If you want to sew your Christmas gifts for your loved ones, it’s time to get started 😊
I wanted to offer you handmade and original gifts to change things up from wipes, paper towels...
Before rushing in, I must warn you about 3 points to ensure everything goes well:
- Handmade gifts are not always appreciated at their true value. You will spend time, put a part of yourself into the creation, use your cherished fabrics... but others might only see the finished object. I therefore recommend knowing "your audience" well to be sure your gift truly brings joy and is recognized for its real worth!
- Plan! We are full of good intentions... so make yourself a little sewing schedule... just so you don’t rush on December 23rd and 24th with projects that might be poorly finished because they were sewn under stress... or worse, end up shopping in despair on Christmas Eve because you couldn’t finish everything you wanted to sew.
- If you’re starting to sew clothes, take the person’s measurements. Too bad if it gives away a clue about their gift, it will save you many disappointments like a jacket that’s too small or a shirt that’s too big!
There you go, you’ve been warned, let’s go!
1. Cheches, scarves, and snoods
Neck warmers are very popular as winter gifts. They help keep warm. Plus, they are easy and quick to make; accessible even to those who are new to sewing.
They are suitable for both adults and children and can be made from different materials. For snoods and cheches, you can use minky, terry cloth, fleece, cotton jersey, french terry, sweatshirt fleece, super soft viscose jersey... in short, the choices are many.
For scarves, I recommend fabrics with a soft touch like cotton lawn, tana lawn which is wonderful against the skin. Plus, they come in beautiful prints. In the shop, you will find cotton lawn from the brand Dashwood Studio of very fine quality with stunning patterns.
For the tutorials on scarves, snoods, and shawls, the link is here.
2. Socks
I saw the Artesane masterclass led by Charlotte Jaubert to make socks and it seemed quick and easy to do. I think I will start and test the pattern.
You will find the pattern here.
Here is the masterclass video.
3. Slippers
I made a pair of little slippers and thought it would be a great gift to slip under the tree. Why not in a fleece version or to use scraps of sweatshirt fabric, brushed french terry?
To make them, you need little material: bulgomme for the sole, a bit of fabric, coordinated thread, and pre-folded bias tape... and if desired, a small ribbon to make a bow, or yarn for a pompom...
The full tutorial with assembly steps is available here
4. A hat
I made a hat last year for my godson with a scarf to go to daycare. I used the model from Ivanne S., who offers a pattern including two hat heights for men, women, and children.
The PDF costs €3.9 on Ivanne's website.
I recommend paying close attention to the stretch of the fabric you choose to make the hat, as it needs to be comfortable and snug. I find that tubular ribbing works really well for making this hat pattern.
You can add a pompom for fun.
5. A bow tie
To wear it right away or have it for New Year’s Eve! The bow tie is a simple, quick sewing project that uses very little fabric.
I like making them in Japanese fabric because it gives them an original touch, and there are quite a few Japanese fabrics with gold or silver patterns; which makes the bow tie very chic.
6. A headband
A quick and easy sewing project that always pleases young girls and women; even just for removing makeup... it’s super practical.
I chose to make the simple version using cotton jersey for a super quick and really nice little sewing project if you need to make lots of "women’s" gifts on a tight budget. We use all the cotton jersey scraps we like.
I made the tutorial you can find here.
7. A glitter elastic belt
To slip on right away or wear for New Year’s, the glitter elastic belt is definitely a must for any self-respecting princess 😊
I made a tutorial for this little sewing project that’s super simple and ultra fast!
You will find all the materials in the shop to make them, especially the buckles and the lurex elastics.
8. Festive table napkins and placemats
Here’s another simple and quick sewing project that lets you use up your scraps but also offers a zero-waste alternative good for the planet.
I made mine in December 2019 and they are still much appreciated and often used! You’ll find the mini tutorial here
For matching towels, just make squares on the same principle as placemats. You decide the size!
9. A quilted toiletry bag
I had seen this pretty vanity made by atelier svila. It’s been on my "to do" list for a while but due to lack of time, I haven’t tried it yet.
Yet, it’s really nice and will make an excellent gift for women (and why not men with other types of fabrics) for the holidays.
I think it’s a nice piece for going on vacation, but also for students living in shared housing and sharing their bathroom... in short, a gift that I think will please!
For this project, I recommend having an intermediate sewing level or doing some tests on scraps before starting on the final piece.
10. A pretty filled furoshiki
"Last but not least," the pouch or furoshiki that you can fill with candies, slip in a book, some little scented bottles, a bottle of wine... In short, it’s the small handmade gift that accompanies other little attentions. Plus, they are reusable and I find it nicer than seeing a mountain of wrapping paper thrown away!
I made a tutorial on furoshiki, with quite a few videos on wrapping methods that you can find here
I like making them with Japanese fabrics but I admit those in Belgian fabrics are also quite popular 😊.
Here is my little selection, there are still many possibilities, not even counting clothing!
I hope you find some good ideas or maybe even your happiness!
And you, what will you sew for the holidays? Tell me in the comments!
