22 Gifts You Can Sew – Easy Beginner Projects

We decided to take some of our more popular sewing projects and pop them in one place so that they are easy to find. Any of these sewing projects will make great gifts, not only at Christmas but for any special occasion. We hope you have fun choosing one of these sewing projects and don’t forget, we love to see what you create from our tutorials, so please share some photos of the gifts you make and maybe tell us a bit about the backstory – who its for, what fabric did you use, is it made from your scrap stash, anything you think may be of interest to our readers. Enjoy 😊

Watch the video below and scroll down for each project link

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#1 Kids Placemats and Table Runner Set

Kids like to have things that are personal to them. So why not make these place mats up in fabric that features their special interest. They will love sitting at the table or with their placemat. These are quick and easy to make and our tutorial takes you through the whole process including the binding.

Here is the link

#2 The Tablet Pouch

This is a soft, padded pouch to place you iPad or tablet. And even if you haven’t put in a zip before, our tutorial shows you how to do it. Make them up in bright, fun colours and they will be a hit with your family and friends. We used fat quarters for this sewing project.

Here is the link

#3 The No Frill Tote Bag

This bag couldn’t be easier to make. We used just one piece of fabric and some webbing for the handles. The bag has a nice gusset on the sides which gives it a professional look. We dressed this one up with some Heat Transfer Vinyl which we cut with our xtool laser cutter and applied with our HTV Ront heat press. But wow, doesn’t it add some pizzaz. But it’s just as nice plain.

Here is the link

#4 Fabric Baskets

You just can’t have enough of these. They are ideal in the craft room for all sorts of bits and pieces. Fill them up with craft or sewing supplies for you crafty family and friends. I decided to use up some left over jelly roll strips to make these baskets. The are quick and easy to make and you can embellish them with buttons, embroidery or even applique. They are fully reversible. Our tutorial shows you just how easy they are to make.

Here is the link

#5 Quick and Easy Pot Holders

You can never have enough pot holders. These are so quick and easy to make you will be willing your old ones to pass on so that you can make new ones. These are made with 10″ layer cake squares and some ribbon. Wrap one around a wooden spoon and tie it with a ribbon as a lovely gift for a friend who loves to cook. Follow our tutorial to see how to make them.

Here is the link

#6 Heat Pack or Trivet

We filled some of these trivets with herbs and spices and others with dried lavender. Just choose your favourite scent. When they are heated in the microwave or have a hot pot placed on them, the room will fill with a burst of the scent that is just divine. These make wonderful gifts, and they are made from 2 layer cake squares, so also a great scrap busting project. Check out the tutorial to see how to make them.

Here is the link

#7 Fabric Journal Cover

Another great gift that is quick and easy to make from scraps in your stash. What a lovely surprise for your book loving family and friends. Sometimes I use one piece of pretty fabric and other times I will use strips from my stash. The choice is yours and whatever you choose these journal covers will look great. Our tutorial shows you step-by-step just how easy these covers are to make.

Here is the link

#8 The Origami Tote Bag

This is our most popular tote bag tutorial. It has had over 1.6 million views. And if you check our our Readers Project pages you will see just how many of our lovely readers have made this bag. Each one is uniquely styled to suit the maker. Your family and friends will be delighted to receive one of these lovely Origami tote/market bags. We have a video tutorial and step by step written instructions on how to make this bag.

Here is the link

#9 Fabric Gift Bags

These little gift bags are ideal to fill with chocolates or treats for a quick and easy Christmas present.

Here is the link

#10 Zippered Pouch/Purse

Make up some zippered pouches. These are easy to make and will be appreciated by all who receive them. Great scrap busters, just use up fabric that you have on hand. Don’t be concerned about putting in a zip, we show you how to do that.

Here is the link

#11 Zippered Cushion Cover

I love this method of making beautiful cushion covers. And we show you how to insert a zipper that gives the cushion cover a truly professional look. Make them in a pretty Christmas fabric to celebrate this time of the year or you can make them in any fabric you love.

Here is the link

#12 Pocket Book/Reading Cushion Cover

These are great for both children and adults. Kids can use this cushion cover to place their favorite book or some small toys that are precious to them. Adults can place the latest book they are reading to have it on hand, and they can tuck the book back into the pocket when their time out to read and relax is over. I made one for my great grandson and popped in a ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ book ( I think this is a grandmothers favorite book for kids, I know it’s one of mine). So a great gift all round for children or adults.

