15 Handmade Gifts to Sew For Neighbors and Teachers: All Free Patterns
We all have essential workers in our lives: teachers, first responders, kind neighbors and treasured friends. What will you give these important people when it’s time to show your appreciation?
Here are 15 free neighbor or teacher gifts to sew with free patterns and easy tutorials. These simple presents will express your ‘thank yous’ perfectly.
Easy Zipper Pouch Pattern
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
A soup bowl cozy is a cozy little cover for your bowl that helps keep hands from being burned after heating soup, noodles, leftovers, 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
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
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
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.
Scandinavian Star Ornament
Learn how to make traditional Scandinavian Star Ornaments using folded fabric. This fun and easy tutorial is great for using up fabric scraps. There’s no machine sewing needed – just one stitch at the end to attach a string for hanging.
Mini Christmas Stockings
At 6 1/2“ tall and 5 1/2“ wide, my Mini Stockings are perfect for a small gift. The topstitching on the toe and heel are one of my favorite touches.
Folded Fabric Coasters
Cute coasters like these protect your furniture and use up fabric scraps! This sewing project is easy for any beginner and makes great holiday or anytime gifts.
Folded Fabric Potholders
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
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
A handmade lanyard from this free lanyard tutorial would make the perfect gift for a coworker. Be careful: everyone else in your office will want one too!
Drawstring Bag with Hot Cocoa Packets
Another small gift idea is my Hot Cocoa Bag. Tuck in a candy cane and some marshmallows and they make a sweet and welcome treat!
A Journal With a Pretty Fabric Cover
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 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
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
When I think of teachers, I always think of pencil pouches. My Ribbon and Vinyl Pouch is so practical because it’s easy to use and easy to clean. Teachers might appreciate something being easy this year, I think.
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Jelly Roll Magic! 20 Free Sewing Patterns to Sew With 2 1/2” Strips of Fabric
Grandma’s Love in Stitches: 25 Sewing Projects Grandma Would Make for You
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. 🙂