Looking for handmade gift ideas that are thoughtful, fun to make, and guaranteed to be loved? I’ve rounded up twelve DIY gift projects from my blog that cover sewing, crocheting, and quilting. These handmade treasures are practical, beginner-friendly, and full of personality—just like the people on your holiday list.
My family members know that every year I make handmade gifts. One family member last year received my Log Cabin On Point Quilt. It’s the perfect way to make sure every family member has one of my quilts. It’s a special gift that is meant to be used and loved. Something special that was made especially for that special someone. It’s thoughtful and so much better than your standard store-bought gift.
It’s also a great way to show off your skills and create interest in crochet, sewing or quilting. Plus it’s a unique gift idea. Check out this list of homemade gifts, something for everyone.
This list of creative handmade gift ideas come with free patterns and DIY instructions. Most of the materials are available at your local craft supplies store. Some of these are simple gifts, like the pot holders and pillow cases. Other ideas, like the quilt, take a little hard work but can easily be completed in time for the holidays or even next year.
MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THESE OUT!
After you read this post, make sure you also check out Learn How to Quilt for Absolute Beginners. It’s jam packed with information to make your first quilt. It also has links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. There’s lots of free quilt patterns that are great for beginners and all skill levels too. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!
Make sure you grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! Jot down ideas, fabrics, patterns, inspiration all in one place. Save your own patterns and share with others. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.
12 Handmade Gift Ideas for Christmas
Sewing Gifts
1. Upcycled Denim Handbag
For the eco-conscious fashion lover, this Upcycled Denim Handbag is a stylish, sustainable gift. Made from old jeans, it’s durable, functional, and totally one-of-a-kind. Pair it with a cute keychain or wallet for a custom gift set. Perfect gift for children, teens or adults.
2. Beach Tote Bag
Even in winter, everyone can use a Beach Tote Bag. This roomy, durable bag is great for weekend getaways, gym trips, or even grocery runs. It’s a practical gift with endless possibilities for customization. These denim tote bags are so cute with scrappy lining! Don’t have any old jeans, check your local thrift store or ask your friends and family members if they have any jeans they are donating. You’ll be surprised how many jeans you will get.
3. Quilted Potholders from Upcycled Denim
You can’t go wrong with practical gifts like Quilted Potholders. These upcycled denim potholders are durable, heat-resistant, and very practical. You will use these everyday, I promise.
They’re perfect for anyone who loves cooking or hosting, and they add a homemade touch to any kitchen. This is the ideal gift for anyone or everyone at your holiday party. Perfect for last-minute gifts too. Works up super fast, you just need an old pair of jeans for two potholders with pockets. Use the rest of the jeans to make them without a pocket.
4. Burrito Pillowcase
Add a personal touch to bedtime with a Burrito Pillowcase. This clever sewing project uses the “burrito method” for a neat, professional finish inside and out. Customize it with fun prints for kids or elegant fabrics for grown-ups — it’s the perfect gift for anyone!
Quilted Gifts
5. Flight Flying Geese Quilt
For the homebody in your life, the Flight Flying Geese Quilt makes a stunning handmade gift. Its bold flying geese pattern works with any décor, adding a modern, cozy touch to any space. It’s a gift that’s sure to be cherished for years. So dust off your sewing machine, grab some fabrics that the gift recipient loves and start sewing!
6. Christmas Tree Table Runner
Handmade holiday decor makes such a meaningful gift. My Christmas Tree Table Runner adds festive charm to any table. It’s an easy yet striking project that makes a perfect hostess gift or holiday centerpiece. Grab the pdf download of this pattern below, includes instructions to make Christmas Tree Quilt Block too.
7. Log Cabin Table Runner
Give the gift of a handmade table runner with my Log Cabin Table Runner pattern. It’s perfect for holiday dinners or everyday use. Choose festive fabrics or go neutral for a versatile look that fits any home.
These samples are scrappy and oh so colorful. You will need fabric strips in various lengths for this one. Grab yardage leftover from your fabric stash or shop the discount bins at your local fabric store.
