THE GIFT LIST

Unique gifts for sewers

5 best gifts for sewers

Sewers can't walk past a fabric shop. There's a pile of fabric waiting for the right project, a pattern pinned to the noticeboard and a sewing machine that lives out on the table. These gifts for sewers cover cutting, marking, pinning and unpicking, so you don't need to know their machine.

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  1. Clover Wonder Clips, pack of 50

    Clover Wonder Clips, pack of 50

    Wonder Clips hold fabric layers together where pins struggle, like binding, piping, vinyl and thick fabric. There are 50 in the pack, with seam allowance marks at 5, 7 and 10mm on the side. They're bright enough to spot if one rolls off the table.

    Pros

    • Holds thick layers, vinyl and binding without pins.
    • Seam allowance marks on the side.

    Cons

    • Not a full replacement for pins on fine fabric.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Clover product page ↗

  2. OLFA 45mm quick-change rotary cutter

    OLFA 45mm quick-change rotary cutter

    A rotary cutter is the quickest way to cut fabric straight, especially for quilting. OLFA's 45mm cutter cuts up to eight layers of cotton at once, the blade swaps with a lever, and a guard slides over the edge when it's not in use. It works for left and right-handed sewers.

    Pros

    • Cuts up to eight layers of cotton.
    • Lever-change blade and safety guard.
    • Left or right-handed.

    Cons

    • Needs a cutting mat underneath.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    OLFA product page ↗

  3. Clover Chaco Liner pen style, blue

    Clover Chaco Liner pen style, blue

    The Chaco Liner draws a fine chalk line on fabric, held like a pen. It works freehand or along a ruler for straight lines and curves, and the chalk comes in a cartridge that swaps out when it runs low, so it barely spills.

    Pros

    • Fine lines, held like a pen.
    • Refillable chalk cartridge.

    Cons

    • One colour, so dark and light fabrics may need two.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Clover product page ↗

  4. Prym magnetic pin cushion

    Prym magnetic pin cushion

    Pins stick to this cushion by magnet instead of being pushed in, so they can drop pins on it in a hurry and pick up strays from the floor. It's a 7.5 by 11cm oval in sturdy plastic, in a violet colour.

    Pros

    • Pins stick on with a magnet.
    • Handy for picking up dropped pins.

    Cons

    • Keep it away from a computerised machine's screen and electronics.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Prym product page ↗

  5. Prym Ergonomics seam ripper, large

    Prym Ergonomics seam ripper, large

    Every sewer unpicks more than they'd like to admit. Prym's large seam ripper has a soft, non-slip grip shaped for long sessions, a sharp blade with a rounded tip, and a safety cap that clicks onto the end to make the handle longer.

    Pros

    • Soft, non-slip grip.
    • Cap doubles as a handle extension.

    Cons

    • Easy to lose, like every seam ripper.
    View on Amazon UK
    Product sources

    Prym product page ↗

What to buy someone who loves sewing

Sewing machines are a personal choice, so tools are an easier present to get right. The best gifts for sewers are the small kit they reach for on every project. Check whether they do dressmaking, quilting or both, because quilters use a rotary cutter most. Sewing presents like clips and markers suit beginners and experts alike.

How we picked these gifts for sewers

We picked each product for what sewers enjoy and because it makes sense as a present. The order is our own choice. The pros and cons come from published product details, not customer reviews.

Amazon shows the current price and delivery. Where we've checked that the US listing is the same product, the US link goes there. Otherwise you'll get the UK listing, labelled as such. More about our research.