Father's Day is approaching, both for the US and the UK. Dads in particular and men in general, are all difficult to buy for. They don't seem to just have things because they like them, like women do. Men-things have to have a purpose, be useful, or be techie. Men too are less likely to enjoy homemade or handmade perhaps. What do you think? But all is not lost. There are still some projects you can sew that Dad or the man in your life will appreciate. There are some projects which are unisex, tech-bags and the like, that can be sewn unaltered just using a more ‘manly' fabric. Or how about sewing a Fathers Day tie? In the tradition of ugly Christmas sweaters, how about a home made tie Dad has to wear all day? I've scoured the internet for things I think men will genuinely love, so take a look at some of these and see what you think?
Sewing for Men – Fathers Day gift ideas
 Golfing towel |
 BBQ apron |
 Waterproof can coaster |
 Board shorts |
 Duffle bag |
 Travel neck pillow |
 PJ Pants |
 Adjustable bow tie |
 Fleece hoodie |
 Ipad/e-reader stand |
 Neck tie |
 Funky watch band |
 Padded wine bag |
 Tiny briefs! |
 Mens wallet |
 Ipod case |
 Flat cap |
 Guy's survival kit |
 Bucket tote for tools |
 Apron with rivets |
 Button up shirt |
 Neck tie |
 Boxer shorts |
 Cool It Can Cozy |
 Ipad case |
 Eyeglass case |
 Garden tool bag |
Do you have any ideas of your own? Anything I've missed that you've sewn for the man in your life?
I’m experienced sewist for decades. It is very hard to find quality fabric. Ive purchased linen from Fabric-Store.com which sells quality linen very suitable for men’s clothing- all different weights..including tissue…Mood Fabrics.com sells quality fabric also. Jo_Ann fabric is ok but I just completed a special occasion dress for grandchilds 1st Communion. The chantilly lace although pretty even after washing and starching stretched when it was attached to 2 underlayers Better quality chantilly lace just arrived that had firmer base. The dress was gorgeous on her. I used the fancy waist ornament from her Mom;s wedding dress and was happy with result.Other lace suitable was not available at the time I started…
I’ve been sewing for about seven years. I got into it because cabinet-making is a bit hard to do if you live in an apartment.
I’ve probably got every major pattern there is for making shirts, but almost everyone was designed back in the ‘olden days’ when there was no such thing as a button-down collar or for that matter a collar that wasn’t something like Don Cherry’s.
If you want a Halloween costume pattern, or one for a bag, or an apron, all the major pattern companies have something for you, but if you want anything serious almost everything is appropriate to the 1950’s. It would be nice to be presented with some serious patterns for shirts and pants that you might actually wear in public.
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Items to make for men also include: VESTS, especially those with lots of pockets for fishing and hunting gear. I made my brother a duffel bag with his name on it. I used brown leather with red vinyl letters that spelled his name. He loves it! Don’t forget to make fishing hats with a wide brim, and even neckerchiefs. I made my son-in-law a bbque apron with matching pot holders. Found a delightful pic of a man still in his work clothes standing by a BBQue pit. My son-in-law loved them. Also, sold pillows with matching BBQue potholders made sporting the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texan’s and am going to make the Houston Astro’s for the baseball season coming up. I sell these in my booth at a small store near me! Men are fun to sew for, but it is hard to come up with ideas they are comfortable with.
I am a male that has been sewing for over 50 years. I have found the field very gender specific. However I have enjoyed the interaction with the distaff majority. I have been quilting for the last ten years. Currently am working on clothes for a mission in Honduras. I sew about 40 hours every week, kind of like a job.
I wish Simplicity and McCall’s would design more patterns for men.
So nice to find a sewing man. I wonder if you would help? My husband has asked me to show him how to sew (woven or stretch). Could you suggest some easy first time projects that I could use? Many thanks and Happy sewing ????✂️
awesome
i am a retired contract toolmaker by trade and the oldest lad of a dressmaker mom. although sewing has been part of my life growing up and since,i have always had an interest in sewing. my wife was aware of my interest and on christmas day six years ago she gave me a large box to open and you’ve guessed it, a sewing machine was inside. since then my machine is out and working two three days a week, i now make and alter clothes but i do really like to quilt i also make beautiful bags.what a fantastic and interesting hobby. i am now 73 years old
Good article. There’s still way too much gender thinking even today. I love to sew but I am also a decent carpenter, and as you say, the construction is the same kind of thinking. Too many women say they are afraid of power tools. What is more frightening at first? A sewing machine/serger or a power drill? Your newsletter is always a bright spot in my Sunday morning e-mail.
Hi Linda, thanks for your kind comments. Completely agree with you.
I’m thinking my husband needs a new gym bag for father’s day. The one hh he uses now is an old freebie laptop bag. Any ideas or links to duffel bag patterns?
Ha! Apparently I skipped right past the duffel picture the first time through!
I’m just going to make my dad some of Nigella’s Rocky Road. I’m too busy sewing for my hopefully soon to arrive baby.
Congratulations Misha, how exciting. I’m sure a new grandchild will be a great gift for your dad, but my mouth is watering at the thought of the rocky road.
You could make a zip bag or a dop bag. They are very fast projects. I used to teach sewing and a simple zip bag was one of the projects. I made several samples which he uses to coral misc. wires, chargers, etc.
Great round up 🙂 I found 4 patterns I want to try for myself 🙂 Stalking your blog makes me want to sew!
Deby I just love your blog because you cover such a wide variety of topics. Thanks for sharing!
Hopefully a little bit of something for everyone without being too far off topic for some. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, much appreciated…OMG, I just visited your site – you are very talented. Your sewing projects are just awesome, I wish I could sew and fit like you! You are my new sewing idol.