Crocheted Gifts
8. Wavy Crochet Scarf
A cozy scarf never goes out of style, and my free pattern for the Wavy Crochet Scarf is perfect for chilly winter days. It’s a fast project using the wave stitch, which adds texture without extra fuss. Customize the colors to match the recipient’s style, and you’ve got a thoughtful, handmade gift they’ll reach for all season long.
You can make this a personalized gift by using colors that mean something to them. Maybe their favorite football teams colors, this can be high school, college or professional team colors. Follow my step-by-step instructions for this easy crochet scarf.
9. Classic Shell Afghan
For a timeless crochet gift, the Classic Shell Afghan is perfect. The shell stitch never disappoints and looks fantastic with all that texture. If you know how to double crochet, this blanket is for you. Sample is made with Red Heart and Caron One Pound 4 ply worsted weight yarns that were in my yarn stash.
Its elegant shell stitch creates a cozy, textured blanket that looks way more complicated than it is. This makes a thoughtful gift for loved ones who appreciate handmade comfort and warmth.
10. Cell Phone Purse
The Cell Phone Purse is a fun, useful gift for anyone who likes to keep things light. It’s the perfect size for your cell phone, credit card and lip gloss. Use it as a cross body bag for getting those 10,000 steps a day or just walking your dog.
This purse will stretch so make the strap shorter then your desired length. Have fun decorating it and customizing for each person on your list. Pick yarns that match the recipient’s personality for a truly custom gift. It’s the perfect DIY gift because everyone has a cell phone but not everyone likes to keep it in their back pant pocket.
11. Ugly Christmas Sweater
For the friend who loves holiday humor, make an Ugly Christmas Sweater that’s quirky and fun. Another scrap yarn project trying to use yarns in holiday colors, for the most part. I made this even uglier by crocheting the panel together instead of using a whip stitch.
If you have never made a crochet sweater before, it’s so much fun. I highly recommend this project and hope you give it a try! This pattern comes in a pdf download too that’s free.
DIY Christmas Crochet Sweater →
12. Hill Baby Blanket
New parents will love holiday gifts for baby. If you have babies or toddlers in your family or circle of friends, the Hill Baby Blanket is a heartwarming, practical gift. Its soft texture and sweet design make it a perfect keepsake that’s cozy, warm, and full of love.
This blanket uses the moss stitch and is easy to do and looks great when you add a tiny splash of color like I did. If you are really adventurous, you can switch colors every row or every other row but don’t forget you will need to weave in all those yarn tails. The ruffled border is to die for too.
More Handmade Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Sewing enthusiasts and quilters, don’t forget to save your fabric trimmings to stuff into glass Christmas ornaments for a fun crafty look. And make sure you attach a handmade gift card to round out your handmade gift.
Make a simple throw pillow with leftover quilt blocks. Such a great way to use these up and makes a great gift.
I hope you make one of these easy projects, all have DIY tutorials and free patterns. Don’t forget to make something special for your best friend too!
More holiday patterns you may enjoy!
Little Stars Sawtooth Mini Table Runner
Jingle Geese Mini Table Runner
Christmas Ornament Quilt Block Pattern
Christmas Tree Quilt Block Pattern
Looking for even more handmade gift ideas? Try making one of these free Christmas quilt patterns and quilt projects from Hailey Stitches and Lake Girl Quilts.
Beginner Quilting Supplies
Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).
Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)
28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)
45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)
60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
4.5″ Square Ruler for half square triangles
12.5″ Square Ruler for blocks
Sewing Machine Beginner (see my about me page for more info on sewing machines for beginners to the one I use today).
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ABOUT SEW NIKKI
If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! Just print this post for the free pattern. My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.
Handmade gifts are special because they come straight from the heart. Whether you’re sewing, crocheting, or quilting, these ten DIY gift ideas from my blog will help you create something meaningful and memorable this holiday season.
Head over to the tutorials linked above and start crafting gifts your loved ones will cherish! Good luck getting your gifts made in time for Christmas. Remember, the best handmade gifts are ones that can be used and loved.
Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when new patterns and tutorials are posted.
Want to learn how to crochet? Check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.
Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!
Love these ideas, so fun!
Love these great ideas! Especially the denim handbag— pretty! Thanks for the info!
Cute! I think the Cabin Table Runner is my favorite, but they all sound fun to make and gift.