5 Thoughtful Handmade Gifts You Can Easily Sew

Think about the last gift you received that’s closest to your heart.

I bet it wasn’t the most expensive one – but the one that felt personal. That’s the beauty of handmade gifts in Canada – They hold time, care and intention in ways store-bought things never can. And one of the simplest, most meaningful ways to create something handmade is through sewing. With just fabric, thread (and a little patience) – you can turn scrap pieces into special gifts for your loved ones.

So let’s check out 5 simple and thoughtful gift ideas you can sew yourself.

1. Fabric Coasters

Fabric coasters are one of those handmade gifts people don’t know they need – until they have them. They instantly make a coffee table look aesthetic and cozier – Plus, they’re great for using fabric scraps you already have!

Here’s a quick tutorial:

• Start by cutting two fabric squares for each coaster, about 4” x 4”. This is a great time to use those fabric scraps you’ve been saving “just in case.”
• If you want the coaster to be a little thicker and absorb spills better – cut one square of batting the same size and place it between the two fabric pieces.
• Now stack them like a little sandwich: one fabric square (right side facing up), the batting on top – then the second fabric square on top of that (right side facing down)
• Sew around the edges of these handmade gifts in Canada but don’t go all the way around – leave a small opening so you can flip it later.
• Turn it right side out (so the nice, patterned side is now on the outside), push out the corners with your fingers – and give it a quick press with an iron.
• Sew a neat line around the edges to close the opening and make everything look finished.

2. Drawstring Bags

Drawstring bags  are extremely underrated – but they make perfect little handmade gifts! People can use them for just about anything: storing jewelry, keeping charging cables neat, holding makeup – or even as a cute pouch for small travel items. 

Here’s a quick tutorial: 

• Cut a rectangle of fabric about 8” x 10” – Pick a pattern or color you think the person will love.
• Fold the fabric lengthwise so the design is on the inside – and the folded edge becomes the bottom of the bag.
• Sew the two open sides together – Leave a little space at the top for the drawstring casing.
• Fold the top edge down about ½” to 1” – and sew along it to create a tube (this is where the ribbon will go).
• Attach a safety pin to one end of your ribbon – using it to guide the ribbon all the way through the casing.
• After pulling the ribbon through, remove the safety pin and tie the ends in a knot.
• Pull the strings to close the bag – and you’ve got handmade gifts in Canada ready to go!

3. Fabric Bookmarks

If you have a friend who loves reading – a fabric bookmark is the perfect little gift for them. They’re soft and colorful– making each one feel personal and thoughtful. What’s more? Every time your friend uses it to mark their favorite pages, they’ll think of you.

Here’s a quick tutorial:

• Pick a fabric you love – (cotton works best because it’s easy to cut and sew).
• Cut a rectangle about 2–3 inches wide and 6–7 inches long – You can also make fun shapes like hearts or triangles at the top.
• For a sturdier bookmark – cut a piece of felt or another fabric the same size – and sandwich it with your main piece.
• Fold the edges in – about ¼ inch – and sew all around to prevent fraying.
• Punch a hole at the top and tie a ribbon or tassel – for a cute finishing touch.
• Give your bookmark a quick press with an iron to make it neat and flat – and you’re done!

4. Scrunchies

Scrunchies are fun, practical and make super cute handmade gifts in Canada – and the best part? They’re back in fashion! Everyone loves a soft, colorful scrunchie around a ponytail – whether for casual days or cute outfits.

Here’s a quick tutorial:

• Cut a fabric strip about 3 inches wide and 18 inches long – (Use a silky fabric for a fancy look).
• Fold the fabric strip in half, with the patterned sides facing each other and sew along the long edge to form a tube.
• Turn the tube so the front of the fabric is showing – you can use a safety pin to do this.
• Cut a piece of elastic about 6–8 inches long – depending on how tight you want it. 
• Thread it through the fabric tube and secure the ends of the elastic with a small stitch.
• Tuck the edges of the fabric in and sew the ends of the scrunchie together – either by hand or machine.
• Fluff it out – and you’ve got a soft, stretchy scrunchie ready to give!

See also: The Downsizing Revolution: Trading Square Footage for Quality of Life

5. Lavender Sachets

Lavender sachets are tiny, beautiful fabric pouches filled with dried lavender. Gift it to a loved one – and they’ll get a little sense of calm every time they smell it in a drawer or under a pillow. Not to mention – they’re very easy to make and smell amazing – showing that you pay attention to handmade gifts in Canada.

Here’s a quick tutorial:

• Grab a soft, pretty fabric and cut two squares about 4” x 4”.
• Put the squares together, with the pretty sides facing each other. 
• Sew around three sides – leaving the top open.
• Flip it – so the nice side is on the outside. 
• Use a pencil to push out the corners.
• Fill it with dried lavender. You can also add in a bit of rice if you want it to feel heavier – but don’t overfill!
• Fold in the top edges and tie a ribbon for a cute look.

Don’t Know How to Sew? No Worries!

Creating handmade gifts in Canada is the perfect way to show someone you care about them. Whether it’s fuzzy coasters, cute scrunchies or fragrant lavender sachets, each stitch is a little act of care that your friends and family will treasure forever.

So, have you ever tried sewing or making your own gifts? With Stitched Together Studio, you can learn the art of sewing and bring your ideas to life. Their fun, detailed classes for adults, teens, and kids make sewing easy – so anyone can create beautiful and practical pieces!

Sign up for a class today!