7 last-minute handmade gifts

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If you are looking for a last minute gift that can be made in just a few hours, here are some suggestions for you.

Be sure to check out the tutorials for your favourite projects.

Bookmark

Readers can always use a bookmark.

A bookmark is a practical hand made gift because it is small, quick to make and easy to personalize. They can be made in someone’s favourite colours and embellished with their name, a special quote or pictures with a special meaning.

You can make bookmarks with your favourite stitching techniques. They can be patchwork or they can have embroidery.

One of the nice things about bookmarks is that they take such a small amount of materials that you will have something on hand that you can use.

Bookmarks can be sent in a greeting card so there is no need to pay for extra shipping costs.

For an bigger gift, you can include it in a gift basket with a book or two and a container of hot chocolate or another favourite drink.

Ornament

Christmas tree ornaments are another great project that can be easily customized.

If you search online, you can find hundreds of different patterns for Christmas tree ornaments. These can also be made with sewing, quilting and embroidery techniques, but there are also lots of no-sew projects that can feature your favourite fabric scraps.

I have a collection of hand-embroidered ornaments and they are all finished in different ways.

The nice thing about Christmas ornaments is that people tend to use them year after year. So they will be reminded about you every time they decorate.

Embellished ready made item (tea towel, napkins)

A little stitching on a ready-made item is a great personal gift. You can purchase tea towels, napkins, aprons or pretty much anything made from fabric and add a little embellishment.

Because these items are already made, the time it takes it cut down considerably.

These items also tend to be useful. A tea towel with someone’s initial on it can be used regularly, and they will be reminded of the gift and feel special when they do dishes.

Besides hand embroidery, you could also add appliqué or just lines of decorative machine stitching.

Mini quilts (placemats or potholders)

Maybe you want a gift for someone, but you don’t have the time or interest to make them a quilt. Mini quilts can be a good option.

When I say “mini quilt”, I don’t necessarily mean quilts like this that are tiny versions of quilts with tiny pieces. Projects like this sometimes take as much time or more as a large quilt.

I mean small patchwork items like a single block or simple design.

These can be used as wall hangings, placemats, potholders, mug rugs and more.

They can be made with scraps left over from other projects. If you have a random block left over, you can add a strip of fabric and now it is a placemat.

Pillow cases

Pillow cases are quick and easy sewing projects that can be easily personalized.

There are hundreds of fun novelty fabrics available and sometimes it is difficult to find a project to showcase them.

Pillowcases use a large piece of uncut fabric, so you can see the design. If you have a child that loves a certain colour, theme or cartoon character, you can find fabric that features it.

Even adults will love a custom pillowcase with beautiful feeling fabric. Don’t forget that flannel pillowcases can be nice in the winter.

Window hanging

A window hanging is a unique gift that can brighten up a space with colour.

Perfect for those living institutional settings – you can hang them on the window with suction cups. No need to mount hardware.

Patchwork blanket

A patchwork blanket is a great project for using up scraps in a way that is not quilting.

They can be used for wrapping babies and more.

Enjoy making these projects for others. I know your family and friends will enjoy them and appreciate your effort.