Handmade embroidery Christmas gifts work best when the project is small enough to finish before the holiday. A bookmark, a single hoop or a stitched tote can each be done in a few sessions, and each looks personal when you hand it over. This guide covers seven gifts you can stitch yourself, how to plan the timeline and how to finish them so they look ready to give.
All of the projects use kits or supplies from our shop, so you do not need to design anything. If you have never stitched, our beginner embroidery guide is the place to start.
Plan your timeline before you order
The biggest risk with handmade gifts is running out of time. Work backward from the day you want to give the gift.
- Choose a project that suits your skill level and the time you have.
- Order early. Shipping to US addresses takes about 2–4 business days to ship plus 8–15 business days in transit, so order early for the holidays.
- Stitch in short sessions. See how long an embroidery kit takes for realistic expectations.
- Leave a few days at the end for finishing and wrapping, since a rushed back looks rushed.
Only one time is listed on our product pages: the bookmark kit is rated at about 3 hours of stitching. For every other project, allow more time than you think you need, especially if you are new.
7 handmade embroidery Christmas gifts you can stitch
1. An embroidered bookmark
The Wildflower Embroidery Bookmark Kit is the quickest option in our range, at about 3 hours per bookmark. You embroider one wildflower on pre-printed linen-cotton, glue it to the backing and add the ribbon tassel. It is rated beginner.
The supplier lists a small hoop as optional, so it may not be in the pack. If you want to stitch in a hoop, a 4-inch Beechwood Embroidery Hoop fits. Our guide on how to make an embroidered bookmark walks through the finishing steps.
2. A wildflower hoop for a friend or teacher
The Wildflower Line-Art Embroidery Kit has airy sprigs with plenty of open fabric, which keeps it quick to stitch. It is rated beginner and includes an 8-inch hoop, floss, two needles and an English manual. When you finish, the hoop can hang on the wall as it is.
3. A cozy hoop for a home-decor fan
The Mushroom Embroidery Kit comes on cream, olive green or black fabric, with an 8-inch hoop. The Celestial Sun and Moon Embroidery Kit uses gold and cream on navy or black fabric. Both are rated beginner, and both suit someone who likes a calm, decorated space.
4. A funny hoop for a friend who likes a joke
The Funny Embroidery Kit for Adults pairs pretty flowers with a cheeky phrase, and you choose the phrase. Since some phrases are sweary, pick one you know the person will like. It is rated beginner, and the lettering uses back stitch or split stitch.
5. A punch needle landscape
If you want a change from embroidery, the Retro Landscape Punch Needle Kit has layered hills, a sunset sea and a rainy night. The loops fill quickly, which makes it a nice weekend project. The punch pen, yarn, printed cloth and a 20 cm (8 in) hoop are included.
See our punch needle for beginners guide before you start.
6. Stitch a set of three
The Celestial Embroidery Kit Set of 3 has Moon Phases, Celestial Diamond and Golden Sun. One 20 cm hoop is included, and you move it from piece to piece. Give the trio as a set, or split them among three people if you have time to stitch all three.
7. Something to wear or carry
The Stick-and-Stitch Embroidery Patterns are water-soluble. Stick the printed pattern on a tote bag, denim or a tee, stitch through it, then rinse it away in warm water. You will need your own floss and a hoop, such as a floss set and a beechwood hoop.
Which handmade gift for which person
| Recipient | Gift to stitch | Kit |
|---|---|---|
| A reader | Embroidered bookmark | Wildflower Bookmark Kit |
| A friend with a sense of humor | Funny floral hoop | Funny Embroidery Kit |
| A neighbor or teacher | Small wildflower hoop | Wildflower Line-Art Kit |
| Someone who loves decor | Mushroom or celestial hoop | Mushroom Kit or Sun and Moon Kit |
| Someone who wears denim | Stitched jacket or tee | Stick-and-Stitch Patterns |
The stitches you will use
Most of these kits rely on the same small group of stitches: back stitch, satin stitch, French knots and lazy daisy. If they are new to you, practice a few on scrap fabric before you start the gift. Our embroidery stitches for beginners guide shows each one.
Learning a stitch on scrap fabric costs nothing and saves you from unpicking the gift. It also shows you how much floss to use and how tightly to pull.
How to finish a hoop so it is ready to give
A finished hoop should look tidy from the back as well as the front.
- Trim loose thread tails, and check the back for long floss strands that could snag.
- Trim the fabric, leaving a border of about 1 to 2 inches around the hoop.
- Gather the edge with a running stitch and pull it snug, or glue it down.
- Cover the back with a circle of felt for a neat finish.
Our guide to finishing an embroidery hoop shows each option in detail, including hanging and framing.
Tips for gifts you stitch yourself
- Pick a design the person would choose for themselves, not one you like best.
- Do a test run of the hardest stitch on scrap fabric before starting the gift.
- Stitch in good light, and stop when you get tired, since mistakes tend to happen late in a session.
- Keep the project out of sight if it is a surprise.
For a very quick gift, pair a stitched bookmark with a paperback. For more ideas you can buy rather than stitch, see our embroidery kit gift ideas and stocking stuffers for crafters.
Presenting a handmade embroidery gift
A finished hoop is already a frame, so it needs little more than a ribbon or a hanging loop. Wrap it in tissue and add a short card saying what it is and how you made it.
If the person may want to stitch too, you can mention our free beginner guide. Then the gift may lead to a new hobby as well as a nice object.
FAQ
What is a good handmade embroidery gift for a beginner to make?
The wildflower bookmark kit is the quickest at about 3 hours. The wildflower line-art kit is a good next choice, since it has lots of open space.
How far ahead should I order a kit?
Kits ship in 2–4 business days and take 8–15 business days in transit to US addresses, so order as early as you can.
Can I stitch a gift if I have never embroidered?
Yes. Choose a beginner-rated kit and follow the free beginner guide included with every kit.
Should I frame the finished embroidery?
Not necessarily. A hoop can hang on the wall as its own frame once the back is tidy, and our finishing guide covers other options.