I know it’s not even Halloween, but I’m planning for Christmas already so I can give myself time to sew some gifts for my kids. As I mentioned earlier this week, the older your kids get the harder it is to find gifts you can make that they’ll actually like. I’ve been searching for ideas, and I thought I’d share the best ones I’ve found with you, so today we have 20 tutorials for gifts you can sew for your teens or tweens that they’re sure to love. There’s even some great ideas for boys in here! And if you want even more ideas, head to the bottom of the post where you can enter to win Project Teen, a new book full of cool teen oriented sewing projects by Melissa from the Polka Dot Chair (& find some cute printable gift tags designed by Melissa just for you!).
1. Fabric phone charger by Positively Splendid
2. T-shirt quilt by The Dixie Chicken
3. Running belt from the sewing rabbit
4. Giant floor pillows from Oven Lovin’
5. iPhone case stand by Made by Marzipan
6. Boxy dopp kit from The Cottage Mama
7. Makeup organizer from Haberdashery Fun
8. Bow ties made from neckties by It’s Always Autumn
9. Polka dot pouch by Knitty Bitties
10. Free hoodie pattern by The Boy Trifecta
11. DIY cord keeper by Leafy Treetop Spot
12. iPhone wallet by My 3 Monsters
13. Body pillow case with iPad pocket
14. DIY leather deck holders for Pokemon or Magic the Gathering cards by It’s Always Autumn
15. Infinity scarf by Merrick’s Art
16. fleece ear warmers by Delia Creates
17. Shirt cuff wallet by RePlayGround
18. Jersey knit bracelet V.and Co
19. Messenger bag made out of cargo pants from Noodlehead
20. Skateboard sling by The Boy Trifecta
There’s some great ideas here, right? As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, you also have the chance to win Project Teen, a new sewing book that will give you 21 more ideas for sewing projects teens will love.
Melissa, the author of Project Teen, believes that our teens (and tweens) need to feel our love just as much now as they did when they were little, and putting a little of our heart into sewing for them is a great way to show that love. So she came up with 21 sewing projects (some fun, some trendy, some classic) that are perfect for teens. The projects include gadget cases, cool zip pouches, a stadium blanket, gorgeous yet doable quilts, bags, and more, including an entire chapter dedicated to sewing for teen boys. My favorite project in that chapter are these t-shirt pillows:
To enter to win a copy of Melissa’s new book Project Teen, just leave me a comment telling me why you want to win or what you’re planning to sew for someone this holiday season! Winner will be chosen on Oct 27th. (If winner has a mailing address outside the US, they will receive an e-copy of the book). PS: if you don’t win, you can find Project Teen here on Amazon
<–affiliate link
And not only is Melissa giving away a copy of her new book, she’s also sharing free printable gift tags on 10 different blogs this week – a different tag on each blog – and these guys are adorable! They’re the perfect finishing touch for all your holiday gifting. Click here to download this holly jolly gift tag, designed just for us:
Then visit the other blogs on the book tour to collect 9 more free printable gift tags:
October 13th: Sew Can She and Piece N Quilt
October 14th: Generation Q Magazine and UCreate
October 15th: Diary of a Quilter and Noodlehead
October 16th: Flamingo Toes
October 17th: Simple Simon and Co AND It’s Always Autumn
Laura Whisnant says
I have 16 grandkids to sew for, 15 of whom are teens or tweens. This book sounds like just the idea book I need!
Laura Clark says
I would love to win because I am always looking for unique things to sew and my son is 12 1/2. So hard to buy for. He cant think of anything that he wants. Of course, thats great, but I want to surprise him and make him happy. Thank you!
Rose says
I would torally love to win this book. I have and idea to make quite a few of them for Christmas gifts for the grandkids (phone chargers and cord keepers as well as the phone stand). Also have a sister that quilts and the thread catcher would be great for her as well as for myself.
Sandy says
Link #10, the hoodie… Takes me to a spam website where it’s difficult to get out of.
?
Thanks for all the links.
