Sewing Hope: 25 Handmade Gifts for a Friend Facing Challenges

|

Is someone going through a tough time? Handmade gifts are a thoughtful way to show your care and support. I’ve compiled a list of 25 easy craft and sewing ideas that can bring a smile to someone’s face

From soft blankets to beautiful art, you’ll find something special to make. Keep reading for gift ideas that come straight from the heart.

A Soft Robe for Wearing Around the House or Hospital

Photo credit: Heather Handmade

This handmade gift will show that you really care! Sew your friend a cozy robe from soft and comfortable fabrics. It can help someone feel at ease no matter where they are for now.

A Microwavable Heating Pad

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Sew your friend a microwavable heating pad that can be warmed and wrapped around the neck, shoulders, feet, or wherever needed. This easy tutorial only requires fabric, thread, and a reheatable grain such as rice or wheat. Add essential oils for a special touch.

Pocket Tissue Cover

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Tissues are handy for teary eyes, stuffy noses, and accidental spills. Put an easy pocket tissue cover sewn from a free tutorial in a handmade care package.

Soup Bowl Cozy

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Chicken soup may be good for a cold, but not if you burn your hands on the bowl! Sew someone an easy soup bowl cozy to accompany a homemade meal.

A Soft Minky Blanket For Comfort and Warmth

Photo credit: Heather Handmade

This easy-to-follow tutorial from Heather Handmade shows you how to make a double-layer minkie blanket in any size you want. Customize it for your friend; you will love how soft it is!

Couch or Armchair Caddy

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

This easy-to-sew couch caddy can help someone keep all their essential items handy so they don’t have to do extra reaching or getting up.

Some Cozy Slippers to Pamper Their Feet

Photo credit: Heather Handmade

Wearing soft slippers always makes you feel better, no matter the ailment! This easy tutorial from Heather Handmade will teach you how to make pretty fleece slippers.

Tea Wallet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut7klo0narA
Photo credit: Sew Simple Home

Gift soothing tea and in this beautiful pocket pouch. It’s a great way to easily make sure you have a few things on hand to calm and pamper when you need it. Here’s the video tutorial for sewing a Tea Wallet.

A Self-Care Kit

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

The Twice as Nice Zippered Organizer would be perfect for a kit filled with lotions, lip balm, comfy socks, etc. It’s pretty on the inside and the outside, and the pattern is free!

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.

Heart/Envelope Mug Rug

https://ellaandnesta.blogspot.com/2015/02/how-to-make-folding-envelope-heart-mug.html
Photo Credit: Ella & Nesta

Sew the Heart Mug Rug using the free pattern from Ella & Nesta, and then fold it into an envelope and stuff it with soothing (or indulging) drinks.

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.

Helpful Planner

https://heyletsmakestuff.com/planner-organizer/
Photo credit: HeyLetsMakeStuff.com

Sometimes the biggest help can come in the form of putting your thoughts in order. When I spent months in the hospital I found myself wishing I had a place to put all the business cards, take notes, and keep a list of exercises and times. Sew one using the free sewing pattern from heyletsmakestuff.com.

A Pretty Lap Tray for Meals in Bed or On the Couch

Photo credit: thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

This DIY project shows so much thoughtfulness, plus it comes together quickly using this free breakfast tray tutorial. The example shows wallpaper, but it would be easy to make with pretty fabric, too.

A Pretty Duffle Bag to Carry Personal Items to the Hospital or Hotel

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

This free sewing pattern uses cotton fabric and foam stabilizer to make a designer-style duffle bag that anyone would love. You’ll love my easy method for sewing in a zipper.

Sweet Sachets With Calming Herbs

Photo credit: Sum of Their Stories

Calming dried herbs like lavender, jasmine, or rosemary would be perfect for filling these charming embroidered butterfly decorations.

A Set of Pretty Pillowcases

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Being stuck at home or in bed for an extended period is difficult. Sew some pretty ruffled pillowcases to make someone’s bedroom more pleasant and relaxing.

Walker Caddy

https://sewcanshe.com/diy-walker-caddy-free-sewing-pattern/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Is your friend experiencing changes in lifestyle? It can be hard to add appliances to your life. Make it a little sweeter with this super helpful walker caddy sewing pattern.

Comfort Dolls

https://sewcanshe.com/2017-12-18-sew-because-you-care-comfort-dolls/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

These little dolls are super easy, and very meaningful. We can stand in solidarity with those we love by relating or by being a safe place. Sew a comfort doll using this free sewing pattern. I made her eyes red to show that there is beauty along with sadness.

Easy One Yard Pillowcase

pillowcases
Image credit: SewCanShe.com

If you want to sew a special pillowcase but without all the ruffles, try this easy One Yard Pillowcase Tutorial. Perhaps you already have just the right fabric for someone you are thinking about. I recently discovered that one of our local hospitals accepts donations of pillow cases to give to children.

Wall Art Using Pretty Fabric or Embroidered Words

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com


Wall art is another thoughtful way to make someone’s room more enjoyable. These pretty decor pieces were made with just fabric and inexpensive canvases. If your sewing machine can embroider, put an inspirational design on the fabric first.

Pretty Box Pouch for Toiletries or Medication

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

Having to take medicine every day is less tedious if you get to open a pretty container like this. The free, pretty box pouch sewing pattern is just the right size.

Casserole Caddy

https://sewcanshe.com/sew-a-diy-casserole-carrier-free-pattern-with-insulated-batting/
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

In my church, one of the first things we do to support each other is make food for the family. Sew this casserole dish caddy and keep food warm and easy to carry at the same time.

A Special Quilt

https://sewcanshe.com/woven-hearts-free-pattern-for-a-classic-swedish-heart-quilt/ 57x74 throw, large lap
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

The free Woven Hearts Quilt Pattern is full of love! It finishes at 57″ x 74″ for a large lap size.

Face Mask with a Filter Pocket

Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

For most of us, fabric face masks are no longer a necessity. If you have a friend with health challenges that require them to still wear a mask in public, they might appreciate a pretty new one!

Turban Caps for Cancer Patients

Photo credit: The Crafts Chanel

I’ve had many requests for a pattern to make soft chemo caps for charity or for friends who want to cover their head. This video tutorial from The Crafts Channel is the best I’ve found. The cap can be as soft and stretchy as the fabric you pick. Her design is very adaptable and may be worn in two different ways.

More from SewCanShe:

Photo credit: thehousethatlarsbuilt.com

Quilting and Sewing Terms: What They Mean Plus Free Sewing Patterns To Help You

Photo credit: FABSCRAP

70 Free Lap Quilt Patterns You HAVE to Try!

https://sewcanshe.com/bears-paw-3-yard-quilt-pattern/ 52x52 large lap, throw
Photo credit: SewCanShe.com

15 Expert Tips You’ll Want To know When Buying A Used Sewing Machine

Editorial credit: Svetlyachock / 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. 🙂