Handmade Gift Ideas

I was pumped to come across this pattern for a jewelry roll from Seamwork because I desperately need one myself, and I think a lot of my friends would love one as well. Even though I haven’t been doing much traveling much due to the pandemic, I’ve always had trouble finding a good method for containing my jewelry while traveling. I’m definitely going to make this for myself and probably for friends too!

This hat pattern is awesome! I started making one last month out of scrap yarn and sadly ran out so I had to scrap that particular project, but I will definitely be making it for real with the right amount of yarn. It is super simple and I absolutely love the look of it.

This adorable pom pom wall hanging is a great way to use up left over yarn if you are a knitter or crocheter. I could see this being a perfect gift for a nursery for an expectant parent, or a gift for a child to put in their room. It could also be a fun craft to make along with your child.

A necktie is a great gender neutral gift for anyone who likes to rock them. I think the slim profile of this particular pattern is so stylish and I just love it.

This gorgeous cardigan pattern from Brandi Cheyenne Harper is ideal for gifting because it is such a cozy design, and since it uses bulky yarn it will knit up in a flash. I plan to eventually make one of these for myself but I just can’t decide what color I want.

Scrunchies are one of the simplest things you can sew. It’s basically just a tube of fabric with some elastic inside. If you can sew a straight line, you can make a Scrunchie. It’s a great way to use up scrap fabric, or invest in a fat quarter bundle of coordinating quilting cottons and make a bunch that match each other. The photo above is from my very talented friend Anna. I just love this adorable set that she made!

Fabric headbands have been in for a while, and I love this trend. There are lots of different options so I couldn’t settle on a single pattern to recommend. Here are a handful that I think look excellent:
Knit Headband Tutorial from Raven Maureen
Padded and Top Knot Style Headbands from Katie Kortman
Knotted Knit Headband from Seamwork

An apron is a fabulous gift for the cooks, bakers, and artists in your life. There are plenty of patterns out there for them but I particularly love the style lines of this one. I may make one of these as a gift for a family member. Adding a monogram to the front with hand embroidery would be a nice personalized touch.

This floor pouf is a seriously fantastic way to use up scrap fabric and make something functional and pretty. I can see this being a wonderful gift for a kid or teenager’s room, or just anyone who might enjoy adding a bit of coziness to their space.

Knit gifts need to be chosen carefully. I often get carried away with super involved ideas but those can become tedious, especially during an already hectic time of year. I love love love the look of this no-cable cable scarf and hope to make at least one as a gift this year. I also love that this is a free pattern!

If you have a serger, this is an unbelievably quick pattern to whip up. I made this in about an hour including cutting the pieces out. The entire thing can be made on a serger with no sewing machine steps. I absolutely love mine and plan to make more of them. This comes in both a raglan and crewneck style so you can make whichever your recipient would prefer.

Here’s a perfect idea for any of your eco-conscious friends. These reusable makeup remover pads are so simple to make and I would love to receive these. You could also make a zipper pouch (there are tons of free patterns out there) to make for easy laundering so the pads don’t get scattered all about in your load of laundry.

I have been feeling more called to sketching and drawing this year, and I think this roll up pencil case would be a wonderful gift for anyone artsy in your life. It could also be great for holding straight or double-pointed knitting needles.

These quilted blankets are so beautiful and I love the simplicity of the design. While the original method calls for using pre-quilted double gauze fabric, this doesn’t seem to be available anymore. However, you can easily make your own by layering pretty double gauze with some quilt batting. I think one of these may be included in my own gifting plans for my niece that is on the way.

I know masks aren’t exactly the most fun gift, but they are very practical and necessary as the pandemic continues to worsen. We can at least make them more pleasant by using fun fabrics and making them comfortable. I make the State the Label pattern linked above, but I use the modifications described in Natalie Ebaugh’s instagram stories (Mask Tips highlight). Cutting the fabric on the bias truly makes such a difference for comfort during wear. If giving masks as a gift, I like to give the elastics separately so the recipient can tie and secure them at the length they find most comfortable.

I recently checked this book out of my local library and am planning to purchase my own copy. It includes so many creative handmade projects that would be perfect for gifting. The crossbody tote is just one of several excellent options in this beautiful book. Check out or buy a copy of the book to access the pattern.

Caroline absolutely loves to wear eye masks to bed and this is such a cute version. This is another pattern that would be a great use of scrap fabrics, or you could make a luxe version with satin and lace. Ooh la la!

The crochet trim on these pillowcases is such a pretty touch. These could be fully handmade if you sew the pillowcases, or you could purchase a pretty set and then just add the embellishment. Either way, I love the idea and the look of these.