Receiving a thoughtfully crafted handmade gifts is one of the best feelings. It’s personalized just for you and is something you will always remember. As a sewist, sometimes we get caught up in “selfish” sewing but wouldn’t it be lovely to make something special for a loved one using are skills and talents? Sewing a handmade gift doesn’t have to take long but it will leave a lasting impression on those you love. Take a look at these 30 easy sewing projects for gifts.
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What are some easy sewing projects for gifts?
There are so many options available to us for sewn gifts for all sorts of recipients including moms/dads, girlfriends/boyfriends, children, teachers, and sewing lovers alike. You can sew anything from hair accessories, to home decor or projects that make the recipients life a bit easier. The one big takeaway is that these projects are quick and easy so a beginner to advanced sewist can tackle them!
Before you read on, here is a short list of supplies you will need to tackle these projects:
- Sewing Machine
- Serger Sewing Machine
- Ballpoint Needle
- Pins
- Machine thread
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Scissors
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat
- 18” Clear Ruler
- Thread Snippers
30 Easy Sewn Gift Projects for Every Occasion
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Scrunchie
Description: Have you noticed that scrunchies are back? They are everywhere and people are loving them. This DIY tutorial would be a great gift to give to your girlfriends or a fun stocking stuffer for your daughter. It’s an inexpensive gift that should only take you about 10 minutes to make. This step-by-step tutorial from Spruce Crafts is super detailed with clear photos making this project super easy for a beginner.
Materials/Tools Needed: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, straight pins, sewing machine, iron, large safety pin, 1/8 yard of fabric, 1/4 yard of 1/4” wide-flat elastic, matching thread.
Eye Mask
Description: Make this luxurious satin eye mask in under 30 minutes for the friend that loves their sleep. This tutorial from the blog I Can Sew This comes with a free downloadable PDF sewing pattern and step-by-step instructions on how to sew this easy project. This sleep mask is intended to be soft against the skin while blocking out light for a great night sleep.
Materials/Tools Needed: Fabric scissors or rotary cutter, sewing pins, sewing gauge, sewing machine, 1/2” wide elastic, silky sating fabric, fusible interfacing, iron, ironing board, batting/fleece.
Pillow case
Description: Check out this simple tutorial from Melly Sews on how to make a standard size pillowcase. This easy sewing project can be completed in about 15 minutes and is perfect for beginners. Pillowcases are one household item that people might forget about buying for themselves but would love to receive a pair of custom pillowcases just for their personality. Try this in a unique print or maybe a silky satin fabric that is great for skin and hair.
Materials/Tools Needed: 1 yard of fabric per pillowcase, sewing machine, iron, straight pins, thread, scissors.
Lavender Sock Drawer Sachets
Description: This lovely multi-use sewing project is perfect for any time of the year. It can either be used to freshen up stuffy drawers and and closets. Or it can be used as a heating pad to soothe aching muscles any time of the year. It can also be used to keep your neck cool during summer’s hottest days. You can get creative with the type of fragrance you would like to add to your DIY drawer sachets and best of all they are simple to make by hand and sewing machine. These drawer sachets make a lovely gift any time of the year. Check out this tutorial from Food52.
Materials/Tools Needed: Dried lavender, rice, breathable fabric, sewing needle or sewing machine, thread scissors.
Mesh lingerie bags
Description: Have you thought about sewing a unique mesh lingerie bag or maybe using the same bags as travel bags to organize your clothes and save space in your suitcase? This awesome tutorial from So Sew Easy will teach you just how to do it. Check out this tutorial for detailed instructions and photos on how to sew this useful mesh bag that would be a fun yet functional gift for a friend or to keep for yourself!
Materials/Tools Needed: Mesh fabric, woven fabric for binding, zipper (depends on the length of your mesh bag), thread.
