Shopping for those who quilt or sew is so easy. These folks would love to receive practical gifts. There are so many suitable choices.
Subscriptions and memberships
A gift subscription to one of the sewing or quilting magazines is something they’ll enjoy throughout the year. The American Patchwork and Quilting magazine is an example.
For that quilter, consider a membership in the American Quilter’s Society. In return, she will receive a newsletter and magazine as well as discounts on books and admissions to the society’s quilt shows.
Fabrics
When buying fabric for gifts, buy more yardage than you think the recipient will need. Any leftovers can go into their stash.
For gift fabrics, choose generous bundles of fat quarters and pre-packaged fabric collections. This approach ensures the quilter will have enough coordinating fabrics for a given project.
Sewing notions and supplies
All sorts of sewing supplies make practical gifts. Polyfill or other stuffing is needed for various kinds of sewing and decorating projects. Pillow forms in a range of shapes and sizes are always useful. Quilters never have too much batting. This can vary widely in color, size, thickness, and fiber content.
Quilters and sewers always need trim, such as lace, rick-rack, and the like. Bias tape, hem facings, and similar items also come in handy.
Fabric stores sell many kinds of interfacing and fusables. For gifts, choose the ones that are sold in packages. Typically, these come in different weights for various kinds of projects.
Fasteners of all sorts make great gifts. These can range from Velcro to snaps and buttons.
Nowadays, quilters and sewers go to great lengths to embellish their projects. All sorts of special fabric dyes and paints would be welcome gifts. So are Swarovski crystals kits.
Sewing and quilt patterns make very useful gifts. Some stores, such as Hancock Fabrics, carry lesser known brands.
Sewing baskets and storage options
Sewing baskets and appropriate storage units allow quilters and sewers to get well organized. A matching set of stacking storage baskets would be a wonderful gift. Totes come in handy for those on the go.
Irons and pressing aids
These are essential items for sewing and quilting. Generally, a steam iron is preferred. One that turns off automatically when not in use is very convenient.
Pressing aids, such as pressing cloths, and a removable iron cover are thoughtful gifts.
Cutting boards and cutting tools
For those with limited space, a folding cutting board makes sense. Cutting mats are essential these days. Cutting tools, such as scissors, are also well received. If you’re buying a rotary cutter for a gift, include a replacement blade.
Quilt calendars
Every quilter needs a quilt calendar. Stores will carry a good assortment.
Each year the American Quilter’s Society issues these in several formats. Their Quilt Art Engagement Calendar by Klaudeen Hansen et al is small enough to fit in a tote. Illustrated with lush color photos of prize winning quilts from all over the country, it contains a page for each week with lots of space for recording important appointments.
The American Quilter’s Society Wall Calendar features a ravishing prize winning quilt for each month. There is a gorgeous color photo of each quilt along with a smaller image of an individual block.
