20 Patterns and Tutorials for Handmade Garments and Shoes That Make Great Gifts!

I’m continuing my series of roundups for handmade gift ideas as we head into the winter handmade holiday season. Today’s roundup is all about garments and shoes and it includes tutorials for making your own “from scratch” as well as for customizing store bought items to add a bit of handmade love. This roundup includes two no-sew fabric painting tutorials, a sewing pattern, four shoe tutorials, four free knitting patterns, and nine free crochet patterns, so you’re sure to find something to make for someone special on your handmade holiday list! I will say right up front that most of these tutorials are for women’s garments and shoes, but some of the tutorials and projects are suitable for children and men, too.

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20 Patterns and Tutorials for Handmade Garments and Shoes

Roundup by Underground Crafter

3 Fabric Tutorials

These tutorials include options for decorating fabric as well as a sewing pattern!

Left column:

  • How to Stencil a Design on Clothes by It’s Always Autumn: This tutorial shows you how to use a stencil to customize any store bought or sewn clothing with a simple pattern. It looks like a great way to add a handmade touch to a gift of clothing for children.

Right column, from top to bottom:

  • Quality Koala T-Shirt by Doodlecraft: This tutorial shows you how to use a stencil from a cut file (ideally, cut with your cutting machine) to make this adorable t-shirt.
  • Wanderer Skirt by Wild & Wanderful: This beginner-friendly circle skirt sewing pattern would make a great gift for any XXS through Plus 3X sized person on your handmade holiday list.

4 Shoe Tutorials

Whether your friend lives in warm weather or is looking for something just a little bit more interesting to wear to work or school, you’re sure to find some great shoe inspiration in these tutorials.

Clockwise, from top left corner:

4 Free Knitting Patterns

These knitting patterns vary from simple to complex and are made in a variety of yarn weights.

Clockwise, from top left corner:

  • Oxford Boyfriend Sweater by Two of Wands: This cardigan is made with a super bulky yarn and is available in two sizes (S/M and L/XL).
  • Country Manor Brioche Skirt by ABC Knitting Patterns: This pattern is available in four sizes (S, M, L, and XL) and is knit with fingering weight yarn.
  • Bay Street Pullover by Two of Wands: This cotton sweater would make a great gift for someone living in a warmer climate. It’s available in three sizes (XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL).
  • Easy Knit Blanket Sweater by Mama in a Stitch: This cuddly, overside blanket sweater is knit by holding two strands of bulky yarn together.

9 Free Crochet Patterns

These crochet projects range from child size sweaters to multi size, adult projects. Two of the patterns also include helpful video tutorials.

Left column, from top to bottom:

  • Modern Melissa Skirt by Underground Crafter: This simple Tunisian crochet straight skirt pattern is available in four sizes (S, M, L, and XL) and includes a video tutorial.
  • Off Balance Skirt by Jessie At Home: This skirt pattern was inspired by Jessie’s popular Skylark in Wonderland Shawl and can easily be customized to fit any size.
  • Best Friend Sweaters by Jessie At Home: This top-down, seamless sweater pattern is available in Child 12/14/Adult S size.

Center column, from top to bottom:

  • Overcast Sweater by Maz Kwok Designs: The free version of this hooded sweater pattern is available in size L; sizes S through 3XL are available for sale as premium patterns.
  • Swirl Sweater Wrap by Kristin Omdahl for Interweave: This pattern uses different hook sizes for S/M and L/XL sizes.
  • Sun Mandala Vest by YARNutopia: This pattern includes a video tutorial and instructions for making a larger size.

Right column, from top to bottom:

  • Movie Night Cocoon Cardi by Two of Wands: This cotton cardigan starts its life as a granny square and includes instructions for customizing the size.
  • The Granite Cape by All About Ami: This project includes detailed photos and instructions for customizing the size.
  • Light Frost Blanket Sweater by Mama in a Stitch: This cozy, oversized blanket sweater is made with a bulky, self-striping yarn that does the colorwork for you.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the projects in today’s roundup and have found your next gift idea! You can find more inspiration in my other roundups.

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