Here is the link

#13 Couched Patchwork Tote Bag

Once the supermarkets stopped using plastic bags, we knew it was time to make our own tote bags. These lovely bags are made from charm squares. After sewing the squares together we added couching around the squares. It’s super easy so don’t be put off by the couching. Your friends will love receiving one of these lovely bags as a gift. Watch our tutorial to see how to make this bag.

Here is the link

#14 Applique Cushion Cover

We had fun with this one. The applique flowers were cut out using the Cricut Maker machine, and I added the buttons to the centers, which I think helped the flowers to pop. The cushion cover has a zip closure on the back, but don’t be put off by this if you haven’t inserted a zip into a project before. We take you through the process. Just think what a lovely gift this will make.

Here is the link

#15 Layer Cake Baby Quilt

We just loved how this came together. It is made from layer cake squares (10″ squares). There are no borders and no binding, so super simple to make. This would also make a nice lap quilt for an elderly relative.

Here is the link

#16 The Checkerboard Tote Bag

We have a neat technique for making this lovely checkerboard tote bag using strips of fabric. In our tutorial we show you how to add the lining, handles and how to form the contrasting band around the top. Definitely a winner in the gift stakes.

Here is the link

#17 Easiest Quilt Ever

Well this is our most popular quilt tutorial ever, and why is that? Well it’s super simple to make, and ideal for a beginner to make. There are no borders or binding, we use the turn through method.

Here is the link

#18 Stack ‘N’ Slash Quilt

This such a great way to create a quilt with a stained glass effect. Our tutorial makes it easy for you. What a great gift this would make.

Here is the link

#19 Christmas Placemats

These place mats are such a popular project. These make ideal gifts for your family and friends, or make them for yourself to add to the Christmas atmosphere. They are super easy to make and we show you how to add the borders and binding.

Here is the link

#20 Lavender Sachets

Make a few of these lovely lavender sachets and tie them up with a ribbon. Add some dried herbs or essential oils to make a lovely gift. These sachets can be used in linen cupboards, wardrobes, shoes etc. The give off a lovely aroma. Super easy to make. Our tutorial shows you just how easy. They are made using just two layer cake squares.

Here is the link

#21 Reversible Quilt as You go Quilt

This technique is one of my favourite ways to make a quilt. Once you have sewn everything together that’s it, it’s done, no further quilting required. Check out the tutorial to see how to make this reversible qayg quilt.

Here is the link

#22 Signature Quilt

What a perfect gift for any special occasion. A signature quilt is ideal as a memento of a special event. Guests can write sentiments on the white sashing and the recipient has a wonderful record of the special people who attended. This is such an easy quilt to make and one that will be treasured for a long time. This quilt is ideal for beginners. Our tutorial shows you how to make the Signature Quilt.

Here is the link

So there you are, 22 great gift ideas for you. We hope you enjoy making these projects as much as we have enjoyed putting together the videos and tutorials for you.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deb says

    I love you guys. You have such great projects that beginners can succeed with and down to earth instructions. Thank you!!!I have made 2 strip quilts so far. I’m slightly addicted :))

    • Alanda Craft says

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment Deb 😊. We are so happy to hear that you enjoy our tutorials. We would love to see photos of your quilts if you would like to share some. Here is a link /submit-your-project/ Our readers love seeing what others have created. You are all so talented and every project is unique in its look. You may be slightly addicted now but we’ll work on getting that up to the crazily addicted like the rest of us 🤣.

  2. Marion Symonds says

    Thank you so much for this wonderful assortment of goodies. I love Alanda Crafts! Your videos and tutorials are a joy and so easy to follow. Thank you for so generously sharing your great talent with us all. Best wishes and hugs, Marion, North Somerset, UK.

  3. Sharron O'Hara says

    You are the best!!!!! Your instructions are easy to follow and I love all the ideas you have posted on this post. Thank you so much!

  4. Olivia says

    Your tutorials are so easy to follow for a beginner . Keep the projects coming.
    From the U.S. Piedmont of North Carolina

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