When you have the gift of being a sewer, the festive season is the perfect time to share your gift with loved ones - by indulging them in a handmade gift! Male or female, old or young, check out some of these ideas of what to get stitching for them...

50 Gifts to Sew for Christmas

A great gift for people of all ages, this quick and easy infinity scarf is achievable for all skill levels and makes a practical gift that can be personalised with their favourite colours and prints. 

Treat a little one to a unique cuddly toy like this pretty Flora the Elephant pattern from Bustle and Sew - use floral fabric for an extra special finish.

Practical gifts don't always have to be boring - a colourful personalised reading cushion makes a great gift for an avid little reader! We love this tutorial by Polkadot Chair.

For the gadget-obsessed, try out one of these handy charging pod projects from Lil Luna that can keep everything together in one place while they charge their phone. 

If you'd like to make something for the furry friend in your life, have a crack at this simple dog bandana project - make it in festive fabric for something fun, or pick an exciting or colourful print. Extra points for embroidering their name on it!

We ADORE these bright little pen holders by Sew Can She - they make a great add-on gift alongside a beautiful journal, and save you always searching for a pen when you want to write!

Treat a hard-working mum or couple to a beautiful new baby accessory to make their lives easy, like this wipe clean baby mat from Vicky Myers Creations.

Know someone that's always burning their hands on their lunch, straight out the microwave? Knock together a couple of these simple washable soup bowl cozies by Happy Hour Stitches and they'll thank you forever!

Alternatively, if you know someone who loves to cook or bake, why not make them a pretty oven glove like this one? Cut up a panel for the centre and use insulated wadding to protect from heat.

Little boys will love these fun dinosaur play tails, in bright colours by Andrea's Notebook!

If you know any other sewing enthusiasts, whip them up a set of cute pattern weights like these ones from Tea and a Sewing Machine - bonus points for using sewing themed fabric!

For those who love to wine and dine, make a matching set of gorgeous fabric placemats by utilising a fabric panel or some scenic fabric. Just quilt round the design to pick out some details for a simple but thoughtful gift.

Make a cool tablet case like this one from Polka Dot Chair for anyone in the family or a friend, with this simple pattern. Choose cool fabrics and pretty binding for extra wow-factor.

Add a bit of fun to laundry day for mum, and have a go at this cute little shark peg bag by Hey Let's Make Stuff.

Even the most fussy people have to eat lunch, so if you're stuck for what to make somebody who has everything (or likes very little), run up one of these cute lunch bags by Purl Soho - why not add their name in embroidery?

Encourage little ones in their love of reading by making a book cushion! It has a pocket on the front to tuck their latest book into - why not give it with a book as a lovely co-ordinating gift?

Get snuggly with one of these trendy mermaid tail blankets, for adults! Made from supersoft plush fabric, Sew Much Ado has got your covered with her comprehensive tutorial!

You can still sew for fashion-conscious friends; check out these stunning envelope style clutch bags by See Kate Sew that are perfect for an extra special accessory.

Treat mum or grandma to some cosy slippers for their tired feet with this simple tutorial by Todo Manualidades (you can use Google translate).

Go classic with a new pair of oven gloves! The key to making a good pair is picking a good fabric that your recipient will like either due to novelty factor or colours/patterns that match their kitchen - then simply follow this tutorial by Make It & Love It.

For the jetsetter in your life, nothing but a passport cover will do! Use bright colours or bold patterns to make sure it's easy to find in amidst all their luggage. We love this Liberty tutorial from Mollie Makes!

If you don't have time to sew or aren't very confident with a machine, try this no-sew Liberty fabric covered notebook for a quick and easy gift.

Here's one for all those handsome little boys you know - a cute novelty bow tie bib by Make It & Love It!

We love how versatile this honeycomb basket by Love From Beth is - whether they use it like this for crafty bits, or you make it up in a more masculine fabric for him to store his DIY bits and pieces in.

Make sure nobody misses out, a sew up a bunch of these adorable fish drawstring bags for all the kids - personalise with their name on the back. Tutorial by Eclemo for Women's Weekly.

For someone that's always on the go, a thoughtful travel toothbrush holder is a lovely gift - pick some fun towelling and go crazy! Tutorial by Must Have Mom.

How cute is this hair clip holder from Emma Bee? Great for a little girl's bedroom!

If there's a new arrival expected soon, whip up a few cute little things to give to the expectant parent - including these beautiful (yet easy) baby hats by Coral + Co, which goes from Preemies all the way up to 12 months. 

