Are you out of ideas for year-end gifts for yourself, your wife, your grandma, your sister, your cousin, etc.? Their common point: they sew or would like to learn to sew! So look no further, I had fun compiling the best gifts to give or treat yourself to so you won’t be disappointed at midnight under the tree, at the big unwrapping moment!  I’ve been sewing for years now, and every year at the holidays people ask me: "what would make you happy?". I have to tell you that even after all these years, I still find things to keep me busy 😂 and to enrich my collection of equipment to make sewing easier. So here we go for a smart gift choice! 

1. Truly useful tools! 

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, there are small tools that really change your sewing and are quite affordable. In short, it’s a nice gift on a small budget that’s sure to please.

This year I have selected for you:

- the magnetic pin holder: a must-have for every seamstress. I like to have two: one on the cutting table and one near the machine, which helps me avoid losing pins everywhere. You can also have two in different colors to store extra fine pins and classic pins without mixing them. 
- the pretty rosewood hand needle case. It’s a very elegant gift and very budget-friendly since it costs less than 5€
- the tulip pin cushion to attach to the machine to stick pins for those who don’t like magnetic pin cushions
- a needle threader
- a Bohin magnetic needle holder with very nice designs
- a seam ripper in the color of their workshop
- a metal somometer to make nice hems and especially not to burn them with the iron! 
- a hemming guide ...

Budget for all this little equipment: less than €10

2. One pattern or several patterns

Giving one or more patterns is also a great idea for a relatively limited budget. Moreover, pattern envelopes are beautiful items that nicely decorate the workshop. 

Be careful to know the clothing tastes and sewing skill level of the person. Indeed, if the person is a beginner, choose a pattern rated as easy or beginner difficulty, and if the person is experienced, they will enjoy sewing a pattern at their level (advanced or expert) more. 

This year, I recommend
For those who love accessories: the Voyage bag and the Eugène backpack from Ikatee, the Moonshine bag from Dress Your Body.

For those who love jackets: the Siloé jacket by Cha Coud, the Hathor body warmer by Iam Patterns or Rabat by Ikatee, the Soho jacket/coat by Clematisse Pattern, the Pilar jacket by Maison Fauve...

For the gentlemen and those who sew for their loved ones: the elegant shirt or the dreamer pajamas from Beaux Gosses 

For those who like to sew as a duo, I recommend the Instinct Couture brand and its Matchy Matchy collection with the Fauvette pants in particular, which you can find the article about here.

3. Scissors... but good ones!

A pair of "good" cutting scissors is truly a must-have for any self-respecting seamstress. I am very demanding when it comes to cutting because it is essential for the success of your sewing projects. For me, a good pair of scissors must have sharp blades, a comfortable handle, and above all, must be sharpenable. 

There are very famous scissor brands, especially Japanese ones like Kaï, Clover... for which you will need a certain budget. In the shop, we found a brand with a very good value for money. We use the black titanium for cutting. Plus, they also come in a left-handed version!

We have also chosen high-quality scissors with an excellent value for money.  

Beyond cutting scissors, I also recommend buying embroidery scissors with really nice designs but especially very useful for cutting details. I use them daily for trimming, clipping, opening buttonholes... For me, it’s the foundation of the sewing kit! 

Cutting scissors budget: from €25 to ... no limit.  
Embroidery scissors budget: from €9/10

4. Marking tools 

Along the same lines as scissors, another essential in the sewing kit: the family of marking tools. The all-time classic is the chalk pen. I also use it daily to mark clips, reference points... I really like the chalk pencil system where you can change the lead color and especially that it’s reusable. You can buy refills without having to throw away your pencil, and that’s really important.  

I also really like air-, water-, and heat-erasable markers.

I also use them for embroidery. 

Another classic for me and more experienced sewists is the buttonhole ruler. When you start making shirts, dresses with snap openings, ... the buttonhole ruler is a must-have to mark the spaces between buttonholes and buttons. No more misalignment and a perfect shirt comes out of your machine!  

Chalk budget: around €15

Buttonhole ruler budget: around €29

5. A course 

Whether you're a beginner or advanced, learning new techniques can be great! Plus, group courses let you meet other enthusiasts and share ideas. It gets us out of our comfort zone and sometimes gives us wings for more complex techniques.  

A course also allows you to discover a new thread art technique like classic embroidery, sashiko, knitting, crochet, patchwork... and you might fall in love with these techniques! 

At C'est du Joly we offer courses during the day, in the evening, and also on Saturdays so everyone can find a time that suits them 😁. 

6. Cutting mat, cutter, and patchwork ruler

As you progress in sewing, you like to try new textile materials. It’s a chance to test cutting with a cutter, on a cutting mat (unless you want to change your dining table) and with a slightly thick patchwork ruler. We’ll try cutting viscose, jersey, and faux leather, all three of which are well suited to this type of cutting. 

I recommend a 45mm cutter for straight and long cuts and a 28mm if you’re working on small pieces or with lots of curves. 
If you invest in a cutting mat, preferably choose one at least 60cm long. Finally, the patchwork ruler is perfect for guiding your cutter. 

7. Materials to customize your sewing projects: labels, patches/badges, fabric glue...

A smaller budget gift that brings great joy is customizable labels. I must say we’re quite fans of them in the workshop. We use them to decorate our bags and sewing projects. 

There are packs of 5 of the same label or mixes at Ikatee, and we also have cute little labels in packs of 10...
They can be made of fabric, faux leather... There’s something for every taste! 

Budget: from €2.5 to €7.5 per pack

8. A gift voucher 

Finally, for those lacking inspiration, the gift voucher remains a great option.

People can use them for supplies, courses on dates that suit them... to use all at once or several times 😊 in store or on the webshop.  

There you go, I hope you liked these gift ideas! 

And until then... get your needles ready!