Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Kirstin from kojodesigns writes on her blog about a longtime New Year’s Eve tradition in her family. They’d make tape recorded conversations as the family reflected upon the past year and their hopes for the coming year(s). This year, she decided to start a similar tradition in her own household, with a written account of the best memories of the year. She calls it a “Best Of…” Book and she shares a tutorial so you can make one for your own family. Get the how-to.
There is a particular kind of satisfaction in making a Christmas present from fabric you already own. That little floral offcut finally gets its moment, the leftover quilt squares become something useful, and we get to say, “See? I told you that piece was worth keeping.”
Honestly, it’s practically a public service for the sewing cupboard.
Scrap fabric Christmas gifts are also a lovely way to keep handmade giving manageable. Much as I admire a beautifully finished Christmas quilt, there are years when a small pouch and a cup of tea are about the limit of my December ambitions. Little sewing projects let us enjoy making something personal without committing to weeks at the machine.
The trick is choosing a project that suits both your scraps and the person receiving it. A reader might appreciate a bookmark tucked inside a novel. A sewing friend will understand the appeal of a patchwork pincushion. And anyone who spends half their morning untangling charging cables could probably use a handful of cord keepers.
These Christmas gifts to sew include projects for small cotton offcuts, narrow strips and larger remnants. Some need a few extra supplies, such as elastic, batting, zips or keyring hardware, so have a rummage through the notions tin before you begin. There may already be enough in there to stock a small haberdashery.
Best of all, your fabric doesn’t need to have Christmas trees printed on it. Choosing colours and patterns the recipient loves makes these gifts useful long after the decorations come down.
A fabric bookmark is a lovely excuse to use that precious little print you’ve been saving because there wasn’t enough left for anything “proper.” This fabric bookmark tutorial from Needlepointers is suitable for beginners and turns small scraps into a practical present. I’d tuck one inside a book with a handwritten note explaining why I chose the story for them.
The scrappy quilted coasters from Lo & Behold Stitchery are a pretty way to bring several favourite fabrics together in one small project. Make a coordinating set and tie them with ribbon for a thoughtful host gift. I’d choose colours that suit the recipient’s home so they can leave them out all year.
These pocket tissue holders from Alanda Craft use just two small pieces of fabric, and the tutorial includes three sizes to suit different tissue packets. They’re the sort of useful little gift that earns its place in a handbag rather than sitting in a drawer. Add a fresh packet of tissues before wrapping, and make a few in different prints for teachers, neighbours or friends.
The cord keeper tutorial from Made for Mermaids is designed for small fabric scraps and makes a handy gift for anyone with charging leads to organise. I’d sew a little collection in different colours so each cable is easier to identify. These would be particularly useful tucked into a teenager’s stocking or paired with a travel pouch.
The easy lavender sachets from Gluesticks turn small cotton remnants into fragrant gifts for drawers and cupboards. A little stack tied with ribbon would look lovely in vintage florals, soft linen colours or scraps from a favourite sewing project. Choose these for someone you know enjoys lavender, and add a tag so they know what’s inside.
For a slightly more involved gift, try this scrappy zipper pouch from Patchwork and Poodles. The exterior uses little fabric squares, while the lining needs larger pieces, making it a good project for combining your scrap basket with leftover yardage. I love the idea of choosing the prints around the recipient—florals for one friend, bright geometrics for another—and letting the patchwork make each pouch individual.
Long, narrow remnants are worth setting aside for these scrunchies from Melly Sews. Her method creates a neat finish without visible stitching, which gives a small homemade gift a lovely polished touch. Make a pair in the recipient’s favourite colours and slip them into a little paper sleeve for an easy stocking filler.
CraftGossip’s patchwork pincushion feature points to a project from Tea and a Sewing Machine that uses small fabric scraps and trims. This is where I’d bring out the special leftovers: a piece from a much-loved quilt, a treasured floral or a little length of lace. Pair the finished pincushion with a reel of thread for a small Christmas gift a fellow stitcher will appreciate.
The scrap key fob tutorial from Lo & Behold Stitchery is another useful option for turning leftover fabric into a gift. You’ll need the appropriate hardware as well as your sewing supplies, so this is one to plan before settling in for an afternoon at the machine. A cheerful print would make a lovely present for someone who is forever trying to spot their keys at the bottom of a bag.
For a gift with a festive feel, our scrap fabric tree ornaments on CraftBits use cotton fabric, ribbon and basic sewing skills. They’re a sweet way to use Christmas remnants, although gingham, florals and simple country prints would be lovely too. Give a small set together, or attach one to a wrapped present as a decoration the recipient can keep.
A little coordination goes a long way when you’re sewing with leftovers. Try pulling out two or three colours before choosing your fabrics, then repeat those colours across a small gift set. A tissue holder and scrunchie in related prints can feel beautifully considered, even when neither required a trip to the fabric shop.
Pressing and finishing matter, too. Trim the loose threads, check the seams and give each gift a final press where suitable. Add a simple handwritten tag, and you have something ready to give with pride.
For more small handmade present ideas, have a look at our 30 Handmade Christmas Gifts You Can Send in a Card or Envelope.
And if using the scraps creates a little more room in the sewing cupboard? Well, I’m sure we can all think of something to do with that.
I remember when I was a little girl, I was lucky to have my grandma living with us. She would sit with my sister and I teaching us how to sew, knit and other craft. I remember sitting at the threadle sewing machine and pumping it so Grandma could sew and she would take the belt off so we could play and not get hurt. As time went on we would sew fabric and make little things. As time went on my Mom got an electric sewing machine and Grandma would still sew on the threadle machine. We had alot of good times with Grandma and alot of closeness. When I got a granddaughter I would spend alot of special time teaching her to sew, pillows and quilts. I always thank my grandma for giving to me the time and love, so I did the same for my granddaughter Alexa. I look back at a time when life was simple and am so happy to have the wonderful memories and I hope my granddaugher will have the same memories of me.
These are such lovely sewing memories!
where do I find the information for the Jo-Ann Decades Contest I went into the site you provided but no luck