Easy gifts you can sew or embroider yourself | #LRCrafts - DIY Passion: if you can think it, you can make it
It’s safe to say we’ve been knee-deep in crafting lately. Our home has been a bustling hub of projects since the year kicked off, our crafting table full of WIP projects: a few sewing and embroidery projects for me, home repairs and LED lights crafts for my husband.
Among sewing projects for me and the family, I also found time to make something for our friends. My husband, too, had made a lamp as a birthday present for his uncle. While clearing our crafting table after the completion of those projects, I found myself thinking: what other projects could we make for our friends? Over the years, we made string art projects or lamps or book sculptures to give as gifts. What about sewing?
I compiled a list that I decided to share with you: simple yet heartfelt sewn and embroidered presents that you can easily recreate for your loved ones. A trove of ideas perfect for gifting.
Table of contents
Beginner friendly gifts to sew
Embroidery and sewing
Ballerina scrunchie
Scrunchies
That’s the perfect sewing project to put your fabric scraps to good use. Even thoug your cabbage pieces aren’t the required size for a scrunchie, you could combine more to make a cheerful scrunchie, that adds a pop of color to any hairstyle. Mix and match to create something uniquely yours!
It’s a beginner friendly crafts, that everyone can make in less than half an hour. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from fabric scraps to a stylish hair accessory.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stack of scrunchies ready to gift to friends (or add a playful touch to your own hairdo).
Scrunchies tutorial Embroidery and sewing
Handmade bags for Irish dance shoes
Drawstring bags
Recently, I created something tailor-made for my Irish dance companions: drawstring bags designed specifically for their dance shoes. It’s a project that not only takes their needs into consideration, but also adds a personal touch to our shared passion.
The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s another beginner-friendly and quick project. Moreover, bags like those, in any size and shape, are always handy at home, being you a dancer or not.
In my case, I decided to take the customization up a notch by adding a heartfelt touch: embroidering the name of each bag’s owner. This addition comes handy when we all gather together for our dance practice, so we don’t mix up bags and shoes alike!
Embroidery and sewing
Hand-stitched scissor case
Scissor sheaths
Over the years, I sewed several sheaths to protect the tips of my scissors. I usually handstitched them using my beloved blanket stitch and taking advantage of leather scraps we happened to have around. And when leather scraps were in short supply, I didn’t hesitate to repurpose old, worn-out jackets, salvaging the sturdiest leather for my sheaths.
If you have friends who share your passion for sewing, consider gifting them a custom-made sheath for their scissors. By tailoring the size and design to fit their specific needs, you’ll not only show them how much you care but also equip them with a practical tool for their own crafting adventures. If you are unsure of the right size, you could make more than one sheath, to accomodate smaller embroidery scissors or bigger sewing shears.
Embroidery and sewing
Pincushion from small baby food jars
Pincushions
Speaking of sewing buddies, here’s another neat idea: crafting pincushions for them. A fun, easy and practical project to tackle.
Back when my daughter was transitioning to solid foods, we had quite a stash of baby food jars lying around. Rather than letting them go to waste, I got creative and repurposed them into handy pincushions – they even doubled as cute party favors!
Of course, you can always go the classic route and make traditional pincushions, in any size or shape you fancy. It’s a great way to make use of those fabric scraps that seem to multiply overnight!
Here’s a little hack to take your pincushions to the next level: add a small magnet inside the filling. This nifty trick provides extra support for your pins and needles, keeping them secure and easily accessible whenever you need them.
Baby food jar pincushion tutorialA little more advanced gifts to sew
Plushies
When it comes to crafting plushies, it’s true that some can be a bit complex, with intricate patterns and a few tricks needed up your sleeve. don’t worry, there are simpler ones out there too, that even beginners can tackle with confidence.
Take it from me – my journey into plushie-making began with a simple pumpkin project. Armed with my first sewing machine and a heap of enthusiasm, I dove headfirst into creating these adorable autumn-themed decorations. To my delight, they turned out to be a hit among my friends!
After them, gong on with the Autumn vibes, I also whipped up some mushroom plushies, a specific request of my husband for his seasonal home decor.
If you’re keen to give it a go, download our free patterns and make your own home decor for any friend loving Autumn.
Pumpkin plushies tutorialMushroom plushies tutorial
T-shirts
Diving into the world of clothing making can feel a bit daunting at first – it definitely takes some time, effort, and skill to get the hang of it. But trust me, the end result is worth it, especially when you’re creating something special for a loved one.