Dee Bridges says
Love your ideas….having a homemade Christmas and was having trouble coming up with some things for my 12yr old grandaughter. Thanks for the inspirations! Look forward to more!
Dawn Failing says
Who wouldnt want to win?! This book sounds awesome! And what am I not planning to try to sew?!?! I try to do as many handmade gifts as possible each year, not only do I get to spend time doing a hobby I love, but I absolutely love giving homemade gifts as well. One thing on my list this year is doll clothes for my niece!!
Cindy says
Here I am again, desperately searching for manly items to make for my husband….I have managed to buy more fabric…(because I didn’t have anything at all in my closet to use…), .but wonderful manly fabric. This year has finally produced some awesome grown up man prints for military, airplanes, fishing, hunting, old gun & ammo catalog prints, etc…I have to say, I love so many of your “Teen” ideas for grown-up men and I will definitely be making them for mine…I especially love the Boxy Dopp (6)…Pouch (9)…and for certain the DIY Cord Keeper(11)…I might have to make many of those in different sizes….What great ideas and kudos to you for such a great list, for anyone. Thanks
Heidi L says
Great ideas – I’m already cutting out projects for the grandkids !
Ann Acob says
I love these ideas! We have two boys (14 and 11) and a LOT of nieces and nephews to get Christmas gifts for. Since our budget for gifts is much smaller this year, I plan on making a few of these for Christmas. I would love to win the book for even more ideas. Thank you for putting this together.
Pia lewis perry says
Would love to win the teen seeing book! I have a tween and 2 teens (13 & 17). Love the ideas I saw and am always looking for clever ideas as we are not buying “stuff”. Home made is it! Thanks
Jennifer says
I plan to make my teen daughter a hoodie scarf and my son would love the bowtie or card deck holder. I am always looking for projects they can make themselves, too.
Shari says
This would be awesome to have! Cute inspiring ideas!
Marg c. says
Probably making a minimum of six Tech Charging Stations. Last year it was pillow cases, burrito style which is a fun, non threatening gift. Thanks
Laura says
The phone charger and the cuff wallet are great ideas for me and my daughter to make for my son.
Sylvia says
I would love to make my tween boy something he would think was cool!
Ranee says
Love this! I have 2 teens and 1 almost teen, so this would be great!
Ruth Ann Hessert says
What fun ideas! Needed a tricky gift for my quilt retreat buddies. The cord keeper will be great for sewing machine cords!!
Jane M says
Love the phone charging holder and the T shirt pillows are cute and a lot less work than a whole quilt. Tks for the great ideas.
Sheila Wagner says
Well, a couple of years ago, I thought my 2 grand daughters would like a pair of pajamas and a sleep over bag to carry them in.
So, I made each of them a set of each. The fabric I chose I found at a quilt show I had gone to and I was (I thought) the cutest.
It was basically a white background with bras of all colors and scattered in all different directions. When they opened them
(to my surprise) they were shocked and I think embarrassed because they said more or less that they wouldn’t be caught dead
in them, especially overnight at a friends house. I suppose my judgment of their age appropriateness was not appreciated.
Susan says
I have a grandson who loves bow ties! How great is this? And 2 granddaughters that need the charger holders!
Susan Pyles says
Love the ideas!
Jane Pygott says
these are some great ideas. Have been saving my sons favorite t-shirts to make the quilt, and some great ideas for my daughter and her friends for care package and Christmas. I’m going to have to check out her book to for more ideas. Thanks
Martina says
Thanks for sharing – especially the skateboard sling, i was looking for one like this for ages. I need it for my son’s scooter.
Lynne says
I love the wallet and backpack idea for my grandsons…it is hard to find them handmade items to diy. I also love the bracelets and most everything!! I love to recycle/reuse what I can, and am looking into getting a sewing machine. Disappointed that I missed out on the giveaway, but am excited for all the great ideas I did get. Thanks take care
Madison says
awesome ideas!!! love it!!!
Kelley H says
So many cute ideas! I have a few teens to sew for. Currently. I’m making a tshirt quilt for one young man!
