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If you're a maker, the holidays truly are the busiest time of the year! But truth be told, they can be a bit overwhelming when you are trying to pick patterns and fabrics for everyone on your list. With several years under my belt of sewing gifts, I thought it would be helpful to review some of the most well received gifts I have made to date and the patterns and fabrics that were used for them!
CHILDREN:
My go-to pattern for my daughter is the free Made For Mermaids Bonny Leggings. The pattern is a perfect fit each and every time. It is suitable for a wide variety of fabrics but the most loved ones here are made with athletic fleece and athletic brushed poly!
If you have a fun print that you want to showcase on a French Terry or fleece fabric, you can really let it shine with some color blocking on a hoodie. Pattern Niche (formerly New Horizon Designs) has the Tami Revolution (left) as well as the Summit Peak (right) for children. I used our tri-blend sweatshirt fleece which is making a comeback later this month as well as our cotton spandex french terry. My kids really love these hoodies so they often make it back to the list year after year!
Another pattern that is in heavy rotation around here is the Made For Mermaids Oaklynn Sweater. It makes a wonderful little sweater with a single fabric but it is also super fun to mix and match different textures, prints and solids. Plus, it's a great scrap-buster!
I like to find different styles to make so the little ones have a little variety in their closets so last year I gave the Love Notions Navigator Pullover a try. Our exclusive quilted knit was used for this pullover but any French Terry would work as well. I did make a few modifications to replicate some of the RTW styles but it was super easy to do with all the information shared in their Pullover Sew A Long!
MEN:
For my husband, I typically make him boxers as gifts all throughout the year. He claims they are significantly better than any store bought boxers out there! I have used the Waves & Wild Super Hero Boxer pattern for years now and since they were so well received, I never found the need to switch! The 125gsm athletic brushed poly and our crosshatch nylon spandex are among the favorites finished off with our brief elastic!
Another great option is the Sinclair Patterns Tao Raglan. This pattern pairs well with many different fabrics like the 125gsm athletic brushed poly, modal spandex, rayon spandex and our Amsterdam jersey lines.
If you are looking for something a little more special that perhaps can be worn out and maybe to the office, the Thread Theory Finlayson is one to consider. With the shawl collar view you can really achieve a more professional style sweater with the right fabric. For this one I used our Adventurer Rib Sweater Fleece which is currently sold out, but we will have a few colors restocking later this month!
WOMEN:
Last year, I made several Sinclair Harper Cardigans as gifts but sadly, never actually took photos prior to sending them out! French Terry and sweater knits are my favorite fabrics to use for this pattern and I especially love the one I made for myself with our Banff Ultra Thick Rib Knit and these modifications.
Several years ago I made Pattern For Pirates Cocoon Cardigans for everyone in my family and a few friends. This is one of my favorite patterns to make for gifting because it is a super quick make and a style that never expires! Plus the fit is relaxed and a little more forgiving if you don't know the recipient's exact size. For this one I used a rib sweater knit that we no longer have in stock, but we do have many other sweater knits in stock that would be perfect!
My next suggestion is one that I haven't actually gifted to anyone yet, but it's in the plans for this year! The True Bias Hudsons have been a personal favorite for years. And with the men's and children's variations, you could make a pair for the whole family! Cotton spandex french terry is my go-to for this pattern, tie it off with some of our Flat Cotton Cordings for the drawstring!
ACCESSORIES:
Hats! If you live in a climate where hats can be worn through the winter, this is always a good idea! Even if you have already made a sweater or some other item for someone, a matching or coordinating hat can really compliment the gift. Several years back, I tested several different free hat patterns and created a blog post. For the hat pictured, I used the Patterns For Pirates Slouchy Beanie with a brushed sweater knit and finished it off with a 4" Faux Fur Pom-Pom!
Blankets are always a great gift idea! I made this one with 2 yards of our Copper Mountain Chenille and created a simple binding to finish the raw edge with a double brushed poly print.
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We hope this helps inspire you as you tackle your own handmade gifts this season!
If you are sewing with our fabrics and trims for the holiday, we would love for you to join our #2021holidaysal we are co-hosting with our dear friend, Justine, of Great Heron Thread Co!
To find out all the details on how to participate and to qualify for prizes, view our Sew-A-Long Newsletter. If you would like to sponsor a prize for this Sew-A-Long, please fill out this form.
Whether you participate or not, we would LOVE to see what you are making, so please tag @surgefabricshop in your posts on Instagram or by sharing your projects in our Facebook Group!
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