What are you working on for Holiday Quilt and Sewing Gifts?
With the holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to think of handmade gift ideas that are practical, meaningful, and fun to give. Below is one lovely tutorial I found — plus a few of my own ideas — and I’d love to hear what you are working on!
Featured Project Gift Idea: Blossom Drawstring Bag
Check out this charming DIY Blossom Drawstring Bag (circular-bottom pouch that opens like a flower) — it’s such a sweet gift, especially for stashing small treasures, jewelry, or treats.
Tutorial: insewingtimes.blogspot.com/2021/04/diy-blossom-drawstring-bag.html insewingtimes.blogspot.com
It’s also a great scrap-busting project, because you can use small strips and bits for the petals, lining, and body. I have a couple of little girls in my family who would love to use this for their treasures.
Giftable Quilting & Sewing Project Ideas (especially for using scraps)
Here are a few ideas — especially ones that help you use up scraps:
| Project Idea | Why It Makes a Good Gift / Use for Scraps | Materials / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Mug rugs / mini quilted coasters | Everyone can use extra coasters, and they’re small scale | Use fabric strips; layer with batting; bind with leftover bias. |
| Patchwork zip pouches | Useful for cosmetics, pencils, or small items | Use a jelly-roll style strip layout or random squares |
| Table runners / table toppers | Festive accent for someone’s table | Use contrasting strips or leftover blocks. Check out the Quilt Block Library to get you started. |
| Pillow covers or throw pillow fronts | Easy way to showcase favorite fabrics | Mix scraps with larger pieces; use envelope backs |
| Quilted tote bags | Functional and fun to gift | Use leftover blocks or strip piecing for panels |
| Fabric ornaments (star blocks, mini quilts) | Tiny, decorative, and ideal for scrap fabric | Add hanging loops, embellishments, embroidery |
| Quilted placemats or hotpads | Always useful in the kitchen / dining area | Use scraps + batting; back with coordinating fabric |
| Baby / doll quilts | Small blanket gifts that don’t require huge yardage | Use scrap blocks or strip sets to create a lap size |
What holiday gift ideas are you working on right now?
This year, I am running behind with my sewing gifts, but I’d like to make a couple of ornaments. I have my supplies already for the quilted ball ornament – waiting for me to putter with them in the evenings. Here is a link if you haven’t tried creating one: Quilted Christmas Ball Ornament Tutorial
With my ornaments, I use a 2″ Styrofoam ball instead of a 3″ one and then cut the squares down, depending on the pattern to 1 1/2″ up to 2″.
The next on my list would be one (or more) of the quilted star ornaments (no sew). I have found several of them that I want to try. Most of my “quilted” ornaments are the no-sew variety that I can play with in the evening while hubby falls asleep in the recliner.
Do you have go-to patterns that are great for using up small scraps as gift ideas?
I did fairly well this past year, not buying fabric (or not much of it). There is always room for improvement with me when it comes to fabric. There are times when it calls to me when I am in the store.
I did come across another no-sew ornament. This would be a great way to recycle some old ornaments. Scrappy Fabric Christmas Ornaments
If you are looking to add to your projects, checkout the Quilt Block Library or the Scrap Quilt Patterns Page.
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Share photos of in-progress or finished holiday gifts — even if small!
Until next time.
