'Tis the season to get crafty! With Christmas mere weeks away, it's safe to say that the holiday season has officially begun. While we love December and all of the cozy joys and pleasures it brings, it can also be a time of stress and chaos. From decorating to gift-giving, an easy way to save money, stress and (believe it or not) time, is to get creative and make your own decorations and presents! These 10 festive sewing, crafting, and crochet projects are a blast to make and are suitable for everyone, from beginners to intermediate stitchers. So go ahead. Put down that stress-ball and get sewing instead!
P.S. - if you're a home economics teacher, these DIY ideas would make great projects for your students. Let it sew, let it sew, let it sew!
Photos & DIY via Simply September
Nothing says 'Christmas is here' more than plaid in a festive colour palette of green, white and red. These stylish pillows may look expensive but cost very little to make. Plus you can customize them with all of your favorite holiday motifs! The Grinch perhaps?
Things You'll Need
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Pins
- Ruler/Measuring Tape
- Chalk
- Fabric (2YDs = approximately 3 pillows)(
- 9"×12" Felt Sheets (one sheet per pattern)
- Holiday Stencils
Photos & DIY via Love Of Home
Not only is this cozy knitted blanket the definition of luxury, it's a blast to make. All you need is a few skeins of yarn and your arms. That's right. Your arms. Everyone on your gift list will be blown away that you made this yourself!
- Approximately Six Skeins Of Bulky Yarn (weight approx: 7.97 oz.)
- Your own arms!
Photos & DIY via Feathering My Nest
We all have them - those old sentimental sweaters that we can't bring ourselves to toss. An easy way to give your beloved worn-out pullover a new life is by transforming it into a pair of mittens! It's eco-friendly, easy and the end result is beautiful. Make a bunch in one go and give a pair to everyone on your list!
Things You'll Need
- Sweater
- Paper
- Marker
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine
- Needle
- Thread
- Sewing Pins
Photos & DIY via The Real Thing With The Coake Family
4. Reversible Christmas Place Mats
One of the best aspects of the holiday season is being able to fill our bellies with all kinds of delicious morsels. So why not set the table in style with these uber-festive reversible placemats? They are super simple to make, so feel free to make one for every season and holiday. This pattern is also a great way to get rid of leftover scraps of fabric!
Things You'll Need
- Fabric (2 Yards)
- Interfacing (4 Yards)
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing Pencil
- Scissors
- Iron
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Machine Needle
- Thread
Photos & DIY via Easy Peasy and Fun
This is a DIY the kids are sure to adore! Not a stitch is required but when all is said and done you will be left with a sweet little snowman, ready to be played with, placed on the fireplace mantel or used as part of a centerpiece. If you have ten minutes, you have more than enough time to whip this cute little guy up!
Things You'll Need
- 1 White Sock
- 1 Coloured Sock
- Rice
- Rubber Bands (Or Thread)
- Buttons
- Ribbons
- Glue Gun
- Markers or Paint
- Orange Pom-Poms
Photos & DIY via National Sewing Circle
We all love pie but this tasty little treat is guaranteed to be much easier on your waistline! Keep your pins neat and tidy with these pie-shaped pin-cushions. Don't forget to be creative when making your pies. Is peach pie your favorite? What about key-lime? Make one for every mood!
Things You'll Need
- Felt (colours vary depending on the type of pie you wish to make)
- Coordinating Thread or Embroidery Floss
- Hand Needle
- Mason Jar Lid
- Batting
- Craft Glue
- 1 Nickel
- 1 Quarter
- Marking Pen
- Scissors
- Pinking Shears (for the cherry pie)
- Measuring Tape
Photos & DIY via Happy Hooligans
Do you have extra buttons lying around that you don't know what to do with? String them unto a pipe-cleaner to create a charming holiday wreath in seconds! They look adorable strung up onto a tree or hung on the front of a door.
Things You'll Need
Photos & DIY via Studio DIY
Sure, Christmas balls look great on your tree, but they look just as good sprawled on your bed or couch! These playful Christmas ornament pillows are sure to add a bit of holiday cheer to any space and are guaranteed to be a hit with little ones.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric for Ornament (1/2 Yard)
- Silver or Gold Fabric for Ornament Top (1/4 Yard)
- Ornament Template
- Fabric Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing Machine
- Needle
- Thread
- Batting
- Silver or Gold Trim (Optional)
- Silver or Gold Cord
- Clear Nail Polish
- Hot Glue Gun
Photos & DIY via We Heart Parties
9. Play-Time Felt Christmas Tree
It's never too early to master the art of decorating a Christmas tree! This felt tree can be made in mere minutes and will occupy tiny tot(s) for ages and ages, giving one a bit of time to settle down with a cup of hot chocolate or get some Christmas wrapping done. There's no sewing required and it's incredibly easy to make!
Things You'll Need
- Green Felt (2 Yards)
- Felt Sheets in Assorted Colours (8 ½ x 11)
- Felt Glue
- Grosgrain Ribbon
- Ornament Templates
- Fabric Scissors
- Sharpie Marker
- Freezer Paper
- Masking Tape
- Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
Photos & Pattern via Jean Herman
10. Crochet Christmas Lights Ornaments
Save a little bit of electricity this holiday season and hang these colourful crochet Christmas lights instead! They are a sure-fire conversation starter and are simple enough to make that beginners should have no trouble whipping them up. Trust us, your electricity bill will thank you!
Things You'll Need
- 3.5mm Crochet Hook
- Acrylic Yarn (worsted medium)
- Tapestry Needle
- Polyfil
Do you have any questions or comments? We would love to hear from you! Chat with us in the comment section or send us a message at sales@njeffersonltd.com.