Ruffles are big this season in clothing, so why not add them to accessories too? Great for fashion-conscious recipients, we love this tutorial from See Kate Sew!

Get mixed media with this sewing AND needle felting project that's as uplifting as it is colourful! Try out this needle felted rainbow cushion by Club Crafted.

Upgrade the basic scrunchie with this gorgeous bow scrunchie project from Crafty Staci.

Don't have time for a full sewing project? DIY your own cute cactus oven glove by embellishing a ready-made oven glove for a fun gift - tutorial by The Proper Blog.

Make up a bunch of these simple but stylish wrist key chains for easy presents to stash away in case you get caught in need of one! They're a great way to use up ribbon and fabric scraps too. Tutorial by Making Things is Awesome.

For those who love to be wrapped up, make one of these fits-all draped cardigans with this handy tutorial from Heather Handmade.

Keep them cosy with a gorgeous triangle quilt project by Making Things is Awesome - it's achievable even for beginners. 

Make something to keep those expensive glasses safe as well as stylish with this gorgeous glasses case project from Riva La Diva.

Put a smile on the kids faces with one of these cute fruit inspired dolls from Lovely Indeed.

You can't beat a good accessory and we love this beanie with a twist by Friday Pattern Company - it's made from velvet!

Use up your fat quarters or smaller pieces of fabric and make beautiful burp cloths for friends with babies using this tutorial from The Willow Market.

Llama's are so popular right now, so hop on the trend and make some cute cuddly llamas with this tutorial by Johanna Rundel.

For older llama lovers, make a beautiful piece of embroidery hoop art for the wall with Bustle and Sew's project.

Keep those cold people in your life warm with a DIY heat pack by The Crafting Nook.

Or make it more fun for the guys with this novelty moustache version by The Crafty Gentleman.

Make something unique for the coffee lover in your life with this cute coffee bag tutorial from Minki Kim.

We love a practical gift, and this one's great for tool enthusiasts and artists alike - follow the tutorial by The Merry Thought.

It might be a bit unusual, but you can use your machine to make your own customised tea bags too! This is a great project for tea lovers, from Wild Wild Whisk.

For the person that has everything, give them somewhere to put their bits and pieces! These handy trays are good for everything from hairbands to spare change - just use A Spoonful of Sugar's handy tutorial.

These pouches are so handy for inside your handbag, they'll keep all your essentials together like lipstick and eyeliner. Tutorial by Sew Some Stuff.

Make something unique for the music lover in your life, and quilt your own ukulele case with this tutorial from The Sewing Party.

Foodie lovers will love this tortilla warming wrap! Project by The Good Hearted Woman.

If you've never tried using zips in your sewing projects, don't be scared to give them a go - practice makes perfect in this case, and once you've got the knack of the zipper foot, you'll find you breeze through it in no time! Everyone has a different way of showing you how to do it, so here's our top tutorials from across the web on how to insert different types of zips in different ways.

How to Insert Zips

This comprehensive guide from Make It Love It shows you how to insert both regular and concealed zips - and uses tape to help hold everything in place with concealed zips!

We also love these tutorials from popular pattern designer, Sew Over It - the afficionado's at dressmaking! Lisa shows you how to insert zips on actual garments and offers loads of top tips along the way.

For those who want to try more advanced zip techniques, we also like this lapped zip tutorial from Coats:

Shop All Zips from £1 >>

New to dressmaking or looking to give it a try? Fear not - pick one of these beginners patterns and some cheap dress fabric and have a go! What have you got to lose?

15 Easy Dressmaking Patterns for Beginners

Little Black Dress by The Littlest Studio

Fat Quarter Toddler Skirt by Thread Bunny

Tilly and the Buttons Bettine Dress

Dreamer Skirt by Andreas Notebook

The Staple Dress by Comfort Stitching

Baby Dungarees by Love Sewing

Kids Summer Dress Pattern by Widi

Fringe Crop Top by The Littlest Studio

Tilly and the Buttons Coco Dress

Paper Bag Skirt by The Littlest Studio

Kids Peasant Dress by Sew Much Ado

Circle Skirt by The Littlest Studio

Tilly and the Buttons Cleo Dress

2 Hour Maxi Dress by Me Sew Crazy

Elegant Bow Pencil Skirt by The Littlest Studio

Spring is in the air, with lighter days and buds beginning to bloom! So we thought it was about time to turn our hand to some spring and Easter sewing projects...

