40 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

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Published: October 19, 2023 at 11:30 am

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…

13 Christmas gifts to sew

1. Snowman toy

Sewing gifts for Christmas has never been so cute! Little ones will love seeing this friendly fella sticking out of their stocking.

Use our free snowman sewing pattern to learn how to make this guy.

If this snowman isn't for you, check out our collection of toy sewing patterns.

Snowman pattern

2. Make a festive clutch

We love sewing gifts for Christmas that are both usable and pretty!

Use Debbie Wainhouse's gorgeous clutch bag pattern and make your pal their own sparking evening bag.

Clutch bag pattern

3. Christmas gifts to sew for your pup!

Get your furry best friend involved in the festive fun by sewing them their very own dog bandana.

Whip up your bandana using some fun Christmas fabrics and add pom poms for an extra colourful touch.

Dog bandana pattern

4. Keep your toes warm with Christmas slippers

Slippers make a wonderful Christmas gift and can be personalised to suit your loved one.

We love this funky pom pom slipper pattern by Jessica Entwistle. It's a quick gift to sew this December.

Pom pom slippers

5. Christmas gift to sew for your kids

Your children will adore this cuddly penguin character. We know it'll quickly become their best friend!

Follow Lucy Ward's penguin sewing pattern here on Gathered and make this cutie.

Penguin sewing pattern

6. Stay flour-free with our apron pattern

This is the perfect Christmas gift to sew for the bakers in your life. This sweet little apron pattern makes a wholesome festive gift.

Pair it with our gingerbread biscuit recipe for the ultimate tasty treat.

Llama apron

7. Protect your gadgets this Christmas

These sewing gifts for Christmas are ideal for the tech lover in your life.

Sew them our laptop bag and tablet cover so they can keep their gadgets protected from mince pie crumbs and mulled wine spills!

LEM_009_tabletcover

8. Christmas gifts to sew for the home

Modern home sewing patterns can be hard to find but luckily we have hundreds here on Gathered!

Our floor cushion sewing pattern makes a unique sewing gift for Christmas which your friends and family will love.

Dream big floor cushion sewing pattern

9. Sew your own cheeky Christmas elf

Sarah Jackman-Read's Christmas elf sewing pattern is a joy to stitch and makes a lovely gift.

Pop him inside one of our pom pom Santa sacks and watch as your little ones discover him inside.

DIY Christmas elf sewing pattern step 8

10. Make a fun doorstop

Doorstops are a quick gift to sew but ever so useful! Follow Jennie Jones' dog door stop pattern and gift it this Christmas to your animal-obsessed friend.

Animal patterns – dog doorstop pattern

11. Sew a sentimental gift

Christmas gifts to sew are all the more special when they're sentimental.

Take time and care following our how to sew a teddy bear pattern and stitch it with love.

Free teddy bear sewing pattern

12. Cosy up with your sewing gifts for Christmas

The winter months are all about layering and keeping warm so we know our blanket will be well-loved by your friends and family!

Use our how to make a blanket with pockets tutorial to create a comfy festive gift.

How to make a blanket with pockets

13. Gift a mini Rudolph this December

What Christmas gifts to sew are more festive than Rudolph himself?

Lucy Ward's reindeer pattern is adorable, Christmassy and would make a wonderful present.

Reindeer pattern

27 gifts to sew for birthdays

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.

Make your own headbands

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.

How to make a rainbow cushion sewing pattern

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.

How to make a fabric necklace

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.

Free bag patterns: Envelope clutch bag DIY

.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.

How to sew reversible baby booties using fat quarters

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.

free yoga mat carrier bag pattern and sewing tutorial

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.

Liberty passport cover pattern cropped

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.

How to make a tie

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.

How to make a mobile kite pattern

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.

Vintage 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.

How to sew a sleep mask

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.

pocket heat packs

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.

how to make a tea cosy

Looking for more quick to sew projects?

Head over to our round-up of the best sewing patterns for beginners.

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.

how to make a fabric wallet 1

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.

Jewellery roll pattern

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.

How to make a guitar plushie

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.

How to sew a glasses case

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.

How to sew a bow tie

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.

How to sew a wash bag

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.

How to sew a key fob

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.

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.

How to make a clasp purse

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.

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.

How to make a kit bag

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.

For more gift ideas, check out our collection of llama gifts.

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.

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.

How to make a bow scrunchie

Give the gift of handmade this year

Gorgeous presents don't have to take hours to make. These quick gifts to sew are all special simply because you're taking the time to make them by hand!

All the quick sew gifts we've included in this round-up would make wonderful Christmas, birthday, and anniversary gifts.

Pick the gift which suits your loved one's personality and free up an evening to start sewing your presents!

Discover more quick gift ideas with Gathered

Haven't got enough time for these quick sew gifts? Never fear!

Head over to our collection of the best sewing gifts to buy.

best sewing gifts for sewing lovers