Susan says
I am making lap quilts for my granddaughters for Christmas. I would love to win because there are so many great ideas in this book, that I would like to make.
AMy S. says
Grear ideas! Always hard to figure out gifts for teens!!
Pauline Perry says
I would love to win the book and I am going to make the ear warmer with a bow, the wallet, the ipad stand and definitely the phone charger pouch. Thanks
Pauline
Audrey Euneau says
Would love to win!! Will make IPhone stand and wallet. Also the cosmetic organizer.
Audrey Euneau says
Would love to win!! Interested in the IPhone stand and wallet!! Also the cosmetic organizer.
Lisa Cowell says
I have no teens, but I see some interesting ideas of things I would like to make for myself!
Nita says
The charging cell phone holder is my favorite! Everybody needs one, right? Neat ideas!
Joanne says
I’m making my daughter a purse using some Union Jack inspired fabric…..she is in love with Doctor Who!!! And an Infinity Scarf
Sheri says
I would probably start with the infinity scarf. There are so many great choices here though and I’m sure even more in the book. Crossing my fingers, hope to win.
Heidi G says
Great ideas! I might have to make the card holder and skateboard carrier for my 9-yr old… he’s tough to buy for!
Samantha says
I definitely plan on making zipper bags/pouches for gifts.
Laura says
Love these! I’m making as many gifts as I can this year and this post just gave me a number of ideas for my niece! Would love to see what was in the book!
Karen says
I’d love to make the hanging iPhone holder/charger!
Rachel R. says
Thanks for all of these great links – will be making a few of these for sure this year!
Alysia H says
I’d love to get some ideas for things to sew for and with my tween.
Jess Z says
I would love to make a few things for our church youth girls and babysitters.
Wendy says
The cuff wallet and skateboard sling are awesome! Something I can make my son that he will actually use. Awesome 🙂
Maria says
I’m thinking the cargo messenger bag will be on my sewing list for my kids. Not sure what else I’ll sew this Christmas. I always make a long list that I’m culling until the 25th!
Terri says
I love sewing for my kids, although they are 20 & 22 now! Thank goodness they still like getting my handmade things, so I’m always looking for something new and different to make for them! I would love to win the book so I could get a head start on their Christmas gifts!
KIM says
Cute ideas you have! Planning on making scarves, pillowcases as the gift bags and pouches.
gloria w says
I have 2 teenagers at home and are starting to learn to sew, I want the book for them to continue their learning sewing. Thank you very much for the opportunity to win.
MarjoryW says
Several of these items would be great for my just-beyond-teen, college junior granddaughter, especially the pouch, running belt and infinity scarf. I am planning to make Christmas ornaments for her older sister, who hasn’t had time to collect many since getting married, graduating from college, teaching in China and now in graduate and law school at the same time! But she just might have to have the running belt, too.
Emily says
Great ideas! I want to sew a skirt.
Kerri says
I LOVE the ideas shown here. I have a tween and a teen daughter. I am a SAHM again this year so I am able to make some of their gifts again. I was having a hard time gathering ideas until now. The book would make things even more helpful. Thanks a million!
Autum says
Loving all the crafts but the bowties and giant floor pillows are something I would definitely make for my kids and nieces and nephews. Last year I crocheted head gear for my nieces and the year before sewed pajama pants for all the kids. I would love to win this to have a wonderful guide book for more ideas for this year and years to come. 🙂
Brandy says
These are some of the nicest projects that I have seen. But I believe there not just for teens and tweens I have 2 boys and 2 girls in mid 20s, my boys would love the skateboard carrier as well as electronic holders and my daughters would love to make all of these for themselves and friends. What an awsome selection of gifts to make and receive, were all kids at heart.
Sarah says
I love those tshirt pillows! What a great idea!
Susan says
Just what I need for my grands. They live on the other side of the country from me and sewing for them without being able to have a fitting makes it difficult for me.
Samantha says
I am definitely going to make my daughter one of those ear warmers- too cute!! Love all these ideas though.
