Does your grandma sew for you? Or can you remember her sitting at her sewing machine sewing you a quilt or special gift?Grandmas often have a magical touch when it comes to sewing, creating items infused with love and warmth. They might sew together cozy quilts that become family heirlooms or practical items like soft pillowcases, embroidered tea towels, and aprons that will carry the sweet aroma of baked goods. They might love special occasion sewing, making holiday table runners, festive stockings, or even hand-sewn costumes for the little ones. Each gift carries love, tradition, and comfort. The things grandmas sew are not just fabric and thread but treasures filled with memories and care.
I searched far and wide for free sewing patterns to remind us of what our grandmas would make. Now you can try these special projects too!
Ruffled Pillow Cases
Sew dreamy, old-fashioned pillowcases that will look amazing in your bedroom! This DIY sewing tutorial takes just a yard and a half of fabric per pillowcase and works great with cotton, linen, satin, or another light to medium-weight fabric.
Kids Romper Pattern
My kids’ grandma used to make the most adorable clothes for us. She made matching rompers for my brother and me that were a lot like this one!
Check out the free kids’ romper pattern.
Pretty Tea Towels from Fat Quarters
Learn how to make darling tea towels out of fat quarters that you have leftover from other sewing projects. The two layers of cotton are not too thick, which I really like, plus the more I wash them the softer and more absorbent they become. Not to mention that I get to brighten up my kitchen with beautiful fabric!
Vintage Doily Table Runner
Your grandma probably had a collection of vintage lace and doilies. Did she leave them to you? Turn them into a beautiful and useful table runner. This clevertutorialwill have you sewing and feeling nostalgic.
Sweet Bow Tie Pattern
Grandma loves to see her favorite boys all dressed up. Learn how to make a child’s bow tie with thisfree bow tie pattern. It’s a faux tie version (so no messing around and coming undone) in three styles and sizes.
DIY Milk Carton Coin Pouch
Of course, this adorable Milk Carton Pouch reminds me of Grandma’s. No, I don’t think the milkman ever really delivered milk to my Grandma’s house…but I like to imagine he did.
Padded Binder Cover
Do you remember these padded binder covers from the 1980s? I do! They used to be all the rage. I bet grandmas today would make them as well if they knew about this free padded binder cover tutorial.
Pocket Tissue Cover
Grandma always has tissues in her purse for teary eyes, stuffy noses, and accidental spills. And, of course, she probably kept her tissue package in a fabric tissue cover.
Liberty Rainbow Quilt
I love Liberty fabrics because of their timeless charm and silky feel. This Liberty Rainbow Quilt reminds me of my grandma so much! She wore dresses in floral prints that remind me of these.
Old-Fashioned Apron Pattern
I love the nostalgic and pretty look of a pinafore apron! Here is a gorgeous pattern for a Pinafore Apron with rick rack trim on the skirt edges and the bib. So lovely.
Cloth Napkins
Do you remember using cloth napkins when eating special food at grandma’s house? I do! Make your meals special like hers with pretty DIY cloth napkins. This tutorial is fat-quarter friendly.
DIY Fabric Covered Journal
These beautiful Fabric Covered Journals remind me of Grandma because I think of all the things I’d like to write about my Grandma. Things she taught me, things she did with me, things I want to do with her someday… I also think of how cool it would be to read an old journal of hers.
Lovely Scarves with Crochet Ends
Scarves with Vintage Crochet always remind me of Grandma’s scarves because they look like doilies!
A Patchwork Quilt
Nothing shares love like a patchwork quilt! I bet your grandma had lots of quilts like these, and she probably made them herself.
DIY Candy Cups
Grandmas always have an endless supply of delicate candy in beautiful candy containers. They are also incredibly smart! These Pretty Quilted Desk Cups are just right for little hands to hold and not break…Grandmas already know this.
Pretty Box Pouch
Fabric boxes like this were popular a hundred years ago. I wonder what kind of treasures were kept inside. Love letters? Stamp collections? Brooches?
Woven Heart Quilt Pattern
Snuggle up with someone you love this winter with a beautiful Swedish Woven Heart Quilt. This free woven heart quilt block and throw quilt pattern is suitable for a beginner quilter.
Candle Jar Pincushion
I don’t think grandma would throw away a perfectly good candle jar. She would probably hers her super sewing skills to make it into something useful. Thisbeautiful upcycled pincushionreminds me of something she would make.
Vintage Inspired Train Case
I can’t help it. This lovely Vintage Inspired Train Case reminds me of Grandma’s things. I’ve always wanted to take a scenic train tour through the countryside with my Grandma. I’m sure she would dote on me and give me peppermint from her old handbag!
Argyle Christmas Stockings
Argyle? YES! Doesn’t it take you back to old times? These Argyle Christmas Stockings will be cherished. The top of the stocking has a classic cuff that you can fold down. I used fleece, but fur, minky, or regular cotton also work great.
Bunny Treat Bags
Bunny Treat Bagsare so much fun to make You only need some charm squares, thread, ribbon, and a sewing machine. This free sewing pattern includes templates and step-by-step instructions. Sewing the curves is easy – check out my tips and tricks.
DIY Jewelry Bag
I remember a grandma who would keep her treasures in a small pouch like this. Thesimple bag tutorialrequires no special pattern or rulers and can be made with your favorite fat quarters.
Old-Fashioned Drawstring Bags
Small details make all the difference in these sweet drawstring bags. They are perfect for holding small gifts and treats. Learn how to make them from a free tutorial.
Half Square Triangle Heart Quilt
Love, acceptance, security, and kindness. All the feelings Grandmas share best. That’s what I see in this pretty Half Square Triangle Heart Quilt.
DIY Pillbox Sewing Pattern
A dainty little pill pouch to hold whatever is needed to remedy a scraped knee, broken heart, or curious mind can always be found at Grandma’s house…one just like this Pillbox Pouch sewing pattern!
Free Mini Pouch Pattern
And finally, we have the Bit O’ Kindness Pouch. Grandmas know the most powerful acts we can make are acts of kindness. They not only know this, but they show it.
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