40 Thoughtful Handmade Gifts – Free Patterns and Tutorials
Handmade gifts are just as fun to make as they are to receive. This is the time of year to make gifts for teachers, nurses, neighbors, and all the rest of the people in your life. I particularly love to make gifts for my children and close friends, and I’m feeling inspired!
Here are some ideas and free patterns to help inspire you. I hope you find joy in lifting others and sharing your love. If you are looking to sew a gift basket, check out my post 25 Free Sewing Patterns for Bins, Baskets, Buckets, and Boxes – Organize Everything!
Apple Mug Rug Set
This adorable set of handmade coasters makes me want to bust out the cinnamon sticks and apple cider. Sew a set for a sweet handmade gift.
Dice Tray
You can make a beautiful dice tray that can lay flat when not in use. If you know someone who loves dice this is the gift for them! Find the free tutorial at The Telarie.
Dice Bag
While you’re sewing for dice… Why not couple your gift with a custom bag for storing those cool dice. You could consider making it with matching fabric for a treasured and thoughtful gift. Heather Handmade gives you the free pattern.
Hooded Bath Towel
Here is a free pattern for a beautiful handmade hooded towel. Sew several for a newborn, or make a few for a shelter this season.
The Sweetest Needlebook
Sew this beautiful piece of handmade art as a way to store needles and other treasures. It’s more pleasing than plastic bags for sure.
Fabric Gift Boxes
Sometimes I want a personal way to give a gift. In moments of desperation I scour the internet for fast origami gift boxes that I proceed to stress over. But this fabric gift box is a brilliant solution. Not only is it beautiful, but after you give your gift it is useful for other storage!
Lip Gloss Case
Want to gift some lip gloss to a friend? Melissa offers her free pattern for a beautiful, and useful case that is perfect for any occasion.
Pocket Picture Book
Here is a free sewing pattern for a cute handmade picture book. You can use your favorite prints or applique and really personalize it to the likes and interests of your loved one. I can imagine a seek-and-find, or a Victorian costume accessory. Consider playing with different textures for someone who needs to fidget.
The Cutest Plushie
Who doesn’t smile when they see a cute plushie (softie, stuffy, etc.)? Teacup Designs has a load of cute plushie patterns, and some free embroidery files for the perfect faces. If you’ve never sewn a cuddly animal, give it a try!
Waterproof Picnic Blanket
I went to the store today and saw so many parents with their kids in uniform. This would make a great gift for a soccer mom! It’s also a perfect gift for anyone who loves camping. I’m sure you’ll love the free pattern at Polka Dot Chair.
Lavender Vanilla Bath Bomb
All I can think about when I see this bath bomb is my favorite spa. Lavender can help with mindfulness and muscle relaxation. It’s even calming to make the gift! Whip up a few to add to a nice care package.
Onyx in Autumn Table Runner
This would make a precious gift for this time of year. You can even customize the color of the cat! Here’s the tutorial on We All Sew.
Soft Robe for the House or Hospital
Sew a cozy robe! I love having comfortable clothes even when I don’t feel well. Soft and comfortable fabrics make a difference when you’re stuck somewhere, and this robe has a tie so you can be modest and easily accessible if necessary.
Mason Jar Vase
Flowers are always a nice gift. Upgrade the gift with a personalized handmade vase! This mason jar vase tutorial is nicely done. Go forth and gift!
Microwavable Heating Pad
You can sew a microwavable heating pad. This is malleable so it can be used anywhere on your body. This tutorial requires fabric, thread, and a reheatable grain such as rice or wheat. Use essential oils for a therapeutic touch.
Super Easy Reading Pillow
The free sewing pattern by Melissa at polkadotchair.com is a real treat. There is a strap for carrying on top, you can link to a more complicated pattern with a zipper on the back if you want. She also shows you three ways to add custom lettering on the front. This gift is sure to be a hit!
Weighted Wolf Plushie
This weighted plush, a Teacup Pattern, is just adorable! Lisdsay, at Artsy-Fartsy Mama, put together an easy-to-follow tutorial for a weighted snuggly. Weighted animals are perfect for kids who are struggling with sensory issues, or just need a little lifting. They are also very helpful for families experiencing emptiness from loss, miscarriage, or still birth. Consider adjusting the weight (and size) for the appropriate circumstances.
Heart Zipper Pouch
This sweet heart pouch would be a perfect way to gift some love! Check out the cute tutorial for the heart zipper pouch sewing tutorial.
Pocket Tissue Cover
Put a pocket tissue cover in a thoughtful care package for someone in need. The loop at the top makes it nice to attach in a reliable place, and the pattern is free! You can also make these to hold doggie mess bags. I prefer these to the clunky common plastic cylinders.
