I love autumn, and I want to savour every last moment of it before moving fully into the winter season. November flies by quickly, though, so I do like to start a little bit of festive making. Some of these ideas make great gifts, but are also lovely things you can make for yourself to keep cosy this winter (particularly the hood and hot water bottle cover!)
I’ve also been enjoying making little gifts for my loved ones over the last few years, so I thought I’d put together a list of ideas for you. They’re all great options for using leftover fabric and many of the tutorials and patterns are free.
Christmas Stocking tutorial by Aboderie
This is a great tutorial for making a Christmas stocking, generously provided for free by Aboderie. It’s a great use of scrap fabrics, and I always think they look lovely hanging in the house. I particularly like this one with a frilly cuff, though a patchwork one from offcuts would also be good fun.
Hot Water Bottle Cover by Merchant and Mills
This is a pattern I’ve made several times, and is another great use of fabric leftover from other sewing projects. They make such lovely gifts, too, and are very welcome on chilly winter nights! I enjoy making a patchwork one with a star in the centre.
You can make it lined or unlined. This version in sherpa fabric by Merchant and Mills themselves looks particularly cosy.
Patchwork quilted stars
A couple of years ago we wrote a beginner’s guide to quilting, using these patchwork stars. They’re a lovely thing to make that can be the centrepiece of many festive projects. I used one in the hot water bottle cover above, and also quilt them and bind the edges to give as pot rests. I think they’re a sweet little gift, and look lovely on the kitchen table on hanging as a wall decoration all year around.
Tie-on collar by Tilly and the Buttons
This is lovely, simple pattern (also free!) from Tilly and the Buttons. It could be a fun addition to a festive party outfit, or another option for a Christmas gift. You can make it as festive as you like, or choose fabrics that work all year around.
The Audrey by Merchant and Mills
One more from Merchant and Mills, because I do absolutely love their sewing patterns.. Described as ‘not a scarf and more than a hood’, the Audrey sewing pattern is a delightful wintery accessory. Similarly to the other project ideas, it uses a small amount of fabric and makes a quick gift.
It’s unusual enough to feel quite special, and each version could feel very different depending on which fabric you choose. Oilskin makes for a practical, country-chic style, whereas a checked gingham or block-printed cotton is more delicate.
I hope you like these little sewing projects if you choose to make them! Remember William Gee has a lovely range of haberdashery to choose from. Why not browse in person, and pop along to the new shop at 2a Forest Road!
Happy sewing 🙂
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