If you’re just starting out, making a T-shirt is a great way to dip your toes into the world of garment sewing. With an abundance of free patterns and helpful video tutorials available online, you’ll have all the guidance you need to get started.
Here’s a pro tip to make things even easier: if you have an existing T-shirt that fits well, you can use it as a pattern to make a new one. Simply turn it inside out, lay it flat on your fabric, trace around it (back side and front side alike), and you’re ready to sew!
For me, my journey into T-shirt making began with my daughter in mind. It was a perfect opportunity to practice my sewing skills and see tangible improvement with each project. Before long, I found myself whipping up T-shirts with ease, thanks to the confidence and experience gained from each new one.
So, if you’re eager to try your hand at clothing making, don’t be intimidated. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll soon discover that making T-shirts can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing your loved ones proudly sporting something you’ve crafted with your own hands.
Embroidery and sewing
Elastic waist reversible skirts
Skirts
Looking for another fun clothing project? Consider making a skirt: it’s a versatile garment that works for children, girls, and even adult women.
Personally, I’m a fan of skirts with elastic waistbands: they offers a comfortable fit and can easily accomodate a child’s growth or weight change. You don’t even need a pattern to get started! Just cut two fabric panels, decide on the length for the height of the fabric, and determine the hem width based on your desired fit. Add an elastic band at the top, and voila! Your skirt is ready to wear in no time. A beginner-friendly project, even without a pattern.
Another skirt style I adore, especially for my daughter, is the reversible one. It’s like getting two skirts in one! After making the first for my daughter and seeing how much she loved it, I couldn’t resist whipping up another for a coworker’s child – and the fun didn’t stop there. With the same advantages as the elastic waistband skirt, plus the bonus of double-sided versatility, it’s a win-win for both style and practicality.
Gifts to embroider
Embroidery and sewing
Embroidered rose pendant
Rose pendant
If you’re looking for a quick handmade gift idea, consider to embroider pendants.
A quick idea for a hand-made present is a pendant. I crafted a rose pendant for my sister-in-law, featuring a 5cm frame adorned with three delicate roses in woven wheel stitch and three leaves in leaf stitch.
But don’t feel limited to flowers – the beauty of embroidery lies in its versatility. You can embroider anything that resonates with the person receiving the gift, whether it’s their favorite animal, a meaningful symbol, or a whimsical design that speaks to their personality.
Even if you’re just dipping your toes into the world of hand embroidery, there’s no need to feel intimidated. There are plenty of easy-to-grasp stitches that can help you create something unique and thoughtful. From simple backstitches to intricate French knots, each stitch adds its own charm to your creation.
Embroidery and sewing
Christmas tree embroidered decorations
Christmas decorations
Now an idea for a Christmas gift: embroidered ornaments for the holiday season.
Using the same frame I used for the rose pendant, I’ve spent years embroidering various Christmas decorations. These ornaments are perfect for adding a handmade touch to crafty Christmas trees or for creating festive garlands around the home. Plus, they’re quick to make, and who doesn’t love a thoughtful handmade gift?
Some of these ornaments are so speedy to craft that you can easily whip up dozens in a single day! Whether it’s tiny poinsettias or holly leaves, winter beanies or candy canes, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own festive decorations. With just a few simple supplies and a bit of creativity, you can create a collection of embroidered ornaments that will add a special touch to any holiday celebration.
Christmas embroideries ideas
Customize all your sewing projects
As I mentioned before with the drawstring bags, adding a personal touch to your sewing projects can really make them extra special. Just embroidering the name of the owner in a simple chain stitch or split stitch can add a thoughtful and meaningful touch to the item.
But don’t stop there – even just a tiny decoration, like a flower or a symbol, can elevate any garment you make. It’s those little details that can make the receiver feel truly special and appreciated.
So next time you’re working on a sewing project or even buying a pre-made garment for someone, why not take a moment to consider how you can personalize it? Whether it’s adding a name, a design, or a special symbol, the extra effort will surely be noticed and cherished by the lucky recipient.
In the world of crafting, the possibilities are endless, and sewing and embroidery offer a gateway to creativity and personalization like no other.
As we wrap up our exploration of sewing and embroidery projects, we’d love to hear from you! Have you tried any of the projects mentioned in this article, or do you have your own favorite sewing or embroidery creations to share? Feel free to drop a comment below and share your ideas, projects, and experiences with the sewing and embroidery community.
After all, crafting is about more than just making things – it’s about connecting with others, sharing inspiration, and spreading joy through our handmade creations. So let’s keep the conversation going and continue to inspire each other with our sewing and embroidery adventures.
by Rici86.