Glasses case
Description: This cute eye glasses case pouch won’t take up too much of your time and will save so many pairs of sunglasses from being scratched up. Use this free sewing tutorial to make custom glasses cases for all your friends and loved ones. The design is simple and stylish which lends itself to satisfy many different tastes. This is wonderful gift that your friends and family will love all year round.
Materials/Tools Needed: 2 pieces fabric (main plus lining), matching tread, scissors or rotary cutter/cutting mat, ruler or measuring tape, iron and iron board, sewing clips or pins, sewing machine.
Tote bag
Description: Check out this lined fabric tote bag from HGTV. This tote is a very versatile gift – it can be used as an everyday tote, a work bag, pool/beach bag, farmer’s market tote, reusable grocery tote, or library book bag. The options are endless which make it a great gift for just about anyone on your list for so many occasions. This tutorial is very straightforward with great photos to help you sew the perfect tote bag.
Materials/Tools Needed: 1/2 yard cotton fabric, 1/2 yard complementary cotton inner lining, 1/2 yard heavy fusible interfacing, 42” canvas strap, fabric scissors or rotary cutter, sewing machine, thread, iron.
Hair ties
Description: Try out these super easy hair ties that will only take you 2 minutes to make! These hair ties are make out of foldover elastic which should be in any lingerie makers elastic stash. What is great about these hair ties is that they are creaseless and are customizable to any personality with all the foldover elastic colors and patterns available. This detailed tutorial also shows you how to prevent frayed ends and make a hair tie holder. This is no doubt a great gift for your friends and family!
Materials/Tools Needed: 5/8” fold over elastic, scissors, ruler or measuring tape.
Mittens
Description: Learn how to make a cozy pair of mittens from a sweater using this free pattern from makeanddocrew.com. This tutorial is a little more complex than the others but staying warm in the winter time requires effort. You will need an old wool sweater and an old soft t-shirt and some yarn and a darning needle to complete this project. If you are just used to sewing this may seem daunting but don’t shy away from learning a new skill. You might surprise yourself!
Materials/Tools Needed: 100% wool sweater, t-shirt or other soft fabric for lining, sewing machine, pins, wool yarn, large darning needle.
Headband
Description: This twisted turban headband from Orange Bettie only takes 30 minutes and includes a free pattern! This is a great gift for those who love beautiful hair accessories but also don’t have the time or patience to work on their hair every day (just like me haha). You can also make these in prints that the recipient can use all year round or even seasonally. Check it out!
Materials/Tools Needed: 1/2 yard lightweight draped fabric, 5”-5 1/2” of 3/4” wide non roll elastic, fabric clips.
Drawstring jewelry bag
Description: I’m loving this travel jewelry pouch! It has several compartments inside but still it compact and simple to make. This jewelry pouch is an easy sewing project and a fantastic gift. It will take you about 45 minutes and you should be able to make it with leftover fabric scraps.
Materials/Tools Needed: 2 colors of Fat Quarters, thread, 2 – 18” ribbon, cord, or string, fray check, sewing machine, iron and ironing board, medium size safety pin, rotary cutter or fabric scissors, water soluble marking tool or chalk.
Bandanna
Description: Check out this super easy bandana DIY tutorial from the Sewing Report on YouTube. This is a fairly simple project that can be made from your fabric stash but more importantly it would make a great gift. Jennifer even shows you multiple ways to style this bandanna which you can share with the lucky recipient.
Materials/Tools Needed: 23.5” square piece of fabric, pins, thread, iron and ironing board, fabric scissors.
Tea towels
Description: Tea towels are a super simple sewing project that just about anyone can enjoy. They go great in the kitchen and can even brighten the space up or lend a seasonal flair. This tutorial is very easy and shouldn’t take very long at all. Just make sure to use high-quality thick fabric made from natural fibers like linen or cotton for absorbing liquids and so they last longer.
Materials/Tools Needed: 1 yard 54” wide fabric, thread, iron and ironing board, sewing machine, 1/2” wide grosgrain ribbon, pins.