Nancv says
I LOVE these ideas. I will definitely be making the ear warmers for my teen nieces, tween foster granddaughter, sister in law, daughter, and myself. There are some of the other things I want to make but won’t mention here in case someone is lurking. 🙂 Being a poor grandma, DIT is going to help me give nice presents for all.
Marcella says
Great book to help teens to appreciate the value of hand made world !! I would real love it
marisa says
Im always at a loss for what to make my niece and nephew that will be both useful and stylish. These ideas are great for the teen and the teen at heart! Can’t wait to make the iPad and ear bud projects!
Sarah J. says
I don’t have big plans for holiday sewing this year- trying to keep it simple! I am planning some small pouches for teacher gifts and an apron for my son (but it’s for his birthday in January). Thanks- would love to gift this book to my niece with some fun fabric!
Krista English says
I’d love to win because like you I have two boys too! They are now teens and it is hard to dhop for them, but you gavel mesome brilliant ideas. They love Dr. Who so definitely a bow tie is in my queue.
CTY says
Would love to win this book! For the last 3 years all gifts I give are homemade– will be making the fleece ear warmers for starters, then the cuff wallet, and a slew of the hanging phone charging stations. I’ll also try modifying the cargo pants bag to make a carry bag vest for a family member’s service dog.
Kari says
My nieces love homemade gifts, and it would be great to have some new ideas as they are heading into their tweens. Thanks for offering this.
Karen Seitz says
I plan to make zipper bags/pouches for several people this year. They are fairly quick to make and are a great stash-buster.
Linda says
Every year for the past several, my family has tried to focus more on handmade at Christmas time and I can see several great ideas here for my teen daughters. thank you!
Tiffani says
My youngest is a tween already! Looks like some great ideas. Thank you!
Cindy Dahlgren says
I would so love to win this book! I have a lot of teens and tweens, and two sons that are really difficult to make things for. I really need this book. It looks totally awesome. cdahlgren at live dot com
Beth T. says
Now that my nieces are in their mid-twenties and thirties, I find myself running out of ideas for them and their husbands. Although this book is aimed at teens, I’ve seen several great ideas for the fun adults in my family! I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for the chance.
Patti says
Thanks for all the great links and for the chance to win! Super fun giveaway and I have teens so this is great!
Buffy says
I have three “Tweens” (2 tens and 1 twelve all boys) and I’m always looking for new ideas for things to make them
Ginny says
I would like to try the iphone holder. My niece is always watching videos on her phone and this might help her out. Thanks!
Sam Nicholson says
I cannot wait to try my hand at sewing All these items!! With a 12 and 30 year old, they would love to get these as a gift, particularly if Mom made them!! Really excited about the messenger bag and the different pillows!! My kids would go nuts about hanging up their I phones and iPods to charge!!
Elaine Satterfield says
Love the Diamonds quilt! Planning to re-do my tween’s room in January!
jane d says
There are several of these I’d love to make for my teen and tween grandkids!
Karen says
I’d love this book, my niece and nephews are teenagers, it would be great yo have some ideas of things to make for them. I think the skateboard sling would be a hit with both of my nephews.
Ange says
Thanks for all the great gift ideas.
Isabel A. says
My daughter is growing up and just don’t like children stuff.
Jodie Allen says
I would love to win this book as I have a teenager that seems to have just about everything but also loves to receive things handmade. I have run out of ideas and think that this book would give me some awesome ideas for this Christmas for her and her friends!!
Tarien Roux says
I’m just a beginner and at the stage where I’m keen to do a complete home-made Christmas, but I’ve got quite a few teenage nieces and nephews and not sure my skills are cool enough. I really love all of these ideas and there’s some that are even suitable to my skill level 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!!
Nina says
These are such cute ideas!!!! I am particularly eyeing the make up organizer from Haberdashery Fun but the link doesn’t work. I could so totally use it for my desk or organizing my sewing stuff!
autumn says
Thanks for letting me know, Nina – I got the link fixed!