Handmade Christmas gifts are some of THE best Christmas gifts, am I right! There is something so fun and special about giving and receiving a gift that was specially made for a loved one.
Giving home sewn Christmas gifts doesn’t need to break the bank, and it doesn’t need to take excessive amounts of time! Homemade Christmas gifts can be large or small, perfect for stocking stuffers or the main gift.
Whether you are a beginning sewist or a seasoned seamstress, and no matter your budget, there is something on this list that you can make! I’ve included free and also inexpensive options for you to pick from.
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What To Look For In Christmas Gift Sewing Patterns
When I am sewing gifts, there are several things I look for in a project or pattern that make it ideal for gifting.
- The finished gift is a convenient size for giving. (For example, can it fit in a stocking, or be sent in the mail easily for Christmas? Etc. Sewn gifts are uniquely easy to ship because they are usually soft and can be rolled or folded down small to place in a box!)
- The pattern is customizable just in case I want to make multiple for different people
- The project is quick to complete (This is especially important if I am making several of them)
- The gift should be USEFUL. (Have you ever been given a gift that just added to your clutter?)
- No measurements are required (You’ll notice there are no clothes on this list. I like to make surprise gifts, which means I usually don’t know people’s measurements!)
In addition, unless I am sewing something very special, I like to use free or inexpensive sewing tutorials and patterns because sometimes fabric can be costly!
With these characteristics in mind, I searched for sewing pattern ideas that I would personally enjoy giving or receiving. I also tried to group them into categories of who they might be intended for, babies/toddlers, girls/women, boys/men, and general gifts.
However, many of the sewing patterns can be customized to be given to men or women, just change out the fabric or colors for example.
Lets get to the list of great sewing patterns that you can make for Christmas this year!
While we’re on the topic of Christmas gifts, make sure to check out my list of the BEST funny sewing gifts! and my free printable sewing and quilting themed Christmas Cards.
General Christmas Gift Ideas
Easy Fabric Bookmarks
Make a simple fabric bookmark out of quilting cotton and interfacing. These are SO fast to whip up, and a great project for beginning sewers. They are double sided, reusable, and great for readers of all ages!
DIY Rice Heating Pads
What a good idea for the cold winter months! I love that these rice heating pads from Organized 31 are easy and quick to sew, PLUS they are made from upcycled bandanas. Slip one (or a few) of these DIY heating pads into Christmas stockings, and everyone will be sure to stay warm this winter. Free tutorial.
Fabric Gift Card Holder
These adorable gift card holders have many things going for them. They are simple to make, reusable, great for upcycling projects, AND they still allow you to give a handmade gift to your loved ones EVEN if they are “giftcard people”! Check out the Free gift card holder tutorial at Two Kids And A Coupon.
Fabric Wristlet Keychain
If you have a bunch of scraps to use up (who doesn’t!) these wristlet keychains by VintageLife68 are the perfect project. Customize the sizes and colors to make for both men and women. These would be especially fun gifts to make for teens who are just learning to drive and need a place for their keys.
Rice Tube Heating Packs
Make up a rice heating pack for stocking stuffers, service projects, and more. These each hold a pound of rice and are quick to throw together, plus cute and useful!
2-Zipper Coin Purse
This free zippered coin purse sewing pattern for beginners uses very little fabric so it’s a great scrap buster. Make your own super cute fully lined, DIY coin purse with keyring to use yourself or give as a gift. It’s the perfect size for some chapstick and a bit of cash and has TWO zippered pockets!
Ideas For Women
Hair Scrunchies
Every girl needs a cute hair accessory and scrunchies fit the bill! What makes this free scrunchie sewing pattern stand out is how professional they look. You can make several of these super quick, and they make perfect stocking stuffers!
Fabric Corner Bookmark
Do you know a girl that loves to read? (I was that girl!) Here is a great free sewing tutorial for a Fabric Corner bookmark over at Christine’s Crafts. These re quick to whip up and a really nice way to use scraps, all while encouraging reading!
Hanging Storage Pods
If you are looking for a cute gift that is both useful and decorative these hanging storage pods from Lovefrombeth are it! Perfect for any room in the house. The sewing pattern makes an 11 by 6 inch large basket, and it can be made with two fat quarters of fabric.
