Easy-Sew Mother's Day Gifts for Kids to Make

When making gifts for mom or grandmother on Mother's Day, keep it simple, and turn it into a fun project weekend for you and your kids to enjoy together. These easy soft-craft projects can save money using up leftover fabric scraps, and can be hand-stitched or machine sewn.

Patchwork Quilted Potholders & Trivets

Potholders and trivets can add country charm to any kitchen, are easy to make, and are appreciated as useful gifts, for mom or grandma on Mother's Day. They are so simple to make, using scraps of fabrics left over from past sewing projects, or from remnants, costing next-to-nothing in the sewing or notions sales bins, at fabric marts and larger discount stores.

Both pot holders and trivets are really nothing more than a 12"x 12" square quilt block, so pick the quilt pattern of your dreams and start sewing. See the country charm these quilt pieces add to any kitchen, from All Peoples Quilts.com, as well as making practical gifts for any family chef. See all the fun varieties from retro to modern, and many other styles of quilt and appliqué pot holders offered in Tipnut.com's sewing section: "28+ Free Pot Holder Patterns & Tutorials".

Patch-Pocket Organizers

What about helping mom get organized with a denim kitchen organizer, covered with lots of patch pockets, putting an end to countertop clutter, with free instructions for Sewing.org's "Denim Organizer" (a Coats & Clark's project). Another simple "Wall Organizer" (Simplicity Pattern Co. project) also with free instructions from Sewing.org, has plenty of space for creativity using fabric markers, embroidery, or appliqué techniques.

BBQ /Cooking Aprons

The BBQ apron is another easy-to-sew gift project with appliquéd hot dogs, hamburgers, catsup and mustard! Warning: if you make one for mom on Mother's Day (trimmed with lace) you will have to make one for dad on Father's Day (sans lace trim)! The easy-to-sew, free "Summer Fun BBQ Apron" pattern is courtesy of CranstonVillage.com.

Patchwork Quilt Mother's Day Card

Find an array of intricate patchwork cards, with free project instructions from Elna USA, "Artistic Greetings" in several different mom-style themes. Craft Apple online offers a "Patchwork Cards Tutorial" (scroll down to view sample cards) and machine stitch, or not.

Homemade gifts are always treasured, and will help your children master necessary sewing skills, while recycling and turning fabric-scraps into artistic creations. And you already know how mothers and grandmothers enjoy gifts that are made with so much love.