Soup Bowl Cozy
Add a spot of color to a homemade meal with this soup bowl cozy. They sew up quickly and can be used over and over.
Soft Minky Blanket
This excellent tutorial from Heather Handmade shows you how to make a double-layer minky blanket in any size you want. Minky is so soft and snuggly, and totally washable.
Hand Embroidered Gift Tags
Honestly, you could consider this as an add-on to your gift. But I wouldn’t mind receiving a set of these from a friend. I love adding a handmade touch, and what a thoughtful and pretty way to do that! Get the free pattern at polkadotchair.com.
Couch or Armchair Caddy
This easy-to-sew couch caddy can help someone keep all their essential items handy. It’s especially helpful for those stuck in a chair, or finding it difficult to walk much.
Cozy Handmade Slippers
Wearing soft slippers always makes me feel Comforted. This well done tutorial from Heather Handmade will teach you how to make cozy (and pretty) fleece slippers.
Self-Care Kit for Lotions, Lip Balm, Comfy Socks, etc.
The Twice as Nice Zippered Organizer would be perfect for holding all the pampering items you can think of. It’s pretty on the inside and the outside, and the pattern is free!
Journal With a Pretty Fabric Cover
Writing helps us remember the good times and learn from hard times. Make a personalized journal with a personalized 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 your favorite scraps. The front is a great place for a special touch with machine embroidery if you have an embroidery machine.
Conversation Coasters
What would you put together in a set of coasters or mug rugs? This photo from Duckadilly makes me think of The Nutcracker at Christmas time. I think a set of birds or moths would be beautiful, and would encourage a proper conversation. Here is the tutorial for this beautiful gift set.
Comforting Mask for More Restful Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest is an important part of being well! Help a friend sleep better with a nice, soft DIY sleep mask.
Lap Tray for Meals in Bed or On the Couch
This DIY project is not only thoughtful, but quick as well. Use this free breakfast tray tutorial to customize the look with wallpaper, scrapbook paper, or pretty fabric.
Fat Quarter Tea Towels
Here is an easy sewing pattern to make some nice clean custom tea towels. You can add monograms, edge stitching, and even applique to make these perfect for the person on your mind.
Gorgeous Duffle Bag
My free sewing pattern uses cotton fabric and foam stabilizer to make a designer-style duffle bag. I include an excellent method for inserting the zipper.
Sweet Sachets With Calming Herbs
Calming dried herbs like lavender, jasmine, or rosemary would be perfect for filling these charming embroidered butterfly decorations. Bring some healing calm to show you care.
Beach Towel Back Pack
This gift is particularly appropriate here in Florida; all year long! This has got to be the easiest way to carry a towel to the pool or the beach. No corners dragging, no tripping, and it’s easy to know which towel is yours. Check out my free sewing pattern and make some for your family.
Pretty Handmade Pillowcases
Sew some pretty ruffled pillowcases. These can be a nice gesture and can do a lot to make someone’s bedroom feel pleasant and relaxing.
Easy One Yard Pillowcase
Try this easy One Yard Pillowcase Tutorial to add character and love to someone’s bed. Perhaps you already have just the right fabric for someone you are thinking about!
Wall Art Using Pretty Fabric or Embroidered Words
Wall art is a thoughtful way to make someone’s room more enjoyable. These pretty no-sew decor pieces were made with fabric and inexpensive canvases. If your sewing machine can embroider, put an inspirational design on the fabric before attaching the fabric to the frame.
Box Pouch for Toiletries or Meds
You can keep your medication together, and enjoy getting it out using my free, pretty box pouch sewing pattern.
A Special Handmade Quilt
The free Woven Hearts Quilt Pattern carries a ton of love. Use minky on the back for a soft and cuddly warmth!
Face Mask with a Filter Pocket
If you know someone with health challenges, I’m sure they will appreciate a new fabric face masks every once in a while!
Turban Caps for Cancer Patients
This video tutorial from The Crafts Channel is the best I’ve found for this type of cap. They are great to make for charities too. The cap can be as soft and stretchy as the fabric you pick. Her design is very adaptable, and can be worn in two different ways.
Bonus: Handmade Gift Wrapping
Japanese culture inspires me. I appreciate the functional beauty of Japanese style, and this gift wrapping is no different. Lisa walks you through everything you need to know to make Furoshiki. It’s easy to do, and a finished edge is all the sewing that’s needed. Pick out some perfect prints to wrap your gifts this year.
More from SewCanShe:
25 Unique Gift Ideas for Teachers: Free Patterns and More
Love From Grandma: 30 Free Sewing Projects Your Grandma Would Make
50 Free Table Runner Patterns You Need to Start Sewing Now!
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. 🙂