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Radiant Home Studio | Sewing Patterns & Surface Design

Radiant Home Studio

November 22, 2016 ·

10 Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas

Sewing

…for Christmas or anytime…

One of my favorite parts of sewing is making gifts for the people I love. Nothing says “I love you” like a handmade gift in just the “perfect” fabric. I love seeing the smile on someone’s face when they receive a gift that is personalized to their taste.

If your house is full of little kids, like mine, you know we don’t always have a lot of time to make elaborate gifts. But even these small ones will make your friends and family feel loved and appreciated. Sometimes teenagers and men can be difficult to make gifts for, but several of these ideas will work well for your young, modern, and masculine friends and family members too.

Here are 10 quick and easy handmade gift ideas:

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

(Some links may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks!)

Potholders:

This tutorial was designed to be quick & easy. Who wants to spend hours making something that is going to get dirty? These potholders are still beautiful and thoughtful, without taking too much time to make. Just make sure to read the safety instructions and use the recommended thermal batting layer! (If you want to make a set with a matching oven mitt, try the full Flower City Potholder Pattern.)

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Quilted Sketchbook Cover:

This one takes a little bit more time, but if you like quilting and have scraps to use up, this sketchbook cover makes a beautiful gift for artists and writers. If you don’t have time to piece together the triangles, you can skip ahead to the construction and make a solid fabric cover. It fits perfectly on a Moleskine notebook.

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Denim Pocket Tote Bag:

If you don’t have time to make a whole bag, updating a tote bag is a great way to personalize a gift quickly. This one uses denim scraps and some simple bag hardware to add style to a plain tote bag. I think this one would be great for a teenager!

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Waxed Canvas Gift Pouch:

These little gift pouches are easy to make in bulk and are also the perfect size for gift cards and cash. You can use wax on the whole pouch for a more masculine look.

How to Make A Waxed Canvas Gift Pouch | Radiant Home Studio

Mini House Pillow:

These little house pillows can be made in designer fabrics for decor in a cozy home or in sweet fabrics for a baby or toddler. For the little ones, you could even add flaps over the doors and windows with peek-a-boo surprises underneath.

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Stamped Tote Bag:

This is another fun idea for updating a plain tote bag. It might even be something your older kids can make for their friends! You just need some simple stamp carving tools to make a stamp. It is really fun and easy to personalize. Any pattern or design will work, so you can create something that’s perfect for anyone on your list.

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Embroidered Envelopes:

Here’s another cute idea for gift cards, cash, or other small gifts. It’s like a bonus gift when you use it to wrap other small items. The pattern linked in the post also allows you to make a bigger purse-sized bag.

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Custom Tea Towels:

These are great for hostess gifts. I usually make 8-12 each year for friends and for use in gift swaps. All you need to do is buy a yard of fabric, cut around the rectangles, and hem your tea towels. Each yard comes with 4 towels, making them very affordable. If the painted landscape isn’t your style, there are hundreds of other designs to choose from! (Here’s a link to several I have designed. Most are calendars that I update each year in the Fall, but you can use any fat quarter of fabric. How fun would it be to have shibori dyed towels?)

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Fold-Over Tote Bag:

And here’s another tote bag idea. Showcase a favorite designer print with the fold-over flap on the tote. The faux leather straps and hardware make it young and modern looking. This one is also great for teens.

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

Notebook Cover:

This is the only paid pattern I’m including. These notebook covers make great gifts for anyone. The larger size fits on a basic composition notebook, so they are great for kids! The smaller size fits on a Moleskine notebook. Either can be made in masculine fabrics for the guys. I’m planning a waxed canvas version next. (I can’t stop waxing all of the things…)

Quick & Easy Handmade Gift Ideas | Radiant Home Studio

I hope these gift ideas inspire you to give some handmade gifts to your friends and family this year. Happy gift making!

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Previous Post: « How to Make a Waxed Canvas Gift Pouch
Next Post: Little Photographer Camera Pattern: Gifts for Preschoolers »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mother of 3 says

    November 23, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Such cute ideas! I love that fold- over tote bag.

    • Sara Curtis says

      November 23, 2016 at 8:44 am

      Thank you!

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Sara Curtis | Stationery & Pattern Design
Favorite place to add stickers? My kids have them Favorite place to add stickers? My kids have them on their water bottles and laptops. My husband adds them to his bullet journal cover to document his travels each year.

A few months ago, I added some inspirational stickers to the shop, but I don’t think I’ve shared them here! 

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Here’s another new pattern! This periwinkle colo Here’s another new pattern! This periwinkle color has been inspiring some new color palettes and combinations recently. 

Faire Winter Market is open for wholesale orders! I’m looking forward to connecting with more community-focused boutiques. 🙋‍♀️

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Washi tape is stocked and ready to ship! I started Washi tape is stocked and ready to ship! I started a fresh bullet journal a couple of weeks ago and I love using washi to mark sections. What do you use it for?

Today is insider access to Faire Winter Market! If you are a retailer, my Faire store is linked. And if you know a shop owner that sells stationery or accessories, please share! ☺️

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It has been months since I had the creative drive It has been months since I had the creative drive to make a new pattern! I had other things to do today, but when you feel the energy return you have to go with it. 

I have several unfinished collections that just needed a pattern or two to complete the set. I’ve finished one today! I’m not sure where this will land in the world, but it feels good to be designing again. 🙌

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I’ve got a few new cards in stock for Spring! Th I’ve got a few new cards in stock for Spring! This card is a favorite - happy flowers and an encouraging message about embracing challenges. 

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