15 Handmade Gifts To Show Appreciation for Mom: Free Patterns

|

We all have essential people in our lives: teachers, first responders, kind neighbors and treasured friends. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, don’t forget how essential mom is too! Sew something thoughtful for these important people now while you are thinking about it.

Here are 15 free gifts to sew with free patterns and easy tutorials. Take a tiny bit of time to make these simple presents; they will help you express your ‘thank you’ perfectly.

Upcycle Bag

https://sewcanshe.com/how-to-sew-a-big-bag-from-a-quilt-quilted-bag-tutorial/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Sew a tote from a quilt! Use my free tote pattern to make a one-of-a-kind gift this year.

Thoughtful Heart Pouch

https://www.bluesusanmakes.com/2022/02/heart-zipper-pouch.html#more
Photo credit: Blue Susan Makes

Show appreciation with some extra love. Use the free heart pouch pattern written by my friend Sarah.

Easy Bit-O-Kindness Pouches

https://www.sewcanshe.com/blog/2018/9/18/bit-o-kindness-pouches-easy-sewing-tutorial
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Use my free sewing pattern to make a little, useful pouch and put something sweet inside. Your kind words will even go a long way to make someone’s day.

Easy Reading Pillow

https://www.polkadotchair.com/easy-reading-pillow-pattern/
Photo credit: Melissa Mortenson / Polka Dot Chair

Here is a thoughtful gift for the lover of words. Use the reading pillow pattern to create a present to remember!

Easy Zipper Pouch Pattern

teacher appreciation
Image Credit: SewCanShe.com

Even if you are a beginner at sewing, you can make these easy zipper pouches that can hold coins, school supplies, or cosmetics.

A Bowl Cozy

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

A soup bowl cozy is a cozy little cover for your bowl that helps keep hands from being burned after heating soup, or even cooking a potato. This free pattern includes 3 sizes, so you’ll be able to sew lots using fabric yardage, scraps, fat quarters, or even layer cake squares.

Pocket Tissue Cover

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Sew sweet covers for pocket-size tissue packages. This easy DIY sewing project makes a very thoughtful gift. These have a hanging loop and are awesome for keeping in your purse, car, bedroom, office, bathroom, or anywhere you need a tissue.

Machine Embroidered In The Hoop Sunglasses Case

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

My embroidering friends will like the Machine Embroidered Glasses Case I created for my friends at Hatch Embroidery. These require a 5×7 hoop or larger.

Heating Pad for Neck and Shoulders with Rice Inside

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Look how useful my DIY Heating Pads for shoulders and neck are for anyone who needs a warm hug! This easy sewing pattern uses rice or another reheatable grain so it can be warmed up in the microwave.

Three Hour Tote

Photo credit: All People Quilt

Use this free sewing pattern for a three hour tote as a gift bag, or as the gift itself.

  • Used with permission from American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine.

Mug Caddy

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

My free mug caddy sewing pattern is perfect for teachers because you know that they have an extra mug. This can be used as an organizer for all kinds of tools, and it’s super sturdy without being complicated!

Folded Fabric Coasters

coasters
Image credit: SewCanShe.

Cute coasters like these protect your furniture and use up fabric scraps! This sewing project is easy for any beginner and makes great anytime gifts.

Folded Fabric Potholders

folded fabric potholders
Image credit: SewCanShe.

If you want to give someone a matching set, you can make Folded Fabric Potholders using the same free tutorial.

Cute Corners Zipper Pouch Pattern 

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

I love how the Cute Corners DIY Cosmetic Case turned out. It would be a useful and stylish gift for so many on your list.

A Pretty Lanyard

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

A handmade lanyard from this free lanyard tutorial would make the perfect gift. Be careful; everyone else in the office will want one too!

Drawstring Bag with Hot Cocoa Packets

Another small gift idea is my Drawstring Gift Bag. Tuck in a coffee gift card and some chocolate and they make a sweet and welcome treat!

A Journal With a Pretty Fabric Cover

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Journaling helps us remember the good times and learn from hard times. Make a personalized journal with a pretty fabric cover and ribbon ties.

Journaling Bookmark and Pen Keeper

journaling bookmark
Image credit: SewCanShe.

Journaling is easier with a bookmark and pen keeper. This easy sewing project can be made with just a few scraps. The front is a great place for machine embroidery if you have an embroidery machine.

A Soft Mask for More Restful Sleep

Photo credit: AppleGreen Cottage

Getting a good night’s rest is so important! Help a friend sleep better with a soft and comfortable DIY sleep mask.

Cute Vinyl Zipper Pouches with Ribbon 

https://seekatesew.com/diy-pencil-pouch-with-a-bow/
Photo credit: See Kate Sew

When I think of teachers, I always think of pencil pouches. This zipper pouch pattern has a bow for a touch of sweetness.

More from SewCanShe:

https://www.5minutesformom.com/117431/ribbon-bookmark-diy-tutorial/
Photo credit: 5minutesformom.com

Tariffs? No Sweat! 10 Reasons Quilters Have Been Ready All Along

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Tote-ally Gorgeous! 35 Free Sewing Patterns for Big Bags: All Free

Photo credit: Duckadilly.com

Relax & Quilt: 75 Free Throw Patterns for a Warm and Happy Home

Photo credit: Studio Romantic / Shutterstock.com

Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