Let’s be honest, for those of us who sew, spending a couple hours at our sewing machine is probably preferable to the same time spent wandering around the shops or trawling websites trying to find someone the perfect gift. In this solo episode, I’m sharing heaps of ideas for presents we can create for our loved ones that won’t take an age or cost us a mint. All these ideas should take no more than an evening to make, a lot of them use patterns or tutorials that are free, and pretty much all of them can be made from scraps and leftover fabric, or even unwanted clothing! 

I’ve broken these projects down into four categories: gifts for makers, simple accessories and clothing, homeware and gifts for kids. 

Gifts for makers:

Tool roll tutorial by The Book Hut can be found HERE.

Image source: The Book Hut

Stowe Bag pattern by Grainline Studio HERE.

Image source: Grainline Studio

Simple Accessories & Clothing Gifts:

Sorrento Bucket Hat pattern by Elbe Textiles HERE

Sandcastle Bucket Hat pattern by Waves & Wild HERE

Reversible Bucket Hat pattern by Oliver + S HERE

The Orton Bag pattern by Merchant & Mills HERE. In the episode I have said this is one is free however, it is now a paid-for pattern. 

The byTilly shopper bag from byGraziela Fabrics HERE.

Image source: byGraziela Fabrics

Scrunchie tutorial by Melly Sews HERE.  

Mittens pattern made by using wool knitwear by fibreandtwigs on Etsy HERE

Mandy Boat Tee pattern by Tessuti HERE. Read by review of this pattern HERE

Luna Tank pattern by Helen’s Closet HERE

Dominique Skirt pattern by Tilly and the Buttons HERE

My favourite face mask tutorial by Sophie Passmore HERE

Homeware Gifts: 

Apron pattern by Tessuti HERE.

Workaday Apron pattern by Merchant & Mills HERE.

Image source: Merchant & Mills 

Oven Mitt pattern by Bombazine HERE. Read by review of this pattern HERE

Fabric Bowl Cover tutorial by Hearth and Vine HERE

Image source: Hearth and Vine

Gifts for Kids:

40 Free Sewing Patterns for Gifts for Kids blog post HERE.

My Favourite Free Children’s Sewing Patterns blog post HERE.

Batman Costume tutorial by Fleece Fun HERE.

Image source: Fleece Fun

Pom Pom Tutu Skirt tutorial by Brit + Co HERE

Princess Dress Up Apron pattern by It’s Always Autumn HERE

Easy Apron pattern by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom HERE

Oven Mitt pattern by Made for Mermaids HERE

Gift Wrapping:

Furoshiki Wrapping Cloths tutorial by Wellness Mama HERE