My 10 go-to patterns to sew for festive markets

It's the most wonderful time of the year, but also the busiest time for my handmade business, preparing for upcoming local Christmas markets, as well as for the two shops that I stock. I know a lot of other makers are in the same boat, so I thought I'd share with you what I'll be sewing for my upcoming events to give you some fresh ideas. [*Note, some of the patterns mentioned below contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase them.]

All of these patterns are relatively quick and easy to sew in batches, use small amounts of fabric and minimum hardware. Even if you don't have plans to sew for a market this Christmas, they also make great gift ideas for friends and family! 

1. Artist Brush Roll - pattern by Sew Sofia (hey that's me!)

I always have a basket full of Artist Brush Rolls on my stall with a sample one filled with brushes or colouring pencils. A real conversation starter, people love to unroll these and think of who might need one - they make a unique and practical gift for amateur and professional artists, or anyone who knits/crochets too!

2. Buddy Pouch - by Sallie Tomato Patterns*

This dinky little pouch is perfect for using up small remnants of faux leather, cork or vinyl. Super quick to sew up with no lining, it's lightweight and water repellent so perfect for dog walkers. Install a large snap together grommet to the front for dispensing dog waste bags, or leave it plain to store anything small like ear pods, lip balm, keys, tissues, hand sanitiser. Add a side keyring or lobster clasp to hook it onto keys, a belt loop, dog lead or collar.

3. Cherry Glasses Case - by Cocotte & Co Creations

A slim, padded pouch for storing reading or sunglasses, with 6 different design options, perfect for using up quilting cotton remnants or featuring a favourite print. These are super quick to sew and require minimal or no hardware. In fact, Muriel of Cocotte & Co has several market friendly accessory patterns based on her own experience of selling at in-person events over the years.

4. Boxy Dopp Kit Pouch - by Sew Gnar

Based on a larger dopp kit free pattern by Melly Sews, I love this compact version by Sew Gnar using water resistant cork. It's also useful to have a go-to pattern that does not require any interfacing or ironing! I make these in laminated cotton or faux leather in eye-catching colours.

5. Fifth Avenue Belt Bag - by Sallie Tomato Patterns*

This sling style bag has proven popular at my in-person events earlier this year - a practical design, it's so comfy and lightweight, can be worn crossbody style or around the waist. Made with minimal fabric and hardware, it's fun to make and very on trend. Add a plain strap to a busy print or a patterned strap to a plain fabric. Perfect for waterproof canvas or faux leather.

6. Kalina Mini Wallet - by AppleGreen Cottage Patterns

People love smaller items at craft markets and this pocket sized wallet is always a firm favourite. I make sure I sew up a bunch in fun fabrics and also make some to match any larger handbags on my table. 

7. Mia Bag - by Sallie Tomato Patterns*

A beginner friendly pattern, perfect for featuring a pretty fabric with minimal hardware and maximum impact. It has a zip top closure and can have a contrast wipe clean base - pictured here in water resistant oilskin. Make a bunch and save time by choosing a neutral colour webbing for the strap. It's also the perfect size for the Kalina Mini Wallet above!

8. Midnight Kiss Pouch pattern by Sincerely Jen Patterns

A girl can never have too many of these and this pouch is super quick to whip up! I've used my own measurements here, but Sincerely Jen has a pattern that is very similar in design. I make a bunch to match my jumbo Tall and Tidy Wash Bag pattern (see below). 

9. Sweet Lila Bag - by Upstyle Designs

A new-to-me pattern designer earlier this year, I love this compact design with a hidden pocket to store your phone. You can really play around with fabrics for this cute little number and hardware is minimal, making it inexpensive to make and quick to sew up too. Here I've used a dry oilskin on the flaps and strap.

10. Tall and Tidy Wash Bag pattern - by Sew Sofia (me again!)

Toiletry bags are highly giftable items at Christmas and I like to have a few in unisex designs in wipe clean fabrics on my stall with matching smaller zip pouches to make them an easy gift set. The Midnight Kiss Pouch pattern by Sincerely Jen is the perfect size to go inside. 

I hope you've found my go-to list of patterns for my events useful for your own! Feel free to share with your sewing friends and I'd love to hear what other patterns you plan on making for your holiday markets!