Handkerchief
Description: Check out this fun tutorial from treasurie.com. It teaches you how to make a basic handkerchief, provides great fabric suggestions and has great tips of how to make a handkerchief more personal with decorative touches. Handkerchief are super easy to make and would make a great gift for just about anyone. They are also environmentally friendly too!
Materials/Tools Needed: Lightweight, soft cotton fabric, thread, scissors, ruler or tape measure, sewing pins, iron and ironing board, sewing machine or hand sewing needles.
Scarf
Description: This Infinity Scarf sewing tutorial from the HappiestCamper.com will only take you about 15 minutes and cost you about $5 to sew! You can make this out of a variety of fabrics for any type of weather but it definitely lends itself for gift-giving in fall and winter when the temperatures drop.
Materials/Tools Needed: Cotton, fleece, or flannel (for cold-weather scarves), thread, scissors, rotary cutter and mat, sewing pins or clips, iron and ironing board, sewing machine.
Pajama shorts
Description: Who doesn’t love a comfy pair of shorts to lounge around the house on a hot day? Use this free sewing pattern from the Sewing Rabbit to sew these Easy Women’s Boxer Shorts. This gift is guaranteed hit and shouldn’t take you long at all to sew.
Materials/Tools Needed: 1 yard 2” wide elastic, 1 yard cotton fabric, pins, thread, scissors, sewing machine.
Apron
Description: An apron is such a versatile garment. Whether you are cooking, cleaning, painting, woodworking or an other multitude of tasks that get a little messy everyone can use an apron. That’s what is awesome about this gift too- you can make it for literally anyone. Check out this ten minute tutorial from Paper & Stitch Blog on how to get started.
Materials/Tools Needed: 1 yard of thick fabric, fabric scissors, matching thread, pencil or tailor’s chalk, tape measure, sewing machine.
Coasters
Description: Fabric coasters are a fun and useful gift. One great thing about them is you don’t need a sewing machine to make fabric coasters. You can use hand stitching- if you’re unfamiliar with hand stitching then it’s a perfect excuse to learn. There are a variety of beautiful hand stitches you can use to create one of a kind coasters for your friends and family. Coasters are also a great way to get your little ones involved in sewing. One of the first things my son learned how to hand sew was a coaster. I image any grandparent would love a hand sewn coaster from their grand baby. Try this coasters tutorial from marymarthamama.com.
Materials/Tools Needed: Woven fabric scraps, batting, matching thread, hand sewing needle or sewing machine, pins, iron.
Pot holder
Description: If you want to get a bit more complex you can sew a lovely pot holder with a pocket and loop. It would make a wonderful addition to any kitchen and it is very functional. I love this tutorial from Radiant Home Studio. It is very detailed leading to a lovely outcome!
Materials/Tools Needed: 100% cotton or linen fabric, lightweight cotton quilt battine, thermal batting, bias tape marker, wonder clips, matching thread.
Make up remover pads
Description: Make up remover pads are a must for anyone who wears make up especially if you have sensitive skin. I’m very particular about remover the residual mascara that lingers about my eyes but I feel a bit wasteful using the disposable pads. If you have any friends or family who wear makeup but are also concerned about skin and eye care this could be a really great gift for them! Check out this great Zero Waste Sustainable Make Up Remover Pad tutorial.
Materials/Tools Needed: New or old toweling fabric, cotton fabric scraps, hexagon or square template, rotary cutter/cutting mat or scissors, pins, sewing machine or serger.
Tea sachets
Description: Do you know any tea lovers? Imagine a beautiful gift of their favorite loose leaf tea and handmade sustainable tea sachets. I love this very simple and quick tutorial from Hayley E. Frerichs.
Materials/Tools Needed: Cotton or linen fabric, thread, embroidery thread, button.
Cloth napkins
Description: We use cloth napkins on the daily in our house. They are much better for the environment and your wallet. We have a whole week supply then I throw them in the wash with our clothes at the end of the week and start over. This is a great gift for anyone especially families with little ones! Check out this tutorial from backroadbloom.com.
