At a Glance:
This guide shares step-by-step instructions for five practical DIY holiday sewing projects: Christmas stockings, table mats, aprons, scarves, and cloth gift bags. Start early, use quality supplies, and tailor each item with festive touches, making your holiday gifts thoughtful, sustainable, and personal.
Gifting Something Heartfelt and Handmade this Holiday
Are you a DIY kind of person? If you love to show your affection by gifting something handmade, like a crocheted top, or a knitted jumper, you’re probably already in the mood for a Christmas craft project. You might have started planning your sewing projects for presents, or you might be looking for more ideas before getting started.
A DIY sewing project can be exciting but overwhelming, especially if you’ve run out of holiday sewing ideas. So, if you want to sew, knit, or crochet your holiday presents, we’ve shared some inspiration to get you started in this guide.
You can’t begin without your tools and supplies, so stock up on all your essentials from us at Realm Wholesale. We are a family-run business offering quality sewing supplies at affordable prices. Browse our catalogue of tailoring items today and get started on the sewing projects for presents.
Not sure what to make? We’ve collated the most popular holiday sewing ideas from hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.
1. Handmade Christmas Stockings
A classic DIY sewing project for the holidays is to make your friends and family members their own customised Christmas stockings.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Gather all the materials needed (fabric of your choice, lining, stocking template, decorations)
- Fold the material over, and place the template. Always cut half an inch wider than the template, as you need to factor in the seams, which will reduce the stocking’s size.
- Repeat the same with the lining.
- Pin the two pieces together and sew around the edges. The pattern side should be facing inwards at this point. Keep the top open.
- Repeat the same with the lining. Insert the lining with the wrong sides together and stitch, so the seams remain hidden.
- Fold and stitch along the top edge, and create a hanging loop with a ribbon. Decorate with appliques, faux fur, or pom poms.
2. Festive Table Mats and Runners
Looking for holiday sewing ideas for someone who loves decorating their home or hosting large dinners? Making table mats or runners from scratch is a fun idea. We recommend that beginners start with table mats, as they’re much easier to make than the other ideas on our list.
Here is a step-by-step guide to make your own:
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Buy the material. Choose festive prints in cotton, burlap, or felt, along with ordinary cotton lining.
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Cut the fabric to the desired shape. A standard table mat measures 12X18 inches. For runners, you’ll need the exact measurements of the table, then add 12 inches more, allowing the material to hang over the side.
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For both mats and runners, cut the primary cloth and lining to the same measurements.
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Place the fabrics with the right sides together with a half-inch seam allowance. You can use a sewing machine or do it by hand with a needle and thread.
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Turn it inside out, iron it, and trim around the edges for a neat finish.
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Decorate it however you want, such as by adding lace around the borders or embroidering your recipient’s initials.
3. Holiday Aprons
This DIY sewing project can help you earn brownie points and extra brownies from someone who loves cooking or baking festive specials. Aprons are personal and a popular gift option during the holiday season. For something even more personal, customise your DIY aprons by embroidering the wearer’s name.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to make a holiday apron:
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Find festive prints such as snowflakes, gingerbread, holly, or traditional plaid.
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Use an existing apron to cut the perfect shape (a standard apron measures 27 inches in length and 20 inches wide).
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Cut out the neck and back ties from the same material or use contrasting fabric. A necktie measures a minimum of 20 inches, while waist ties are generally longer, about 30 inches or more.
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Fold the edges twice over, and sew around them. Attach the back and neck ties.
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Add a pocket if you wish. Just cut a rectangular piece of fabric and attach it to the front of the apron, and sew three sides, keeping the top open.
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Decorate to your recipient’s tastes. You could add fun appliques, write something quirky and festive, or finish with laces for a dainty touch.
4. Scarves
A scarf is among the easiest holiday sewing project ideas, suitable for even an amateur hobbyist. You can also involve your kids in this quick sewing project.
Just buy one yard of fleece in holiday colours, then cut it into 8 to 12-inch-wide pieces (about 55 inches long). Cut fringes at both ends and then tie knots for a textured finish.
If you love knitting or crocheting, scarves are among the easiest items to make. Find yarns or crochet thread in bright holiday colours and get knitting.
5. Cloth Gift Bag
If you want to strike a balance between something handmade and something store-bought, a cloth gift bag is a good choice. These are more sustainable and eco-friendly than paper or plastic gift wrappers, and they can be a wonderful keepsake to be used all year round.
Here is a step-by-step guide to make your own:
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Buy cotton fabric in colours and prints of your choice.
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Decide on the bag size, then cut a rectangular piece twice that size.
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Fold in half, with the right sides together.
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Sew along the edges, keeping the top open.
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Fold about a half-inch, stitch the hem for a neat finish
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Add two cloth handles (these are longer-lasting than ribbon ones).
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Decorate however you wish.
Contact Realm Wholesale Sewing Supplies Online
If you’re an experienced hobbyist, you might want to try more advanced DIY sewing projects, such as making quilts, jumpers, matching Christmas pyjamas, or holiday cushion covers. These require more advanced sewing skills and more time for preparation.
When you’re working on sewing projects for presents, you need trusted partners who can provide high-quality sewing supplies. Realm Wholesale has assisted hundreds of hobbyists with their projects, providing sewing supplies like threads and needles at the best prices.
Our experts handpick each item in our haberdashery product range. If you’re unsure about what supplies you need for your holiday sewing project, reach out to us today. We’re happy to help.
We also make bulk buying simple for anyone working on larger-scale festive sewing projects. We’ll help you find the right quantities at competitive bulk prices, with fast delivery anywhere across the UK
Check out our complete sewing range and get started today.