15 Spring Sewing Projects You Have to Make

Decorate your home the way sewers know best, with some bunting - but not just any bunting, bunny bunting!

Bunny Bunting Project by Crafts Beautiful

Embrace your creativity with some freehand embroidery art like this beautiful romantic bunny scene!

Bunny Art by Pootle

Create something the kids will love, like these fun stuffed bunny toys! The pompom trim on the bottom really finishes them off!

Little Love Bunnies by Jennifer Jangles

Fashion the most beautiful egg hunt bag ever, like this sweet Miffy-inspired bunny bag!

Easter Egg Hunt Bag by Minna's Room

If you only want a subtle Easter touch for your home, pick a pretty Easter fabric and create a colourful spring cushion with a fun trim!

Bunny Cushion by Clarabelle Interiors

Make something fun to put a smile on the face of all your guest this spring - all you need for this bunny door decoration is some hessian or burlap and a pompom!

Hessian Bunny Decoration by Sue Starley

We adore these mini felt bunny toys that the kids can carry round in their own travel sized carrot pouch!

Mini Bunny Pattern by Molly and Mama

Have flowers that last all season long, by making them from fabric - these tulips look pretty achievable!

Fabric Tulip Bouquet by Kreatywne Zycie (use Google Translate)

Add a bit of fun to your Easter table with these colourful egg-shaped placemats! Then bring them out every year...

Easter Egg Placemats by Quilting Digest

Make some simple freehand embroidery flowers finished off with buttons, and turn them into whatever you like; magnets, keyrings or brooches!

Fabric Flowers by Mollie Makes 

Add a sprinkle of Spring to your kitchen with these adorable applique tea towels - they double as a great gift for anyone who prefers a chocolate-free Easter!

Bunny Tea Towels by Lolly Jane

Cute as a... well, a chicken! Make something worthy of all your colourful Easter treats with this easy chick treat pouch project!

Chick Candy Cuties by Pickle Pie Designs

Keep your breakfast nice and toasty with these mini egg cosies - pretty AND functional, now that's what we like!

Mini Egg Cosies by Sew and So

Use all those leftover fabric scraps to create a colourful fabric wrapped basket like this one from Moda!

Fabric Easter Basket by Vanessa Christenson for Moda

So we've lost an hour of sleep as the clocks go forward, and although that sucks, it can only mean one thing - spring is here, finally! With warmer weather comes the resurgence of spring/summer crafting... and nothing is hotter right now than crochet! Check out these cute projects to get you off to a great start... and don't forget to make the most of our 3 for 2 yarn offer!

14 Cutest Crochet Projects for Spring

Crochet Dragon by All About Ami

Sleepy Panda Baby Booties by Hopeful Honey

Crochet Daisies by Mama in a Stitch

Sammy the Seal Pattern by Little Muggles

Mini Crochet Bow Hairclips by Hello Yellow Yarn

Hexie Puff Seat Pad by Whistle and Ivy

Lollipop Circus Booties by Hopeful Honey

DIY Amigurumi Sea Friends Mobile by Petit Bout de Chou

Cheeseburger Keyring by Hello Yellow Yarn

Posable Crochet Monkey by All About Ami

Camera Satchel Bag by Hopeful Honey

Unicorn Hood by Mama in a Stitch

Crochet Donuts by Hello Yellow Yarn

Shop 3 for 2 Yarn >>

You don't have to be a sewing pro to be able to make something pretty to give to someone you love.. these 10 simple projects will show you care in a way that's more than just stopping off at the shop!

10 Easy Sewing Projects for Valentine's Day

Embroidered Love Handwriting Hoop by While Wearing Heels

Felt Flamingo Project by Downeast Thunder Farm

Embroidered Tulip Leaf Project by Look What I Made

DIY Felt Pusheen Cat by Subtle Sweetness 101

Venn Diagram Initial Embroidery Hoop by Bee's Knees Industries

Secret Pocket Heart Pillow by See Kate Sew

Heart in Hand Gloves by Mache Mag

State/Country Love Cushion by The Plumed Nest

Shop Valentine's Supplies >>

According to what we've seen on Twitter today, it's International Joke Day. So we thought it would be fun to join in and bring you our favourite selection of sewing jokes from around the web!

