10 Easy Gifts You Can Sew This Weekend

The holidays are BUSY. Every year, you probably plan to make some thoughtful, handmade gifts for the people you care about but then you just run out of time.

I’ll show you that making gifts can be more fun, energizing, and even faster than shopping.

In this video, I share 10 easy gifts you can sew this weekend, including things that can be batch sewn—plus one of them is a free downloadable pattern!

1. Easy Scrunchies

Scrunchies are a fantastic starter project for handmade gifts. They’re quick to sew, especially with Haley’s magic trick—you’ll definitely want to watch this video—and they’re great for using up fabric scraps.

You can get creative with these, making large, statement scrunchies or smaller ones that are perfect for sleeping.

Some inspiring scrunchie ideas:

• Add a bow for a stylish look.


• Try different sizes, from oversized to petite.


• Use any fabric, from cotton to silk, for a variety of styles.


• Patchwork small scraps together to make a long strip of fabric for your scrunchie.


• Read this article for more ideas: How to Turn Your Fabric Scrps Into Stylish Scrunchies.

2. A Twisty Headband

The Drew headband is perfect for keeping hair out of your face and it’s design has a little twist that’s really fun to sew.

Designed for knits, it’s also adaptable to woven fabrics. There’s a step-by-step sewalong here: Sew a Cute Headband Using Almost No Fabric.

Clever ideas for headbands:

• Make a matching set with scrunchies.


• Use luxurious stretch velvet for a chic look.


• Patchwork your scraps to create the yardage.


• Use stripes in multiple directions.

3. A Me-made Necktie

A necktie can add personality to any outfit, making it an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys formal wear. But did you know this is also a super fun, satisfying sewing project?

Customize your necktie for the wearer—this is your excuse to use that novelty print for fun or a classic fabric like Liberty lawn for a sophisticated gift.

Download the Graham tie pattern and then sew it along with Haley in this sewalong: Let’s Sew a Tie.

Ideas for neckties:

• Create a coordinating pocket square or hankie.


• Embroider a monogram or personal message.


• Use a textured fabric to add some character without using a busy print.

A Handy Reversible Tote Bag

Reversible tote bags are incredibly practical—I’ve sewn so many for myself and given them away as gifts.

They’re easy to sew and can be used for grocery shopping, as an everyday bag, or even as a crafting tote. If you gift one, you can fill it with goodies!

Ideas for Unique Tote Bags:

• Sew them in various sizes.


• Add patch pockets in contrasting fabric.


• Make a matching set with smaller produce bags. The Ollie tote bag comes with patterns for both.


• I show you how to draft your own tote bag in this tutorial video: How to Sew a Reversible Tote Bag.

A Custom Device Sleeve

A device sleeve is a useful gift for those who carry their gadgets around. Making a matching set for someone’s phone, tablet, and laptop would be such a thoughtful gift.

This is a quick project and it gives you an excuse to buy all those fun quilting cottons.

Ideas for device sleeves:

• Use velvet or another luxe fabric.


• Add a monogrammed leather zipper pull if the pattern has a zipper.


• Try pre-quilted fabric for a simplified project.


• Add a decorative tie or button closure.


• Block print your own fabric with this tutorial: https://www.seamwork.com/articles/creating-block-printed-textiles.

Quilted Placemats, Hot Pads, and Coasters

Quilted kitchen items are charming and functional gifts. Placemats, hot pads, or coasters are perfect for the person who loves to cook or entertain, and they’re a great way to experiment with quilting on a small scale.

Ideas to make your quilted gifts stand out:

• Use contrasting bindings for a fun look.


• Use quilt block designs for the center of the sleeve—or find thrifted quilt blocks.


• Create patchwork designs out of your scraps. Here’s a tutorial to help you sew your scraps together: Two Ways to Use Patchwork to Sew Your Scraps.

Useful Napkins and Tea Towels

Handmade napkins and tea towels add a cozy touch to any kitchen—and people are always impressed by them.

They’re simple to sew and you can tailor them to match any season or style.

Tip: If you’re planning a gift, the next time you’re at the person’s house, look at the colors they like. They will be so surprised to get coordinating linens.

Ideas for Napkins and Tea Towels:

• Sew with mitered corners or bind the edges. Here’s a video tutorial for mitered corners: How to Sew a Mitered Corner.


• Make them in linen for a classic look.


• If you aren’t sure about prints, gingham and stripes are usually safe.


• Create matching sets of napkins and tea towels to pair with placemats.

A Trustworthy Apron

Aprons are gifts that go beyond the kitchen. Customize an apron for a specific hobby, such as gardening, woodworking, or painting, to make it an extra meaningful gift.

Download the Alex apron pattern if you need a simple, easy-to-sew design.

Ideas for Aprons:

• Choose durable fabrics like canvas if someone needs something sturdy for outdoor cooking or another creative hobby.


• Opt for linen for a kitchen apron.


• Personalize it with patterns, stripes, or novelty prints.


• Add extra patch pockets! Think about why the person will wear the apron, and place the pockets accordingly. Artists might need more pockets than others.

A Comfortable (And Stylish) Robe

The Almada robe is a beautiful, relaxed garment that doesn’t require precise fitting, making it an ideal gift. It’s elegant, easy to wear, and can be sewn in various fabrics to suit the recipient’s style.

How to make a robe feel special:

• Double gauze or cotton lawn add a touch of luxury.


• Flannel makes it cozy and perfect for winter.


• Choose calming colors to help your friend relax or pick bright, inspiring prints to give them some energy.

Make a Hansie Top (Free Pattern!)

I have a free pattern you can use to sew up a woven tee for someone (or yourself!).

The Hansie top is a quick and stylish project that’s perfect for gifting. With a generous fit, it’s easy to sew for others and looks great in a whole bunch of fabrics.

There’s also a free sewalong for the Hansie tee, so even if you’re a total beginner, you can still make it in time for the holidays.

How to customize the Hansie pattern:

• Try silk velvet for a New Year’s Eve top.


• Linen, especially printed linen, is easy to dress up or down.


• Experiment with metallic or sequin fabrics for a special occasion.


• In the picture above, I'm wearing a Hansie in a jacquard knit, and the texture is lovely.

Bonus Idea: Fabric Gift Wrap

You can add another layer to your me-made gifts by wrapping them in fabric. It’s an eco-friendly, reusable gift wrap.

All you have to do is hem the fabric so it doesn’t fray. These fabric wraps can double as scarves, offering a unique, zero-waste alternative to traditional wrapping paper.

If you don’t want to hem the fabric wrap, you can also just sew a straight stitch and fray the edges. Here’s a fun tutorial: An Unfinished Hem Three Ways.

With these 10 ideas, you’ll be ready to create meaningful, handmade gifts that your loved ones will cherish.

Check out all the linked tutorials for step-by-step guidance, and enjoy the process of making something special this holiday season!

Are you making gifts this year? What’s on your list?