What I sew when I sew for others - Sewing Pattern recommendations with links
Hi there sewing friends !
When it comes to gift-giving, nothing feels more special than a handmade present. As someone who sews, I love creating thoughtful, personalized gifts for birthdays and Christmas instead of buying store-bought presents. Not only does sewing gifts save money (I’ve only spent around $50-$100 per year on gifts!), but it also allows me to make something unique and tailored to the recipient. Today, I’m sharing my top handmade gift ideas to sew, all of which are beginner-friendly, practical, and perfect for any occasion.
The Wilbur Waist-Free Whale: A Scrap-Friendly Soft Toy
One of my go-to handmade gifts is a soft toy called Wilbur the Waist-Free Whale. This adorable stuffed whale is an excellent scrap-busting project, making it perfect for sustainable sewing. Designed by Becca Bezos, Wilbur is often made from leftover fabric, making each whale truly one of a kind.
Recently, I made a Wilbur Whale for a friend who loves scuba diving and the ocean. I used a navy gingham fabric and added a ribbed knit belly to mimic a real whale’s underside. This project works wonderfully as a handmade baby gift, but adults love them too! The best part? This sewing pattern for beginners is quick, fun, and highly customizable.
Reusable Fabric Lunch Bags: Practical and Stylish
Another favourite handmade gift idea is a fabric lunch bag—a practical yet stylish alternative to store-bought lunch boxes. These bags are easy to sew, making them perfect for beginner sewers looking for a fun and useful project.
I love using sturdy cotton fabric for these bags and adding unique touches like embroidered names or Kylie and the Machine labels to personalize them. The design includes side gussets, allowing the bag to expand and hold various lunch items while staying compact when tied up. These reusable fabric bags are eco-friendly, washable, and something the recipient will use every single day—making them one of my favorite sustainable sewing gifts!
Bucket Hats: The Perfect One-Size-Fits-All Gift
If you're looking for an easy-to-sew gift that doesn’t require knowing someone’s clothing size, a bucket hat is the perfect project! This sewing pattern only requires one measurement (the circumference of the recipient’s head) and is an ideal handmade present for friends and family.
I’ve sewn many handmade bucket hats over the years, using different fabric prints and textures to match each recipient’s personality. Whether you use cotton, linen, or canvas, these hats make fantastic summer accessories and can be made in just an afternoon. The best part? They’re unisex, beginner-friendly, and completely customizable.
Sewing handmade gifts
Sewing handmade gifts is not only a budget-friendly way to show love and appreciation, but it also makes each gift incredibly special. From scrap-friendly soft toys to practical lunch bags and stylish bucket hats, these projects are all easy to sew and guaranteed to be cherished for years. Unlike mass-produced presents, a hand-sewn gift is unique, personal, and crafted with care.
If you’re looking for beginner-friendly sewing projects to make thoughtful gifts, these ideas are a great place to start! What’s your favorite handmade gift to sew? Let me know in the comments!
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