Clothing Gifts to Sew For Dad (If You Think He's Worth It)

It’s getting close to that time of year (again) and you may be a bit like me, thinking about all the things your dad already has and what you could possibly get him that he doesn’t already have…

Of course, it’s a tad late to be sewing up a big project in time for Father’s Day, so I don’t have long to get gifts made, and that is why I’ve been on the hunt for gifts to sew for dad this year.

My dad has long arms – seriously, they’re so long my Mum used to tease him about them! – and he’s always complaining that ready to wear shirts have sleeves that are too short, whether it’s a day shirt or a pajama shirt. So this year, I’m thinking that a couple of hand sewn men’s shirts – with extra long sleeves! – are in order! Though clearly that may be too big a project for the weekend, and would have to be part of the Christmas plan instead!

He also complains about jeans having elastane in them, and woefully recalls the days when denim jeans were made from 100% cotton, so I think a pair of handmade jeans could be a possibility as well.

Let’s dig into some great clothing gifts that you could sew for your dad this holiday season.

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A photo of my dad in his greenhouse wearing a handmade shirt, a perfect gift to sew for dad — My dad in his greenhouse a couple years ago wearing a homemade shirt

Not all of the following clothing items will be suitable for your dad, so work your way through the list until you feel inspired by something. And if you’re not sure, I have another guide on beginner sewing projects for guys that is full of ideas for men too.

1. Long Sleeved Shirt

As already mentioned, long sleeved button up shirts are always a winner for the men in my life, and this garment is something that my Dad wears throughout the year.

I’ve been looking at the Cornell unisex shirt pattern from Elbe Textiles to save me time. I would usually self-draft, but time is now running out so I have to get a move on.

And I reckon the perfect fabric for my Dad will be a 100% cotton flannel, but you could definitely make one up in other fabrics to better suit your dad!

2. Pajamas

Handmade pajama pants made in a blue cotton fabric

An essential throughout the colder months of the year, and optional in the summer, pajamas are also a winning option.

You could go the extra mile and make them in luxury silky fabrics, but I know my Dad prefers a straight up 100% cotton, so that’s the route I’d be taking.

There are so many pajama patterns available but you could just use an existing pair or shorts or trousers as a pattern, and any tee or shirt that he likes to wear for the top pattern.

I made pajamas for David two christmases ago which he loves, so I may find out that pattern and get some sewn up for my dad.

3. Denim Jeans

Sewing denim is possible on beginner friendly sewing machines

Denim jeans are often a tricky one. Not only do they take time to make, but the fit can be tricky depending on the style of denim pants you’re going for.

My Dad likes the loose fit straight leg style now (though in the 70s he rocked the super long and flared jeans!) so as long as I source 100% cotton denim, this would be a winner. I have a men’s chinos pattern that could work well with a few mods to make them more ‘jeans’ in style.

You can check out this men’s pants pattern here.

4. Sweater

A navy blue and grey striped chunky type of sweater with a crew neck.

Another easy one. I’m not much of a knitter at the moment, so I would be sewing a sweater for my Dad. He’s quite partial to the zippered fleece types of sweater, so although I really don’t like the feel of fleece, I’m tempted to sew one of these for him, knowing it’ll help to keep him extra warm this winter when it turns chillier.

In fact, he did buy a feeler set – zippered thing and pants – but the legs were SO long he had me cut them down and redeem them.. that was awkward as I dislike the feel of fleece so much.

This sweater sewing pattern looks perfect but he’s also been talking about buying a hoodie (which stunned me!) so this hoodie pattern (again from Elbe) would be perfect.

5. Grandad Cap

Again, not every Dad will enjoy a grandad cap, but mine does, and he often wears a tattered old one he has when pottering in the garden. A nice new version, made from 100% wool perhaps, will keep his almost hairless head and ears nice and snug.

This peaky blinders style cap pattern is as close to perfect as I have found for this project!

6. Vest aka Waistcoat

Let me be clear, I do not mean the old man kind of cotton vest worn underneath clothing back in the 60s and 70s. I’m talking about the gilet / waistcoat type of vest that can be worn over a shirt and jumper.

These can be simple and easy to sew up or more complex, depending on the type of vest you go for.

I have a great guide to men’s waistcoat sewing patterns with an overview of the different styles, so do check that out, but you’ll want to think about the style most appropriate for your dad.

If you need more inspiration for smaller gift ideas, I have a tutorial on sewing a padded glasses case which would help keep Dad’s spectacle scratch free, a DIY bow tie project which is always a winner, or perhaps a bumbag with a water bottle holder for those daily walks out and about?

Phew. I hope that list of clothing ideas has inspired you in some way? I think my dad would love any of those above. Is there anything that jumped out at you that you’ll be making for your dad this year? Let me know in the comments below!