27 quick gifts to sew when you're short of time
Looking for quick gifts to sew for friends and family? We've chosen some of our favourite easy sewing projects to help you make amazing homemade presents for your loved ones

Nothing shows you care quite like a homemade gift, but it's not always easy to know what to make. Don't worry, we've got you covered with this collection of quick gifts to sew for any occasion, whether you're looking for quick and easy Christmas gifts to sew or an easy sewing project to make for a friend. If you're going to gift any of these products make sure you check out our how to do furoshiki wrapping and our suminagashi gift wrap tutorial to wrap them up prettily!
Read on to discover some quick sewing projects that can be made at the last minute when you don't have much time…
For more gift ideas, check out the best sewing gifts and llama gifts.
1. Headbands
Keep your hair neat and tidy with these quick to sew headbands – they make lovely gifts too! Find out how to make a headband and follow the step-by-step tutorial to make your own.

2. Rainbow cushion
This cheerful rainbow cushion will brighten up any home. Anna Alicia's pattern is easy enough for beginners to sew – find the rainbow cushion sewing pattern here.

3.Fabric necklace
This stash-busting necklace would make a wonderful gift for a friend. It's simple enough that you could stitch it in a couple of hours and you can adjust the colours to suit the recipient. Learn how to make a fabric necklace with Anna Alicia's easy tutorial

4. Envelope clutch bag
This quick gift to sew is perfect for when you need to make a present at short notice. This simple sewing project created by Jennie Jones is suitable for beginners to put together. Find the free envelope clutch bag sewing pattern here.

.5 Baby booties
These tiny baby booties are a great gift for new parents – and they're quick to sew too! Use up a few fat quarters with this baby bootie sewing pattern by Jennie Jones.

6. Yoga mat bag
This is a fantastic gift for the yogi in your life! Make them this stylish bag to protect their yoga mat and keep it looking neat when stored at home. Try Leah Farquharson's free yoga mat bag pattern.

7. Liberty passport cover pattern
Be the most chic traveller in the airport with this elegant passport cover! Learn how to make this glamorous gift with our Liberty passport cover free sewing pattern.

8. Floral tie
Make a unique tie for a loved one using a beautiful floral print with this classic free tie sewing pattern designed by Jenni Smith.

9. Kite mobile
This cute kite mobile would be great for a nursery or a child's bedroom. It's an easy sewing project that can be made in an afternoon. Find out how to sew a kite mobile with this project designed by Sammy Claridge.

10. Camera strap
This reversible camera strap would make a fantastic present for any photographers that you know. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to sew a camera strap.

11. Quick-sew face mask
Help someone enjoy a moment of relaxation by giving them a homemade sleep mask designed by Jennie Jones. Why not team it up with some skin products or aromatherapy goodies as part of a care package? Make the DIY sleep mask free sewing pattern.

12. Pocket heat packs
These heat packs can be tucked into a pocket to keep your fingers warm when you head out for a chilly winter walk. They can be fragranced with lavender or flower petals and make a lovely gift for friends, relatives or colleagues. Find our sewing pattern for pocket heat packs here.

13. Tea cosy
We all know someone who loves a cup of tea more than anything! This tea cosy sewing pattern will help you to make a fabulous gift for the tea addict in your life.

14. Fabric wallet
This gorgeous fabric wallet is an incredibly useful travel accessory featuring neat pockets for cards and tickets. No more rummaging in your bag for stray train tickets! Discover the free fabric wallet sewing pattern here.

15. Jewellery roll
Keep all of your earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets safe with this lovely jewellery roll pattern from Simply Sewing Magazine. Learn how to make a jewellery roll step by step.

16. Guitar softie
This adorable cuddly toy would make a brilliant gift for a young child, especially if they love music! Learn how to sew a guitar softie with this free pattern from Kasja Kinsella.

17. Glasses case
This polka dot glasses case sewing pattern by Jessica Entwhistle is a speedy gift to sew when you need to make something fast.

18. Bow tie
This dapper bow tie is perfect for a party or special occasion. It's a thoughtful gift that's sure to be well-received.
Make the bow tie with Jessica Entwhistle's free sewing pattern.

19. Wash bag
This handy wash bag can be whipped up in an afternoon. It's an ideal gift for someone who likes to travel and you can personalise it by adding a monogram using our free templates. Find out how to sew a wash bag using our free pattern.

20. Key fob
Do you know someone who always loses their keys? Help them to keep their keys secure by sewing them a personalised key fob!
Find out how to make a key fob with our step-by-step guide.

21. Quilted hot water bottle cover
Help someone stay cosy this winter by making them this wonderful quilted hot water bottle cover. Follow the steps to find out how to make a quilted hot water bottle cover.

22. Clasp purse
Make your own charming purse with this fun tutorial. This is a really versatile pattern and you could use it to make gifts for people of all ages. Learn how to make a clasp purse at home with our DIY tutorial.

23. Make up brush roll
Store your make up brushes in style with this beautiful bag roll! This is a thoughtful gift that will help the recipient keep their make up brushes clean and in order!
Discover how to make a make up brush roll.

24. Kit bag
Children will love having a personalised bag to store their gym kit! You can add their name to make sure it never gets lost or mixed up with another child's kit.
Learn how to make a kit bag with this free sewing pattern.

25. Pencil case
This stylish pencil case is a great back-to-school gift for a child! This is a quick gift to sew when you're in a hurry and can be made in a couple of hours. Learn how to make a pencil case.

26. Giraffe rattle toy
These pretty giraffe toys are safe to give to babies or young children. They're very quick to sew, so you can easily make a couple in an afternoon. Find out how to make a giraffe rattle toy.

27. Bow scrunchie
The 90s are back and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to dig out our scrunchies again! This colourful bow scrunchie is a great gift for all ages and can be personalised to suit the recipient. Learn how to make a scrunchie with Jessica Entwistle's simple tutorial.

Authors

Sarah Orme is a UK-based linocut printmaker, digital editor, feature writer and award-winning podcaster. She's been editing the sewing and art sections of Gathered.how – and before that our sister website calmmoment.com – for over 3 years. She’s the host of Gathered’s We’ve Made It podcast and A Calmer Life podcast. She’s a keen crafter and artist and loves creating DIY tutorials for Gathered. Sarah has previously written features for The Guardian, In The Moment Magazine, Project Calm Magazine, countryfile.com, radiotimes.com and yourhomestyle.uk. She enjoys designing her own unique lino prints and dreams of opening her own online shop. She shares her work @sarahormeprints