Materials/Tools Needed: Cotton fabric, matching thread, sewing machine, iron.
Flannel throws
Description: A flannel throw sounds complicated but it really isn’t! You just need to pick up some coordinating flannel fabric pieces that fit the personality of your recipient. Cut to size then sew around the perimeter while inside out. Pull the blanket right side out and close up the open seam and top stitch. It’s really that easy! Use this easy to follow tutorial from Organized31.com.
Materials/Tools Needed: Flannel fabric, scissor or rotary cutter/cutting mat, matching thread, sewing machine.
Fabric garland
Description: A fabric garland is a great no-sew project but is fun to decorate any space. It’s really simple to make. You just have to have an idea of the size you want for the garland then make sure to buy enough fabric and ribbon to make a full garland. Once you have that you just need to cut your strips of fabric and tie them to the rope. Check out this tutorial from Project Nursery.
Materials/Tools Needed: Fabric, ribbon, rope, scissors (pinking shears if you have them).
T-shirt pillowcase
Description: Maybe you have a stash of old t-shirts that you realistically are no longer going to wear but are sad that no one can enjoy them anymore. Why not make them into throw pillows? T-shirt fabric is soft and cozy and there is a lot of nostalgia in our fun t-shirts from back in the day. Maybe it’s a favorite band, tv show or lovable character. If you want to enjoy it or pass it along to a friend who might love it it’s an awesome gift for you or someone else!
Check out this helpful tutorial from Instructables.
Materials/Tools Needed: T-shirt, matching thread, scissors, clear ruler, tailor’s chalk, sewing machine, inner cushion.
Bookend
Description: Do you have a friend who loves to read? Why not make them some cute and functional book ends. I know it sounds complicated but it really isn’t. Take a look at this tutorial by Gathered– it features a tower bookend and a pyramid bookend. Check it out!
Materials/Tools Needed: Fat quarters, poly pellets, poly-fil, scissors, matching thread, sewing machine.
Felt cactus
Description: Now this is a bit more complicated but it’s really really cute! This would be great for a friend who struggles to keep plants alive or simply cannot have plants for reasons beyond their control. Here are a couple fun tutorials for you to try:
Materials/Tools Needed: Terra-cotta plant pot, wool felt (green plus another fun color or colors), paper, sharp scissors, embroidery thread and needle, poly-fil, hot glue gun.
Gardening Half Apron
Description: If you are familiar with gardening you know there are a lot of tools involved. I’m always loosing my gloves or shears but a gardening apron can really help with that problem. If you have any friends who work in their garden they may love a thoughtful gift like this one. Just make sure to use heavy fabric since this type of apron will need to withstand quite a bit.
Materials/Tools Needed: Heavier weight duck fabric or canvas fabric, scissors or rotary cutter/cutting mat, matching thread, sewing machine.
Kids Leggings
Description: If you have kiddos in your life especially little ones (think baby or toddler) leggings are an awesome gift! Little ones really get the most out of their clothing so any parent would love a few extra pairs of fun leggings! There are so many cute knit fabrics you can use- believe it’s super fun! Check out this free pattern here.
Materials/Tools Needed: 4-way stretch knit fabric, scissors or rotary cutter/cutting mat, matching thread, pins, iron/ironing board, sewing machine.
Band Underwear
Description: Many sewing web sites have free underwear patterns including this one. I also have a tutorial on how to make underwear out of a t-shirt specifically band t-shirt. Check out free underwear sewing pattern Be Bashful Bikini and my tutorial on how to make a band t-shirt into a cute pair of underwear.
Conclusion – Easy Sewing Projects for Gifts
I hope you enjoyed looking at these 30 different ideas on easy sewn gifts for any occasion. I’m certain you will be able to find something for anyone on your list. Happy Sewing!
