We’ve all been there: it’s December 22nd, the main gifts are wrapped, but the package still looks a little bare. Paper bows get crushed (if they don’t fall off first), or end up right in the trash.
Instead of reaching for store-bought ribbon, why not tie on something a little handmade as a present topper?
With these quick-sew gifts, you can give them on top of a big gift or they can double as functional small favors for teachers, neighbors, co-workers, and stocking stuffers. You can whip most of these out in under an hour (ten minutes each if you’re making a whole slew of them!) using fabric scraps from your stash!
Please know that some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that if you choose to click and purchase through these links that I will recieve a small comission at no extra cost to you! It’s how I can continue to create free content like this – thank you so much for supporting my small business!
1. The Portable Tea Wallet
If you’re gifting a mug, a coffee shop gift card, or a cozy winter book, skip the traditional gift tag and tie a handmade tea pouch right on! Fill it with tea bags, sugar, or even chocolates!
The Tea To-Go Pattern shows you how to make this sweet caddy that holds multiple tea bags, chocolates, or sweetener packets in a neat, fold-over wallet. It’s an instant upgrade for any hot beverage gift and takes less than 30 minutes to put together.
Wondering where I got these adorable mugs? These are by Rae Dunn, and are what is filling my tea cabinet! There is sure to be a little phrase that is just right for your person!
- Best tied onto: Coffee mugs, teapots, cookbooks, or wrapped gift boxes for your tea-addicted friend.
2. The Hydration Packet Holder
Pairing a reusable water bottle, tumbler, or workout gift with something extra? Tie this customized hydration pouch around the lid or handle!
The H2Go Pattern is designed specifically to hold single-serve flavored water packets, hydration powders, or energy drink mixes. Similar to the Tea To-Go layout, it keeps drink mixes neat, organized, and ready to dump into a water bottle on the go…no more plastic bag floating around in the gym bag!
- Best tied onto: Reusable water bottles, tumblers, gym bags, or fitness planners.
3. The Sewing & Travel Caddy
If you have a hand quilter, big stitch binder, or tatter in your life and don’t know what to get them, this will blow them away!
The Thready to Go Pattern keeps small notions, thread spools, needles, and small tools organized on the go. Fill it with their favorite threads and it’s a great gift all on it’s own. Tucked right under the ribbon of a larger gift box, it acts as a secondary “bonus gift” before they even open the main box.
Have a quilter that has it all?!
Fill the thready with coordinating threads, a new set of needles, and pair it with my Big Stitch Binding Kit! This kit has everything they need to get started learning Big Stitch AND it’s all contained in this sweet little bag.
- Best tied onto: Sewing kits, craft storage boxes, travel journals, or that project kit that you know they’ve been eyeing up!
- Add-ons for a complete set: Designer Thread Set, Needle Minder, a set of Milliner Needles, Tiny Scissors
Make it a Set!
Add these great accessories to fill out your Thread Caddy!
- Designer Thread Sets: Fill your Thread Caddy with these gorgeous threads!
- Needle Minders: Now that their threads are so organized, why not their needles!?
- Milliner Needles: I’ve put together my own set of 10 Milliner Needles in sizes 1 and 3…that impossible to find combination!
- Matchbox Scissors: Yes, they are THAT tiny. Yes, they are sharp. Yes, I’ve taken them on a plane!
- Beeswax: Perfect for preserving thread as it’s stitched!
- The Little Book: This pocket guide will change the way they look at quilt binding. With lots of great stitches, diagrams, and even video tutorials!
4. Quilted Fabric Gift Tags
Don’t let scrap fabric go to waste! Layer small fabric scraps with leftover quilt batting, topstitch around the edges with decorative thread, and use a metal eyelet or fabric loop at the top to slide ribbon through. You can write the recipient’s name directly on a light cotton patch with a permanent fabric marker.
Of course, Bernina has the full tutorial on how to make this all happen WITH free templates!
5. Fabric Mug Rugs, Coasters, or Trivets
A simple 5″x 5″ or 6″x 8″ quilted mug rug takes minutes to sew. Layer three or four together, wrap them across the top of a box with baker’s twine, and tuck a cinnamon stick or candy cane under the knot.
Here you see my quick and easy Oven Octo pattern, which is totally free in my shop!
Looking for more Wintry Quilting & Sewing Patterns?
Check out these great patterns and more in my shop!
- Sashay Christmas Stocking: Create this stocking and stuff it with gifts!
- Oh, Tannenbaum! Quilt: Create a quilt for the whole winter season – not just Christmas
- One Size Fits All Wrap: This wrap is a quick easy project that will fit just about anyone!
- Bun in the Sun: Know someone going on a tropical vacation soon? Or a gardener that loves their messy bun more than protection from the sun? Whip up a hat to celebrate the season – for kids or adults!
Recommended for this Tutorial
