It’s holiday season, when many of us exchange gifts. If you are in search of gift ideas for a loved one who sews, you’ll want to listen in. The Threads editors share some thoughts on what they like in this bonus podcast episode of Sewing With Threads. These can be given away—or they can be a gift to yourself. Reminder: You don’t have to wait until the holidays to give someone something special.

 

Our suggestions range in price and type, and are for a variety of sewing skill levels. (Note: The prices below are subject to change.) We’ve divided the recommendations into several categories and provide links for where to find them. The last category is a list of possible gifts to sew for yourself or others.

Inspiring Books

Ann Lowe: American Couturier by Elizabeth Way (Rizzoli Electa, 2023); Amazon.com, $37.99

History is Worn: A Story of Fashion by Christine Na-Eun Millar (Honest History, 2023); HonestHistory.co, $16.99

Notions, Gadgets, and Sewing Room Helpers

Sewing thread sets:

Gütermann; in nostalgic boxes at Amazon.com, $18.99 to $60.44, or in sets at Red Rock Threads $7.95 t0 51.75

Mettler; sets at Red Rock Threads, $11.95 to $79.95

Custom dress form; Ditto Form, $1,975.00

Patchwork garment patterns; Roberts Wood, £18.00 ($22.85) to £34.00 ($43.17)

Pressing template; Cutting Line Designs, $7.00

Folding, or pocket, template; Cutting Line Designs, $7.50

Brass pin cushion; Garrett Wade, $23.20

Brass seam ripper; Garrett Wade, $15.00; replacement heads, $8.00

Hole punch and eyelet setter; We R Memory Keepers Big Bite Crop-A-Dile 2 on Amazon.com, $39.99

Sewing toolbox; Museum of Modern Art, $95.00

Trips

Exhibition: Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style from January 20 to August 11, 2024; deYoung Museum, $20.00

Wardrobe-focused sewing retreat in Claryville, New York, April 17 to 21, 2024; Camp Workroom Social,price not yet listed

Textile journey to Morocco, September 3 to 16, 2024; World of Quilts Travel, $5,200

Make It Yourself

• 3 Ways to Make Your Own Fabric Gift Wrap
• Holiday Fabric Gift Bags
• Fabric Keepsake Box
• How to Make Hats from Recycled Sweaters
• Make a Quick Evening Wrap
• How to Make a Quick Pleated Wrap
• Gift to Make: Easy and Classic Wool Scarf
• How to Sew a Scarf Using Your Stash
• How to Make Slippers
• DIY Holiday Project: Felt Ornaments

 

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This episode’s sponsor:

Hello. I’m Threads Contributing Editor Kenneth D. King. I want to introduce you to Lola the Showgirl, who has adventures and gets new fashions in my new book, Doll Couture. Lola, who happens to be an 11 1/2-inch fashion doll, is restarting her life in New York City, so she needs amazing outfits to match. Doll Couture walks through her story where we meet the new friends she encounters along the way. These friends help her and they make sure she has the fashions she needs for every situation. My book includes the patterns and instructions for each outfit so you can create your own doll fashions just like Lola’s. Check out Doll Couture by Kenneth D. King at Amazon, Target, Barnes and Noble, TauntonStore.com, and all fine booksellers.