I love sewing baby gifts, don’t you? It is such a personal way to show that you care, whether for the baby shower, as a surprise during your first visit or a special present in the holidays to come. Luckily, I have had the chance to sew a lot of baby gifts over the years. Here are some ideas to get your juices flowing - - -

no. 1 Burp Cloths

Storebought burp cloths are thin and fairly unabsorbent compared to the ones you can sew. Make them double-layered with toweling fabric on one side and flannel on the other. Don’t forget to prewash so the fabrics will be ready to absorb. You can sew a nice stack of ten or so in a jiffy and even use up some flannel scraps this way!

no. 2 Changing Table Cover

Everyone knows that the parents are going to be changing a lot of diapers. Make it a little more fun with a special changing table cover or two. You can use quilting cotton for this, but a linen/cotton blend or flannel works well too. Find out what shape the changing pad will be by studying their gift registry.

no. 3 Soft Ball

Want to sew a toy? The Puzzle Ball from Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson is both beautiful and practical. Its unique shape is easy for baby to grasp and and fascinating to explore. Consider a minimalistic two-fabric version or make a colorful rainbow ball!

no. 4 Tiny Quilt

Of course you could sew baby a good size quilt for the floor or crib, but don’t neglect to consider a tiny quilt perfectly sized for the carseat or bassinet. Later it might have a second life as a doll quilt. A tiny quilt, say 26” square, becomes a super sweet memento of those fleeting early days. Back it in cuddle or sherpa fabric to make it extra luxurious.

no. 5 Absorbent Bibs

Got cute fabrics? Run, don’t walk to this free Bandana Bib tutorial. It sews up in like 15 minutes and given its small size, you can use up all sorts of scraps for both sides. To make them nice and absorbent consider flannel or toweling (repurpose old towels) for the backing. The bandana style has extra fabric fullness below the chin, just where it is most needed.

no. 6 Sunbonnet

What is a must for sunny days? A hat of course. Use Purl Soho's free sunbonnet pattern to sew up this charming, classic. Or, if you find yourself in a cooler season, go for the Winter Baby Bonnet. I’ve tested that one as well. Both models stay put, despite grabby little hands.

no. 7 Crib or Bassinet Sheets

If you're a quilter, you can make crib sheets in your sleep. Trust me.  Actually, this project is truly appropriate for a brand new sewist.  I walk you through the steps, right here. A nursery needs lots of sheets, but they can be both boring and pricey. Yours will be a breath of fresh air when it is once again time to remake baby’s bed.

no. 8 Hooded Towel

This is such a practical gift! Transform a regular, full-sized bath towel and hand towel into a lux hooded towel for baby. Your handmade version will be thicker and bigger than the store-bought kind. I offer a free tutorial right here. It’s quick too!

Did I forget something special? What is your favorite baby gift to sew? I’d love to hear!