7 Free Tutorials for Handmade Teacher Gifts
Summer is almost here, which means school is almost over! What better way to say "thank you" than to make something handmade for you or your kid's teachers?
There’s nothing wrong with a gift card or chocolates, however, many sewists like to give gifts with a more personal touch. And while it would be great to make a full-sized quilt for every teacher, that’s just not realistic for most of us. So instead, I’ve found seven ideas for handmade gifts that teachers will love.
1. Lanyard
Every teacher can use a lanyard…or several! Lanyards are perfect for hall passes, ID cards, key cards or any of the other things teachers have to keep track of.
It would be fun to match your lanyard’s fabric to your teacher’s subject matter, but any quilting cotton will do! Each lanyard takes just a 3” x 36.5” piece of fabric, making it perfect to use up any skinny remnants you have on hand…or you can piece together your scraps to make an even more unique lanyard. These work great for using up batting scraps too!
You will need a swivel clip for each lanyard, so you may need to plan ahead a little to make these. Once you have your hardware, though, you can whip up a batch of these in no time!
TUTORIAL: How to Make a Lanyard
2. Name bunting
For a super unique gift, it’s hard to top a personalized bunting! Spell out your teacher’s name, subject or favorite saying to make some fun classroom decor.
You can find lots of patterns for bunting and letters, but I love how easy this tutorial is—no paper piecing is needed! Just print off the letters, trace them onto your fabric, and fuse your letters to your bunting. You can add stitch around the letters for a more detailed finish, or just leave the edges raw. Super easy, right?
Aside from the fusible webbing to iron on the letters, there are no other special supplies needed. Shop your stash for fabric or pick up some school themed yardage for your bunting. Yardage or scraps will work just fine, making this a great project for shopping your stash.
TUTORIAL: Bunting Free Pattern
3. Key fob
Teachers have to carry lots of keys, from building keys to classroom keys to desk keys. 🔑 Make it easier (and prettier) for them with a sweet scrappy key fob!
I used to love making these little fobs, and I even sold them at craft fairs and on Etsy. So I can promise you they’re fast and easy; perfect when you’ve got a bunch of teachers on your list!
Each key fob has a main and an accent fabric, so you can use even small pieces of fabric in your stash. You will need key rings, which you can pick up at any auto or hardware store, or from keychains you have laying around the house!
TUTORIAL: Scrap Key Fob Tutorial
4. Scrappy coaster
It seems like most teachers I know always have caffeine on hand…and the rest keep water within reach. ☕ So give your favorite teacher a quilty somewhere to rest their coffee or water bottle with a scrappy coaster.
While I do have some coaster patterns (like my free mini heart coaster), these scrappy coasts use improv quilting. That means each coaster turns out completely unique…and that you can sew them up in no time! Plus, I usually make my coasters about 5 x 5 inches, which lets you use even your smallest fabric and batting scraps for these.
If you think your teacher needs more structure and less improv, my Upscale Plaid quilt pattern includes a coaster size. Either way, pair your coaster with a gift card to your local coffee shop for a perfect teacher gift!
TUTORIAL: Scrappy Quilted Coaster Tutorial
5. Quilt block tote bag
You can never have too many tote bags. And with all the books, assignments, and other things teachers have to carry, they can use a tote bag more than most of us. So why not turn your orphaned quilt blocks into a one-of-a-kind tote for your favorite teacher?
This tutorial makes a fully-lined bag with boxed corners…so it’s a real step up from a basic tote! Your teacher will get a gift that’s both beautiful and super functional for holding all those books.
If you don’t already have a spare quilt block or two on hand, no worries…sewing up a block is still much faster than sewing a whole quilt! Use your scraps to make a classic log cabin quilt block or a simple sawtooth star block. You can also use any of my block-based patterns. A single Knitted Blooms or Mosaic Star block would make for a beautiful tote!
TUTORIAL: How To Make A Quilted Tote From Any Quilt Block
6. Storage cube
Single quilt blocks can also become storage cubes! Teachers can use these cubes for filing assignments, holding books, organizing supplies, and storing materials…the possibilities are endless.
I’ve seen quite a few patterns for fabric baskets out there, but I like this tutorial because it creates a 13” cube that fits neatly in many common storage shelves (like the IKEA Kallax so many teachers love). But it would look great no matter where your teacher puts it!
This project does take a little more fabric than other ideas on the list, and you will need some Pellon Flex Foam stabilizer too. But since you’ll create a practical gift that can be used for years to come…worth it!
TUTORIAL: Patchwork Storage Cube Tutorial
7. Pillowcase
At the end of the school year, what do teachers need the most? Some rest! 🛏️ So why not help them along with a custom pillowcase?
I make a bunch of these every year as holiday gifts, but pillowcases make wonderful gifts any time of the year. The french seams give these pillowcases such a professional finish…and make them beautiful inside and out!
I always like to use fabric that matches the recipient’s style or interests, but any fabric in your stash will do. We also carry a handful of pillowcase kits in the shop!
By the way, your pillowcase would make a great gift bag…especially if you filled it up with other self-care items to help your favorite teacher relax!
TUTORIAL: How to Make a Pillowcase with French Seams
Making teacher gifts special
All the ideas on this list create beautiful, unique, AND usable gifts. So whether you’re sewing up a dozen gifts for many different teachers or just one gift for that special educator, I hope this collection helps.
Even if your children are younger, you can involve them in the making process! Let them choose fabrics, cut out letters, or bury threads…depending on their age and skill level, of course. I also recommend adding some embroidery or a label, so your recipient will always remember their favorite student.
Happy gifting!
You may also like…
Handmade Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
Free Mini Heart Coaster Tutorial
Gift Guide for Quilters & Quilt Lovers