Best Sewing Jokes - International Joke Day

 

I shouldn't tell sewing jokes, I'm always running out of new material

 

Don't be silly doctor, this is a fabric collection not a hoarding disorder!

 

Up, down, up, down..Now out to the sides and down and across... Aaaand stretch, stretch! - This sewing class is working wonders for my aerobics!

 

Husband: You're not buying all that fabric, are you?

Wife: Yes, but look at how much I'm leaving behind!

 

I'm a fabricaholic on the road to recovery... just kidding, i'm on my way to the fabric store!

 

I was getting annoyed with my latest sewing project when my hubby helpfully came declaring, "You seamstressed!"

 

My friend composes songs about sewing machines. She's a Singer songwriter!

Hope these made you chuckle! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter to get daily updates, inspiration, news and chats!

So you've seen all the new cute crochet yarns and patterns on our website right? And you've looked at them wistfully, wishing you could create something as lovely as that... well guess what, you can! Although it can seem daunting, crochet is a great needlework to have a go at, and in some ways much simpler than things like knitting - so why not have a go? 

It's always hard to learn from written instructions, so we're here to show you the top youtube videos we've found for beginners crochet, to teach you all the tricks and techniques you need to know!

And once you feel like you can give it a go, take advantage of our fab offer - grab yourself a FREE pattern of your choice when you spend £15 on crochet yarn!

Top Videos for Crochet Beginners

How to Crochet a Granny Square for Beginners

First up, here's a great little video that clearly explains how to get you going on a few basic crochet techniques. It's quite a long video (about 25 minutes), but well worth the time as it takes you through step-by-step to create a sweet little granny square. Granny squares are one of the most popular projects for crochet beginners as they are fairly easy to complete and come together reasonably quickly.

 Learn to Crochet - Chain Stitch and Single Crochet Stitch

If you've got a little less time on your hands and just want to try out some basic techniques without a specific project in mind, this little 5 minute tutorial on chain stitch and single crochet stitch is great. It's supposed to end up being a crochet dishcloth project but you don't necessarily have to continue all the way to the end. It's handy for showing you how to crochet lines of stitches across and back, and for practising these two stitches. 

How to Crochet in a Round - Magic Ring and Chain Stitch

If you're looking to have a go at crocheting things like hats and mittens later down the line, one of the best methods to learn is how to crochet in a round - and this video is great for teaching you two techniques to do so. Once again, it's really only a technique tutorial so you won't get a project out of it but it's great for practising before you start on something new.

 How to Crochet a Rose for Beginners

One of the most popular crochet projects out there is how to make a crochet flower, and this tutorial is a fab walk through how to do a pretty little rose. You'll need a standard needle to sew it up a little at the end, but this is a great little crochet project for beginners to get started!

Shop Crochet

 The sun's out this week, and we're looking forward to months including sun, sand and more colourful sewing! And what's more summery than a nautical project or two? Our nautical fabrics are super popular at the moment, so if you've got your hands on some but need to find something to make with it, take a look at some of these great nautical sewing projects!

6 Nautical Sewing Projects to Get Ready for Summer

Sail the high seas with these cute fabric sailing boats by Sew and the City

Bring a little of the seaside into your home with a beach hut applique doorstop project by Kirsty Robertson.

Take the seaside into your garden by having a go at making your own folding stool project - either print the fabric yourself if you're feeling brave, or pick a nautical themed print that you love! Tutorial by Look What I Made

If you're looking for an easy project to stitch in a few hours, why not try out a bit of cross stitch/embroidery with this cute anchor design by Matildigt! 

Brighten up your living room with an anchor shaped cushion by Camelot - comfy and stylish!

If crochet is more your thing, this crochet anchor is just irresistible! A great little tutorial by Petals to Picots, which makes a fantastic little gift for a loved one.

 Need some fabric for your next nautical project? Check out our Nautical fabric collection here!

 So you've heard about the new Multipom, right? The easiest way to make a ton of pompoms all in one go. Well, we thought we'd better feature some good pompom projects to make off the back having all these poms at your fingertips! And because it's not a long way off now... they gotta be Easter pom projects!

6 Easter Pompom Projects

 Bunny Garland by Honest to Nod

Easter pom wreath by Eline Pellinkhof

Pompom wreath by Hobbycraft

Pompom sheep garland by Coffee With Us 3

Giant pompom bunnies by Ikat Bag

 Egg dude hats by Yvestown

Want to know more about the Multipom? Check out the video below, and if you need one for yourself, you can buy one now!