Speedy Makes For Last Minute Pressies!

Aren't handmade Christmas pressies just the best!? They can also be a life saver to those of us who may or may not have left a large portion of their Christmas shopping until the last minute... Fear not makers! 

Below, we're sharing our favourite quick and easy sewing projects to make for Christmas presents for all the family. If you're short on time, don't worry, lots of these projects will take less than an hour and minimal fabric. Win-win!

Our FREE sewing pattern downloads are now listed in the shop (not just on the blog), for easy access. Check out our freebie sewing patterns!

Continue reading for some perfect handmade stocking-stuffer gift ideas...

Face Masks

Perhaps an unconventional Christmas pressie, but face masks have become the unexpected, but a necessary accessory of recent times and they don't have to be boring! Perfect for using up the fabric scraps you've collected this year, sew your loved ones some stylish masks to match any outfit.

You don't need to download a pattern, simply check out our face mask tutorial to see how to quickly draft your own...

HOW TO MAKE A DIY FACE MASK

Eye Masks

Whilst we're talking masks, check out our lovely FREE Fifi eye mask sewing pattern. There’s something so indulgent about slipping on an eye mask to help you get enough beauty sleep. Line it with silky satin for a touch of luxury to your gift.

GET YOUR FIFI EYE MASK PATTERN HERE!

It's Got Pockets! FREE Pocket Pattern Round up & Inspiration!

One of the BEST things about dressmaking is that you can choose to add details that matter to you. If you're anything like us, pockets are a must for everything we whip up! If you want to add (more!) pockets to a project, we have a few templates and step-by-step instructions you can use to increase your pocket count. 

Did we mention these pocket pattern pieces are FREE to download? Stick around until the end of the post for even more pocket possibilities that might just be waiting for you in your pattern stash already. Oh yes, it's pockets galore at TATB!

Hip Pockets

What's better than three pockets on your Mila dungarees? FIVE pockets on your Mila dungarees! This add-on Mila dungarees hip patch pockets would also work for any bottoms with a waistband, so take this pattern and run with it! It's such handy addition to your pattern hacking arsenal - you won't want to make trousers without them once you see how many bits & bobs you can stash in them... 

 

Download the Mila hip pocket pattern / Visit the tutorial & original blog post

FREE PATTERN! Oversized Detachable Collar

Try a cute detachable collar to style up your outfits this season! Perhaps you're loving the oversized and statement collar blouses that are popping up but aren't ready to commit to the full look? We've got you covered with our FREE detachable collar pattern download. Perfect for pairing with our Billie Sweatshirt or Indigo Smock sewing patterns for some on-trend Spring layering.

In this post, I'll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew the collar, including a helpful video tutorial. Plus I'll list just some of the customisation possibilities at the end. Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD THE FREE COLLAR PATTERN

Open the pattern file in Adobe Reader (you can download it for free). Print the pattern on either A4 or Letter size paper, selecting “actual size” or “set scaling to 100%” or “turn off scaling” in your print settings. You can double-check the pattern has printed at full scale by measuring the test square - it should be exactly 60mm x 60mm. Cut off the borders and join the sheets together with glue or tape, lining up the triangles.

You will need:

• Approximately 1m (1 1/8yd) fabric - or use a combination of smaller scraps from your stash. Cotton work best or, if you want to use a lightweight fabric (like viscose) we'd recommend interfacing the top layer for stability
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine and basic tools

How to Make Shoulder Ruffles with Lettuce Edge Hem (Free Pattern!)

Fancy adding some cute, curled edge shoulder ruffles to one of your me-mades?

I added shoulder ruffles to one of my Billie sweatshirt dresses and loved the result so much I decided to make a free pattern so you can make them too! (Take a look at more photos of my Billie dress here.) You can also add these ruffles to the Freya top or dress from my book Stretch, or the Tabitha t-shirt or dress from my book Make it Simple – or basically any garment pattern designed for knit fabrics and which has a shoulder seam.

In this post, I'm going to share a step-by-step tutorial for how to sew the shoulder ruffles, including a video on how to create the curled "lettuce edge" hem on an overlocker (AKA serger). If you don't have this machine, don't worry - keep reading to the end where I share an alternative method of making shoulder ruffles using just a regular sewing machine.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE SHOULDER RUFFLE PATTERN