Looking for gifts for people who sew can feel a bit daunting if you don't sew yourself: what could someone who already has thread, needles and a sewing machine possibly need? The good news is that, in sewing, almost everything wears out, goes missing or can be improved. Here are 15 original sewing gifts, both for beginners and for those who sew every day, explained so you get it right even if you can't tell a thimble from a seam ripper.
- How to get it right without knowing how to sew
- Useful gifts for the sewing box
- Original gifts for people who sew
- For beginners and for a mum who sews
- Little extras for her sewing corner
- Frequently asked questions
How to choose gifts for people who sew when you don't sew
Before you buy, look out for three things (or discreetly ask someone close to her):
- What she sews. Taking up hems is not the same as making patchwork quilts, clothes or fabric toys.
- What she sews with. Whether she sews by machine, by hand or both. Sewing machine accessories depend on the model, so avoid them if you don't know it.
- What's worn out. Scissors that no longer cut cleanly, a frayed pincushion or a sewing box that won't close any more are golden clues.
Useful gifts for the sewing box
- Quality fabric scissors. This is the star gift. Anyone who sews knows that fabric scissors are never used on paper; a good, heavy, well-sharpened pair lasts for years.
- Rotary cutter and cutting mat. Essential for patchwork and very handy for cutting straight strips. The mat protects both the table and the blade.
- Magnetic pin holder. Picks up pins in one sweep, even the ones that fall on the floor. Small, inexpensive and always appreciated.
- New rulers and tape measure. A clear patchwork ruler and a tape measure that hasn't stretched with use save a lot of cutting mistakes.
- Storage box with compartments. So that reels of thread, buttons and bobbins stop living all jumbled up in a biscuit tin.
Original gifts for people who sew
If you want to go beyond the practical and surprise her, these ideas have a more personal touch:
- A sewing workshop or course. To learn a new technique: pattern cutting, embroidery, quilting or bag making. It's an experience, it takes up no space and it's something she'll remember.
- Personalised labels. Fabric labels with her name or a ‘Handmade by…’ to sew into her garments. She'll love seeing her signature on every piece.
- A special fabric. A length of linen, printed cotton or wool for a project she'd never buy for herself. Ask first which colours she likes.
- Books or patterns. A book of dressmaking, patchwork or embroidery patterns, depending on what she sews. Paper patterns, if stored carefully, can be used many times.
- Embroidery or cross-stitch kit. A way to sew by hand on the sofa, perfect for winter afternoons.
Gifts for sewing beginners and for a mum who sews
If she's just starting out, go for good-quality basics rather than a huge, poor-quality kit:
- A well-chosen starter kit. Scissors, pins, a seam ripper, tailor's soap or chalk for marking, assorted needles and a tape measure. With that, you can make almost anything.
- An assortment of threads in basic colours. White, black, grey, navy and beige cover most mending jobs.
Gifts for mums who sew work best when they lovingly refresh the things they have always used:
- A new sewing box, wooden or fabric. Her trusty old one is usually bursting at the seams. Move her things into the new one and give it to her already organised.
Little extras for her sewing corner
- A lamp with good light. Sewing in the evening strains the eyes. A clip-on or desk lamp that lights the work area properly makes a difference from day one.
- Something to remove hair from fabric. If there's a dog or cat at home, hair ends up stuck to every piece of fabric before it's even cut. A reusable pet hair remover roller lifts it off fabric and clothes with no sticky refills.
| Profile | What to give her |
|---|---|
| Beginner | A quality basic kit or a course |
| Sews every day | Fabric scissors or a magnetic pin holder |
| Does patchwork | Rotary cutter, mat and ruler |
| Your mum | New sewing box or a lamp with good light |
| Has a cat or dog | Reusable pet hair remover roller |
Frequently asked questions
What can you give someone who sews?
What's most appreciated is what she uses every day and wears out: fabric scissors, pins, rulers or a box to keep things organised. If you want something more special, a course or personalised labels are good options.
What does a sewing beginner need?
Fabric scissors, pins, needles, a seam ripper, chalk for marking, a tape measure and basic threads. Better a few good things than a huge kit that never gets used.
What scissors should you give someone who sews?
Tailor's shears for fabric, with long, well-sharpened blades, and, if you want to round off the gift, a small pair for snipping threads. The key thing is that they're used for fabric only.
What do you give someone who sews and has everything?
Experiences and materials for a special project: a workshop in a new technique, a fabric she wouldn't buy for herself or labels with her name to sign her garments.
In the end, the best gifts for people who sew are the ones that make their work easier or make them want to start a new project. If you're looking for more ideas for the home, for pet owners or for gifting, have a look at the full Velia Select catalogue.