Half Apron With Pockets
Sew up some adorable half aprons with pockets, they are great small gifts that can be rolled or folded into a stocking or sent in a lightweight package. Great for grandmothers, moms, or anyone who likes to bake (or just needs a few extra pockets!) A perfect free tutorial for new sewists.
School Girl Hair Bows
I love making and giving hair bows, there’s no such thing as too many bows! This sweet school girl hair bow pattern from Dear Darling Patterns can be made into clips or headbands.
Here’s a fun tip: use a clip hairbow on the OUTSIDE of a larger gift instead of purchasing a ribbon gift bow!
Ear Fleece Warmer Headband
Here’s another cute hair/head accessory. It is a headband and ear warmer all in one. This quick and free tutorial is perfect for beginners and only requires a bit of fleece, plus it can be made in just a few minutes. This gift is not only cute, but its also a very practical gift for the holidays
Ideas for Men
Architect Men’s Wallet
Give the men in your life something they will always keep close to them, a wallet! The PDF sewing pattern for this classic folding wallet by Purses By Holly is inexpensive and has plenty of room for cards, IDs, and cash!
Canvas Laundry Bag
This simple and free canvas laundry bag pattern is perfect for teens or college students who need an easy way to hang and haul their dirty laundry! It can be customized with their name, or whatever else you want to put on it. Use natural canvas for the “whites”, and a dark canvas for the “darks” to make it even easier!
Laptop Case
The instructions for this laptop case pattern include four sizes as well as instructions to easily formulate your own pattern if your laptop doesn’t fit one of the included sizes! Great for any man who has a tablet or laptop that needs a protective case, check out this great PDF pattern by SotakCO!
Rucksack backpack
Great for so many uses, this free canvas rucksack sewing pattern would make a practical and unique Christmas gift. Take it camping, use it for school, or maybe to haul sports gear! I love that it is simple, yet sleek and modern.
Dopp Bag
Even men need a bag for their toiletries! I love the square rugged shape of these DOPP bags. The Dopp bag sewing pattern is perfect for beginners, and comes with several different size options to make. Each size only needs 1/2 a yard or less!
Men’s Tie
Have you ever sewn a tie before? This modern tie sewing pattern by Maven Patterns is a very classy gift idea. You could even embroider a little message on the inside, or use a fun fabric for a pop of personality.
Dungeons and Dragons Dice Bag
Do you have a gamer in your life? Sew up a little D&D drawstring bag for them to carry their dice in! This creative and free Christmas gift Idea from Organized 31 is easy and quick, and can be customized by embroidering on their initials.
Ideas For Babies & Toddlers
Toy Car Mat
Kids love getting toys for Christmas, but instead of substantially adding to the clutter, why not make them something that better utilizes toys they already have? This toy car play mat by Patternplay is perfect for kids who have little toy cars and need a place to drive! Plus, it folds up into a tote for easy storage and travel.
Fabric Scrap Memory Game
What an AMAZING way to use up scraps! Toddlers love to play games, and this free fabric scraps memory game tutorial is durable and great for kids. You’ll need scraps for the fronts of the “cards” and a solid color for the backing.
Ring Stacker Soft Toy
Stackers are a classic infant/toddler toy, and you can even make your own out of fabric. Since the rings are soft, they won’t hurt when thrown or dropped! The Ring Stacker Sewing Pattern is such a creative and fun Christmas gift Idea by PatternPlay.
Plush Octopus From Tights
This is a fun upcycle project that results in a super cute stuffed animal. Make your child a stuffed octopus out of children’s tights! Customize the colors and patterns for a fun whimsical animal toy.
Comfort Blanket
Every baby needs a lovey blanket. This adorable comfort blanket sewing pattern by Tiny Sewing Comapny comes with two options, a rabbit and a bear. They are soft and snuggly, yet modern and stylish.
Memory Bear
Have you heard of a memory bear? These are made out of baby clothes, baby blankets, or other items that you want to remember, and upcycled into a snuggly bear! Make one with this free pattern!
Which gift are you excited to sew? I’m personally obsessing over those blankets!
