If you’re anything like me, the actual sewing for the holidays doesn’t usually start until after Thanksgiving. This year, the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are a bit less than normal and that’s creating a bit of panic. As I started searching for some projects I could make that I already knew how to sew, I thought you might want some ideas, too. Here are some pretty quick and easy projects to make for Christmas gifts. Some are free patterns, some are available as PDFs–all are doable in the next few weeks!
Gift for the Grown-Ups
You need something fast and easy? That’s where a Luxe Cuddle® scarf comes in and I’ve got two to share. You can find the Infinity Scarf kit from Shannon Fabrics at lots of local quilts shops, so check the one closest to you. If they don’t have them, you can grab one online from Red Roxy Quilt Co., KC Maker Studio & Fabrics, On Pins & Needles, and others. You can also download the free pattern and buy a yard of fabric to make three.
If you’re looking for something smaller, or doesn’t slip over the head, I made a simple Cuddle® Magnetic Scarf with Jenny over at Missouri Star Quilt Company. We had a fun time making the tutorial, mistakes and all, and pretty darn easy. If you’ve got a set of magnets around, and some Cuddle® scraps, you’ll be set!
For your sewist friends, you can make a quick Four-Patch Pincushion using just your scraps–add some walnut shells, Poly Pellets or Glasslets for some extra weight and you’re good to go. They whip up in under and hour and get easier with every one. You can find the pattern, video workshop, weights and finished pincushions at CrinkleDreams.com
Gifts for Teens
I love this Mobile Device Pillow that Hunter’s Design Studio created–perfect for any age, really. Who hasn’t tired of holding their phone upright to watch videos, chat with friends or read a book? It’s quick, easy and can be personalized with the right fabric choices, applique or embroidery. Get creative! You can download the pattern and watch the tutorial and have it done before dinner.
Another option that totally works for all ages are the awesome Moon Booties from Sew House Seven. These are also great for personalizing with fabric choices and for getting used to working with Cuddle. You know those insides need to be sooooft! There’s lots of elastic bits to make them stay on and the PDF pattern comes in kid size 4 through men’s size 14. Here’s a live sew along with Sew Sew Live, if you want to see how she did them.
Gifts for the Kiddos
I made the Lovey Love pattern by Melly & Me for an episode of Sew Together Tuesday and what I found was that it is an easy sew, perfect for blending cotton and Cuddle® (make the head, outer ears, arms, and legs in Cuddle). If you’re new to sewing in 3-D, this is a baby step in, as the only thing that is stuffed is the head. You will want to have a sharp hand-sewing needle at the ready; you’ll need it to attach the head and sew on the facial features. Turns out this was a favorite and several viewers made more than a dozen each!
Lovey Love PDF pattern: https://www.mellyandme.com/product-page/lovey-love-e-pattern-baby-toy-sewing-pattern
If you’re familiar with sewing stuffed animals, then I’ve got lots of recommendations. I love the Puppy Dog Pete from Funky Friends Factory, Hefty Hippo from Rustic Horseshoe and I’m a sucker for the sushi plushies from Sew Desi Nu. We filmed this tutorial for Pete at Cozy Creative Center on my Singer Featherweight and it’s still one of my favorites. You can find kits for it at CrinkleDreams.com
There are tons of other patterns and projects, but these are some of my favorite and fastest projects that work great for holiday gifts. I’ve got a few of these already on my to-make list for the month, so join me for Makers’ Happy Hour in the Dream Team this week to see them come together. I can’t wait to see what you make!
Happy sewing (for the holidays)!
P.S. I’m really excited that Hawke and I are starting up our own sewing tutorial show on YouTube, called MAKE with Teresa Coates. Make sure to subscribe to my channel so you can get notifications! We’ll be live Wednesday, January 8th at 9am Pacific!
