Christmas sewing projects – 7 fun crafts to make and give

Christmas sewing projects, to me, need to be two things: simple (time is always precious but it seems like there’s less margin for error this time of year) and special. So I’ve rounded up a bunch of patterns that I think hit both of these marks. Pattern links are all at the bottom of the page, and I’ve tried and tested every one. Most are patterns that you can sew up in less than a day, and everything but the tote could be classified as an easy sewing project for beginners … one doesn’t even require sewing, just some scraps and a bit of glue!

Christmas tree skirt

This Christmas Tree Skirt pattern is by . I made my version, pictured below, with fabrics by Lizzy House (Whisper Palette and Printmaking collections) and Cotton and Steel (various holiday collections but mostly Tinsel).

This is a free tree skirt pattern by Gotham Quilts. It’s reversible and I used a continuous bias tape method to create my own bias tape (sounds scary but it was actually kind of magical the way it worked)!

Geranium Dress

This tiny Geranium Dress was whipped up as present for Christmas last year, and I think it was the fifth one I made. The Geranium Dress pattern from Made by Rae is my go-to for gifts for little girls.

It’s simple to sew, with a tidy construction that leaves few raw edges. Best of all, it has a modular design, with interchangeable shoulder and collar styles, allowing you to create multiple styles from a single pattern (over 50 variations if you get the expansion pack)! It’s a tunic style which means as littles grow they can continue to wear it as a top, but I have also made more dress-like versions by adding an inch or two to the bodice.

Letters to Santa Mini Quilt

This adorable Letters to Santa Letterbox pattern is by Rosebud and Penny. It’s a paper-pieced pattern that you can use as a standalone mini quilt, or incorporate into one of the larger “Letters to Santa” quilt patterns you may have seen on Instagram.

I sewed a pocket into mine before quilting so that it can be used as a play mailbox, and it’s the perfect size for vintage postcards!

Social Tote Sewing Carryall

I’ll admit it, this is a gift I made for myself last year (^_^). This sweet little quilted basket (pattern by Carolyn Freedlander) holds all of my hand-sewing odds and ends, and moves with me from room to room as I work on various binding and applique projects. This one is a little more advanced so be sure to check out the supplemental photo walkthrough Carolyn has on her website as well.

No Sew Fabric Christmas Ornaments

This free tutorial from Sunny Day Supply is just the thing if you want something quick and easy with lovely results. To make Scrappy Ornaments all you need are (of course) scraps, mod podge, paint brushes, clear plastic ornaments (there were bins of them on sale at Michael’s the day I went) and some ribbon or twine. This is a great group Christmas craft activity as it’s suitable for all age groups (if your kids are old enough to paint, they should have no problem with this).

Quilted Holiday Banner

This Christmas sewing project has endless possibilities. I used my Ribbon Letters alphabet pattern to make the letters below and at this point am debating adding more words to make a table runner, or finishing it as a mini quilt and using it as a Christmas banner. The great thing about an alphabet pattern is that it can be reused for quilts large and small. In addition to two full alphabet quilts I’ve also made mini quilts for Halloween (“Boo”) and a nursery (“ABC”). The JOY letters pictured below is made up of scraps from other projects using Heather Ross’ Sugarplum and some more Cotton and Steel Tinsel.

Retro Christmas Table Runner

This beautiful Melody Miller border print fabric is something I’ve been hoarding forever. To me the mint and coral colour combo is the perfect vintage Christmas palette. No pattern here, I just measured the length and width of the top of my sideboard, and added an 8 inch overhang, plus a half inch seam allowance. I then doubled these measurements and cut out a single long piece along the border edge. Next I folded the piece in half lengthwise, and sewed right-sides together along the length. Finally, I turned the right sides out before hemming the short ends. I wanted it to lay very flat so no batting or quilting. Easy!