8 Quick and Easy Quilted Gift Ideas

By Samantha Miller

There’s still time to make quilted gifts for your holiday giving this year, provided you choose the right patterns and projects to create. Here is a collection of quick and easy project ideas to get you started this year; each piece is fun to create and truly lovely or useful for the recipient.

Something to remember: size doesn’t always matter when it comes to quick and easy quilted gifts. A small pouch or pillow with dozens of tiny hexagons may take more time than a larger table runner with few pieces and a simple quilting pattern. Look at projects in term of how long they will take to complete, not their overall size or finished purpose if you want to create something amazing in a hurry.

applique tea towels

For the Kitchen

Whip up a set of hot potato microwave bags using a fun fabric, simple appliques, and specialty batting. Un-paper towels, reusable fabric snack bags, tea towels, and even totes for lunchtime all make fast and easy gifts. With simple square shapes and minimal details, you can quickly whip up these functional kitchen items for anyone on your holiday list.

charm square quilt

Doll Quilts and Pillows

A full sized quilt is far too time consuming for a holiday gift (unless you started a year in advance) but a doll sized quilt and pillow allow you to use your skills and fabric stash to delight any little girl on your list this year.

mug rug

Tableware

From cloth napkins (which have surged in popularity with those interested in green living) to table runners and even sweet mug rugs, make a single stunning focal point for the table or a set of napkins or placemats as a gift this year.

mini art quilt

Wall Hangings and Art Quilts

Embrace the small size and rapid completion of a wall hanging; these miniature quilts can be made from just a few blocks of a favorite pattern or offer an ideal way to try a new pattern before committing to a full sized quilt. Whether you choose a whimsical art quilt pattern or create your own design, the small size and portability of this type of project make them ideal for giving.

makeup bag

Kids’ Stuff

Crayon rolls, doll totes, and even colored pencil caddies are fast and easy to make using supplies you have on hand and can be used by boys or girls. Choose a fun specialty fabric and power up your machine for an assembly line sewing session if you have a lot of nieces or nephews on your list; these simple but appreciated toy caddies are also ideal for charitable giving, too.

custom tote bag

Carry Everything

Baskets and totes adorned with your favorite quilt block or a simple applique are universally useful and fast and easy to make. Create a set of nesting baskets to hold everything from toys to office supplies; rigid batting or interfacing makes it easy. The large surface area of a basket or bowl gives you ample room to flex your design and applique skills, too.

christmas stocking

Seasonal or Holiday Décor

Make pieces that focus on the holiday and that can be pulled out and enjoyed year after year. From a Christmas tree wall hanging or a quick Christmas stocking to snowman pot holders or a turkey table runner, focusing on the seasons allows you to create a decorative item your recipient can use again and again. You also don’t have to worry about your gift fitting into a particular color scheme if you choose a holiday theme.

needle book

Crafty Helpers

If your recipient is also a crafter, then consider making a pincushion, needle book, or scissor fob – or a set of all three. Not only will a crafter truly appreciate handmade, you can be sure your gift will be pressed into service immediately, too!

If you have a lot of last-minute gifts to make, consider taking an assembly line approach to gift creation, even if the finished items are totally different: piecing on one day, then quilting the next allows you to create multiple gifts in a short amount of time. You’ll be amazed at the amount of gifts you can make in the weeks leading up to the holidays – once you shift your focus from big bed quilts to smaller, more easily completed projects.

Happy quilting!


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15 Responses to “8 Quick and Easy Quilted Gift Ideas”

  1. JUDITH

    Hi! I’m checking in to see what happened to the 12 days of Christmas Paper Piecing patterns that I signed up for last week? I have not received any patterns yet. It was a Craftsy coordinated project with the National Quilters Circle. Thank you for any information you can provide. Patterns were to be delivered to members inbox. Judith

  2. Melody Hibbitts

    I recently made a doll bed for my granddaughter. The bed was made from a cardboard box I painted purple. There was a mattress, a pillow and a quilt. But the thing she loved most was a tiny stuffed bear. She loved having a stuffy for her doll. I just made a teddy bear shaped pattern, cut 2 pieces, sewed around leaving an opening at the top. A small amount of stuffing, and finish sewing. (Nothing to turn. Yeah!). I used a marker to make a face. Done

  3. Barbara

    Cute ideas need to see how to do a baby throw quilt THANKYOU

  4. Deborah Abayomi

    Why am I not allowed full access to this video as premium member???????

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  6. Rosemary King

    Why do you have a request for payment on joining National sewing class? 9.00 dollars this morning, can you clear this up for me. Mjkrek1966@icloud.com

  7. Patty

    These are all great gift ideas. Love it!

  8. Bonnie wall

    Thank you

  9. Servanne

    All great ideas

  10. Kathryn payne

    I have joined Quilters premium twice and still am not able to get it! Why? what am I doing wrong?