Sewing Patterns & Tutorials for Last Minute Scrap Busting Gifts

We’re in the last week of Selfless Sewing Month 2019, and today we’re talking last minute gifts. These are things that can be whipped up for others in a matter of a few hours or less. And because this year the challenge’s focus is on sustainability and scrap busting, they’re all things that can be made from the small leftovers of other projects.

We’ve asked our team for all their ideas, and we’ve collated a list of projects with (mostly free!) tutorials and patterns for you below.

Sunglasses case
With summer approaching this is a lovely gift for a friend. We used Heals fabric for a touch of glamour, but it’ll work well with any medium to heavy weight woven cotton.

 

Little travel purse
Similarly, if you have a friend who’s going on holiday soon, a travel purse would be a very welcome pressie. Click through for the tutorial where we show you how to add a little inside pocket.

 

Drawstring bag
Made in any size, drawstring bags are always useful. We use them for everything from laundry bags to keeping earrings safe when we go on holiday. In whatever size, you can never have enough!

 

Eye mask (A Pair & A Spare)
Eye masks always come in handy, especially now the morning light is creeping through the curtains while we’re still trying to sleep! And they are great for flights too. Any friend would love one of these, and this fox-shaped eye mask tutorial has been tried and tested by our team. (But top tip: remember to add your own seam allowance!)

 

Scrunchie (Melly Sews)
Maybe one for the little girls in your life! This is the perfect accessory to match a handmade dress.

 

Snood (our own Lisa Comfort on Prima)
Is it colder where you are? Fabric snoods will keep your friends’ necks toasty and warm.

 

Tie
Know a dapper fellow who loves to rock a tie? They’re easy and incredibly satisfying to sew. And if made for a partner, they’re great made out of the leftovers of your own outfit if you fancy being matchy matchy at a wedding. Ask us how we know!

 

Bow tie (Bluprint)
Go even more snazzy with a fun bow tie!

 

Pom-pom seat cushion
Seat cushions don’t have to be tricky to make. In this tutorial we made flat circular seat pads with a fabulous pom pom trim, and they’re the perfect thing for a friend who loves to go bold. Great for housewarmings!

 

Egg cosies
Another lovely housewarming gift is a set of egg cosies! A fancy fabric will do all the talking on its own, or you could monogram them with an initial as we have done in our tutorial, for a nice personal touch.

 

Bunting (The Sewing Directory)
Bunting isn’t just for parties – it brightens up anywhere it goes. It makes a lovely gift for new babies’ nurseries, and is nice and quick to make.

 

Napkins (Purl Soho)
If you have a slightly larger piece of fabric left over from another project, napkins are a wonderful way to give it a purpose. All you have to do is cut squares and hem the edges. But if you want to pick up a new skill, this is a great opportunity to learn mitred corners!

 

Pattern weights – or juggling sacks! (Tea Rose Home)
Do you have a friend who sews? Pattern weights are an easy stash buster, which can also be used as juggling sacks when the sewing machine has been put away!

 

Tailor’s ham and sausage (Victory Patterns on Tilly & the Buttons’ blog)
Any sewing friend would be delighted to have their own personalised ham and sausage. They’re quick to make and a double whammy scrap busting project, because they can also be stuffed with scraps too!

 

Children’s animal toy (Simplicity 8069)
If there’s a new baby in your life, a sweet little penguin from Simplicity would make an adorable gift!

 

We hope you’ve been inspired to root through your stash and get sewing those scraps! If you’re doing a bit of selfless sewing, don’t forget to share! Use hashtag #soiselflesssewing on Instagram, and tag us @sewoveritlondon so we don’t miss it!