots of stuff. And the stuff needs a home. Fabric baskets make great homes for stuff! They're easy to make and versatile in size.

​Here's what you'll  need:

• Fabric for the outside and fabric for the lining 

• Interfacing: I like fusible foam for bigger sizes, fusible fleece for smaller sizes and stiff interfacing works well enough for medium sizes if you don't have foam.  *If you don't have interfacing but, have denim or canvas, use that as the lining. It acts as an interfacing. I've done this a few times in a pinch and loved the end result. It works in small  to medium sizes. You could make a large blanket basket but, it won't stand up on its own. It will be floppy.

• Decide on the size you need or just wing it. Use a template to make boxed corners or box them after the side seams are sewn. 

• Add handles for carrying or a loop to hang the basket. 

• I don't have a particular pattern to share with you because I usually wing it on sizing. But, here is my favorite tutorial on assembly. 

These are great for small toys, stuffed animals, kitchen and pantry items, craft rooms, makeup, bathroom counter organization, and keeping socks organized inside dresser drawers. The sky is the limit!

More Ideas

These things shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes to make. You're not going for a blue ribbon here. You're going for Handmade in a Hurry! 

• Box bag for Dad's toiletries

• PJ pants for kids are easy

• Kitchen towels

• Cloth napkins (set of 4 or 6)

• Table runner

• Hair Scrunchies

• Apple watchband scrunchie 

• Eye mask 

• Head scarf ( follow my tutorial)

• Glasses Case

• Gifts for pets

• Mug rugs or a set of coasters

• Stuffed animals or pillow animals

This is a Bonbon Pet by Dana, I made using her pattern.

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Embroidery Machine Gifts

If you have an embroidery machine, you can buy towels, shirts, bags, etc., and personalize them. It's handmade in a hurry! I usually keep a few tea towels or makeup bags lying around to create a quick gift. People love personalized items. And, having your name on something is always fun.
​
Here are a few ideas:

• Tea towels with funny sayings, bible quotes, holiday designs, family last name, etc. 

• Purchase large makeup bags and embroider the recipient's name or makeup designs on the front.

• Personalize luggage tags. Or, the actual luggage.

• Bathroom towels with funny sayings or monograms.

• Purchase an inexpensive blanket and embroider the family name on it.

• Buy stockings and add names to them. 

• Buy small stockings and create a name file to add to the mini stocking. We are doing this for our homeschool teacher this year. 

• Pillows are easy as well. Buy a pillow cover and embroider a design on it. 

• Toilet paper! Yes, you can embroider a funny design on a roll of toilet paper. It's easy and makes a great gift for the joker in the family.

The possibilities are endless here. I like to set up my embroidery machine to stitch out a design while I'm busy sewing other things. I'll usually make a Saturday out of gift making- a few days before Christmas. Ha! As I said, I'm team procrastinator. Face-palm!

The trick to sewing quickly is to not overthink it. Just cut and sew. Put on happy music or a fun podcast, and you'll whip out handmade gifts in no time. Make sure to eat something! Food gives you energy. ;)

Are you going to make some of these gift ideas? Share in the comments what you plan on making or other ideas that aren't on the list. We all need quick sewing gifts we can make. 

Happy Holidays,
​Annette