10 Perfect Gifts to Sew This Christmas
It’s that festive time of year again and that means our annual round-up of handmade gift ideas is back!
This has become a bit of a tradition here at MaaiDesign, and it’s one of our favourites to put together.
Nothing says made with love quite like a handmade gift, and this year’s list has a mix of tried-and-true classics and new ideas for all skill levels.
So, grab your machine... here are our top 10 sewing projects to make (and gifts!) this Christmas.
1. Zero-waste Tote bag (with storage pocket)
We all need some fabulous bags for the grocery run. Even better when they fold up into a small bundle so you can have them stashed in the car or handbag for an emergency shop situation. Gabardine, cotton drill or cotton canvas works well for strength, and you can personalise it with embroidered initials or a favourite fabric pattern (I made one in an offcut of Marimekko ❤️). It’s a perfect gift for anyone, young or old — and extra special when made from offcuts
I wrote a blog about how I made it, you can find it here.
2. Personalised Pencil Case or Art Supply Roll
This is always a favourite amongst readers, so we thought we would share it again. For the artist, student, or stationery lover, a fabric pencil case or roll-up organiser for art supplies is a thoughtful gift. Use durable fabric and customise with slots or pockets for brushes, pencils, or markers. Add a leather strap or fabric tie to add nice details. These projects call for rigid denim, heavy cotton drill, or give it some personality with a designer cotton canvas.
I think this whale pencil case is just amazing!
Another option is the Double Cool Pencil Case by Waves & Wild. Using contrasting zips will really make this pencil case pop!
3. Sleep Mask
This is a gift perfect for teachers, shift workers, or anyone who deserves a good night’s rest (looking at you, mums 😉).... It's something practical and won't add to the waistline.
It only needs a little fabric, so you will surely find something in the stash. We also stock batting for the middle for a little extra eye comfort, find it here.
You can find a free pattern and tutorial here.
4. Book Covers
For the note-taker, journalists, or sketchers in your life, this is a wonderful idea to personalise their favourite accessory.
It is also a great way to use up those scraps... and really zhuzh up an otherwise plain notepad. Or protect a favourite book in a collection.
You could use a canvas for a more durable cover, or a printed cotton would add a bit of flair.
You can find a tutorial here.
They make a lovely set when paired with matching bookmarks! You can find a very easy tutorial here.
5. Oversized Christmas bow for your door (or tree)
We think these bows would make a fabulous decoration for your front door, in some classic Christmas colours, but make it oversized! We were thinking of setting the print to 400% of the pattern size, but you can play with the sizing to suit your needs.
If you add a tie through the centre piece of the bow, you can hang them wherever you like - I'm thinking as little decorations all over the Christmas tree or in Bright, you sometimes see the trees lining the streets with big fabric bows wrapped around them!
The pattern is by Rosery Apparel. It's free and even has a video tutorial. Find it here.
Our crisp linens have some very Chrsitmas-esqe colours (our cherry red or emerald green are perfect for this!) Check them out here.
6. Fabulous Placemats
Easy peasy and such an impact for your Christmas table. We love the idea of a Marimekko print to add colour and style to your table. But other great options include See You At Six Cotton Canvas, in a variety of prints. Or linen would make a lovely, pared-back version; even match them with some hand-made napkins!
You can find a quick and easy tutorial here.
7. Pin Cushion
The cutest pin cushion ever! A great gift for a sewing friend. Here is the free tutorial by Noodlehead.
Quick, cute, and perfect for scrap busting! Cotton lawn or linen would be great for this project, choosing colours that complement or contrast would just make it even more unique for the lucky recipient.
8. Oven Mitt
How adorable is this idea? This free pattern by Made for Mermaids includes three sizes: adult, child, and even doll! Perfect for using up those leftover fabrics in your stash!
Again, Marimekko would make a standout fabric choice, or a cotton canvas will be really durable for this hard-working pressie.
We have batting available here, which is perfect for sandwiching and protecting from the heat. (We would double this over for extra heat protection)
Also, if you have never tried quilting before, check out this blog before you start.
9. A Lux Robe
It’s a great gift when you don’t have exact measurements (or want to keep it a surprise!)
The Merchant and Mills Sunday Robe is a wonderful pattern which is simplistic, yet stylish and better yet, perfect for both males and females.
We love the idea of making this in a smooth, crisp linen for that elevated resort style. Washed linen would also work wonderfully for that more lived-in feel. But you could try a printed cotton to really make something unique.
10. Hanging Wall Art
Ok, we know this one isn’t technically sewing... but it does involve beautiful fabric, so it still counts in our book!
We love the idea of gifting fabric as art, and a stretched wall canvas is such an easy yet striking way to do so. Simply stretch your favourite medium/heavy-weight cotton or canvas (the Marimekko prints are perfect for this!) over a pre-made timber frame and secure it at the back with heavy-duty staples (the kind used for upholstery).
Voilà — instant artwork, ready to shine in its new home! (see below for inspo!)
And that’s a wrap on our top 10 gifts to sew this Christmas!
Each one is thoughtful, practical, and personal... a true reflection of the love and creativity behind every stitch.
Wishing you a joyful, relaxed, and creative holiday season.
Happy sewing,
Maaike & the MaaiDesign Team
