Handmade gifts are some of my favorite things to receive. The thought and effort behind a handmade gift feels extra special in such a busy season. Here are a few ideas for some easy things you can make at home to give this holiday season.
Rag Doll
I don’t have a pattern for you yet, but you can find several printable patterns on etsy. Handmade rag dolls are precious and make a wonderful gift. You only need a few bits of fabric and some polyfill stuffing.
Knit Hat
If you know how to knit or crochet, and you have a skein of yarn, a knit hat is such a special handmade gift that can be used for years to come.
This little pixie hat is ADORABLE and you would not believe how simple it is to make!! Perfect for a beginner, if you can cast on, knit, and purl, you can make this hat.
You are going to knit a rectangle, but have to figure out the size of the rectangle you need.
- Measure around your face or around a face that is a similar size to the person who will receive this gift. This measurement will be the width of the rectangle.
- Measure from forehead to crown. This measurement will be the length.
- Cast on as many stitches as it takes to get to the width measurement. (You may need to knit a few rows before you know it it is the right size. Don’t be afraid to unwind and start again. This is in leiu of knitting a swatch and is NOT best practice, but it is a quick way to make a gift.)
- Work in stockinette stitch (K 1 row, purl 1 row, and repeat) until you reach the desired length and then cast off.
- Fold the work in half width-wise to make a smaller square-ish shape and join the pieces down the back.
- Add about 6 equal-length yarn strands to the corners and braid them to create ties.
Mismatched Napkins
This is a perfect way to use up some scrap fabric. As long as you have enough for a few 16in x 16in squares and can sew a strait line, you’ll be ready to go! The instructions are simple:
- Measure and cut squares of fabric that has been washed and ironed. 16 x 16, 18 x 18, or 20 x 20 are all good sizes.
- Turn the edges in 1/4in twice and press.
- Sew all the way around creating a nice finished edge.
Fabric Coasters Two Ways
This is another way to use up even smaller bits of scrap fabric and a thoughtful hostess or housewarming gift.
The Simplest Way
This is the simplest sewing project there is; however it does require pinking shears.
- Cut out 2, squares of your washed and ironed fabric and 1 square of felt all measuring 4in x 4in. (3 squares total)
- Sandwich the felt between the 2 layers of fabric with the right sides out and pin to secure,
- Sew all the way around.
- Use the pinking shears to trim all the way around and ensure no frayed edges.
Slightly More Advanced
- Start with 2 squares of fabric and 1 square of felt each measuring 5 1/2 in x 5 1/2 in.
- Lay the two layers of fabric with right sides together and then place the felt layer on top. Pin to secure.
- Sew 3 sides of the square, leaving the 4th side open.
- Clip the corners- optional, but recommended
- Turn your work right sides out so that the right sides show and the felt is in the middle.
- Fold the 4th side under and in to create the seam and top stitch all the way around.
Very Simple Throw Blanket
- Start with 3 yards of fabric cut in half to make 2, pieces that each measure 1 1/2 yard long. (washed and ironed)
- Pin them right sides together.
- Sew almost all the way around. Leave an area about 1 ft wide open on one side. Depending on your fabric, clip the corners.
- Use that opening to turn the blanket right side out being sure to push the corners out well.
- Fold the open edge under and in and top stitch all the way around. (optional- try a zigzag stitch)
Jams, Jellies, or Preserves
If you have preserved anything, you can use a little fabric and string to make it festive and give it as a gift. I love to receive homemade jams, jellies, and preserves!
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