15 Sewing Projects for Operation Christmas Child
These sewing projects for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes can help you pack a shoebox for underprivileged children around the world and give them items they want or need.
All of these easy sewing projects are for items that children can use at home or in school.
The free sewing patterns include dresses and clothing as well as fun games and school supplies.
It doesn’t take much to make a child smile who is struggling in poverty. These small gifts are easy to make and can do a world of good in a young person’s life.
Keep in mind that you can pack a shoebox with a variety of essential items OR you can pack a shoebox filled with all of the same item to use as fillers in other boxes that have room for more donations. So if you find one sewing project you love in this list, feel free to make dozens of them and send them to Samaritan’s Purse. They will be needed around the world and much appreciated!
Hair Scrunchie
Scrunchies are one of the easiest beginner sewing projects. These are especially great in the boxes for 5-9 years old and 10-14 years old.
Our easy 5 minute scrunchie pattern uses a hair tie instead of elastic cord.
Many people love to make a scrunchie in the same fabric as a dress that they have made, so be sure to keep some fabric to make coordinating hair accessories.
Drawstring Backpack
These bags are one of the most popular things to include in a box for any age group for either boys or girls.
Sewing a drawstring backpack is actually very easy! We have a video tutorial that you can watch for help with sewing the bag.
You can customize the size, as well.
Crayon Bag
Sending a box of crayons is always a great idea. We decided to elevate the gift giving by putting the crayon box inside a drawstring bag.
That way if the box rips or falls apart, the kids can put their crayons inside the bag.
Once the crayons have been used, the crayon bag can be used in a variety of other ways.
Marble Bag
Marbles are a fun game played around the world. In fact, they are much more popular in other countries compared to the U.S.A.
While marbles can be bought at Walmart or on Amazon, they usually do not come with a bag.
We made a drawstring marble bag perfect for storing the game pieces, as well as two free printables that can be included explaining how to play the game.
Barbie Doll Clothes
Barbie dolls are among the favorite WOW gifts to give in Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for girls of all ages.
Adding a few changes of clothing makes the gift even more fun. Use fabric scraps to sew Barbie clothes with our big list of 20 different free sewing patterns.
Pencil Toppers
These cute pencil and pen toppers can also be used as finger puppets! Get free patterns for these easy felt crafts:
Drawstring Bags
Add a bag or two in the box for any boy or girl so that they can store toys or other treasures they have at home.
These drawstring bags may be used by the family, as well, so it’s always a good idea to add one since they can be folded up and take very little room!
Drawstring Pouches
Our round fabric pouches are very similar to drawstring bags, with a different design. They can also be fun to sew.
Pillowcase Dress
Dresses can be made for girls for any of the shoebox age groups.
Pillowcase dresses are among the easiest dresses to sew because they do not require a lot of pattern pieces.
This pillowcase dress pattern from Hello Sewing can be customized for ages up to 12 years old.
Dress a Girl Around the World has several free dress patterns that are also easy to make.
Zippered Pouch
Perfect for storing school supplies, toys, sewing supplies, tools or any other items that may fit inside!
Customize these lined zippered pouches with fabric suited to the age of the child.
Stuffed Animals
Another WOW gift for kids of all ages is a stuffed animal or doll.
There are so many different stuffed animals that you could sew. Some of the easiest are these fun little stuffed bunnies that can be made in 10 minutes!
This is a perfect beginner sewing pattern because it is so easy!
Sunglasses Case
If you are giving a pair of sunglasses, don’t forget to add a sunglasses case to keep them protected!
Bucket Hat
Perfect for all weather, a bucket hat protects the top of the head from sun exposure. These are especially great gifts for 5-9 and 10-14 years old boxes.
Get a free pattern to make a bucket hat in a variety of sizes on AppleGreen Cottage.
Apron
An apron is great for girls so that they can protect their clothes while helping to make meals. This free apron pattern can be made for toddlers, tweens or adults.
I would be happy to sew projects for children that need. Just tell me what you need and where to send it.
In the past I have sewn for Dress A Girl Around The World
and Pillowcases for St. Jude
I have been wanting to sew preemie dresses but cannot find any information on that subject such as style, fabric and where to donate.
If you need any help, please contact me. Thank you
Hi Marie! You have such a kind giving heart! I would suggest contacting a local church to see if they do Operation Christmas Child. You could also connect with like-minded sewists and perhaps find places to donate in the Facebook group Operation Christmas Child Sew/Craft Ideas. And you can sew items and drop off at Operation Christmas Child sites. If you don’t do shoeboxes yourself, you can sew items to put in a box labeled “Fillers” and those items will be used in the processing center to help fill boxes.