Whether you're a novice sewer or you want a straightforward project with all the fabric pre-measured, a sewing kit can be enormous fun. And, of course, they make ideal gifts for keen young stitchers. Here are eight of our very favourites.

By Olivia Gordon

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Cutely tied in a green ribbon you can use as a measuring tape, this sweet little pinny to make for a girl from three to six years takes us back to the 70s Clothkits designs so popular when we were young. The cerise cotton, which has a light corduroy feel, is already marked out with the pattern, and as well as the fabric, the kit comes with almost everything you need to sew it up, including thread, buttons and sew in labels (you can add Liberty print lining, as opposed to plain, for £3 extra). You only need to have your own scissors, tailors' chalk and a sewing machine (though you can also hand sew the pinny). Clothkits' other children's clothes kits are fab, too - we also adore their cute dungarees.

Dove and Cherries Pinny Kit in Pink, £19 from www.clothkits.co.uk

Clothkits do so many great sewing kits it's hard to choose our favourites, but one of the things that really sets them apart is the fact they do adult clothing kits. This hand silkscreen-printed cotton skirt is typical. You can make it in sizes 8-16, and depending on how you cut it and how tall you are, it can be anything from knee-length to calf-length. Included in the kit are instructions, fabric and lining, thread and a zip. It's well worth checking out the full range of Clothkits craft kits on their website as there are also wonderful cushions, bags and toys to be made up.

Pewter Rob Ryan Hold Me Skirt Kit, £42 from www.clothkits.co.uk

Bound to be a winner with crafty children and adults with a sense of humour alike, this fun kit comes with a detailed 48-page book explaining how to turn old socks into zany soft toys, as well as a wodge of stuffing and two pairs of socks to get you started: one black, and the other knee-length rainbow coloured socks with toes, which makes a fabulously character-filled creature. You can follow the patterns in the book, or go wild and create your own. Guaranteed to make you giggle.

Make Your Own Stupid Sock Creatures by John Murphy, £14.99 from www.thegmcgroup.com

Hamble & Jemima, a craft company run by two Devon mums, do several bag-making sewing kits, including this tasteful leaf-patterned shopper. The kit comes with the pretty cotton fabric and lining, as well as instructions, a label and a ribbon and some sweet buttons, which fasten the bag. You'll need a sewing machine, cotton, pins and a needle. This is a simple sewing design ideal for a beginner, and because it comes nicely packaged and is a style everyone will like, it would be a great gift for a friend who wants to start sewing.

Hamble & Jemima Classic Shopper kit, £18.99 from www.rucraft.co.uk

This cute kit gives you the fabric and instructions to cut out and sew a vintage-style apron - there's even ric-rac to sew across the pockets and hem, completing the effect. All you need to add are a sewing machine, thread and scissors. This easy kit would be a fun present for a domestic goddess friend, or you could make up an apron as a gift.

Sew Easy Vintage Apron Kit, £15 from www.johnlewis.com

From trimming the snout to embroidering the nose, this kit will allow you to sew together your own very special classic teddy bear. The kit uses Steiff mohair fur fabric for a traditional effect, and comes complete with all the material you need as well as needles, strong thread, stuffing, plastic joints, a pattern and instructions. You just need your own scissors, pen, all-purpose thread and pins. Cute as your bear will be, the manufacturers stress this is not a suitable kit for children, nor is the bear a toy - we're sure you won't be able to resist cuddling him, though!

Heirloom Teddy Bear Kit, £29.78 from www.makeitnow.co.uk

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If you'd like to try appliqué - sewing cut-out shapes onto fabric - this is a great kit to get the hang of the technique. And the result - a cushion cover with a name appliquéd on - is great fun. The kit gives you the cream cotton fabric for the cushion cover, a selection of bright polka dot appliqué fabrics, iron-on fuse-a-web which is the glue that sticks the appliqué letters on, a CD of A-Z templates and step by step instructions. You just need your own cushion, sewing machine and thread.

Sew Easy Appliqué Cushion Kit, £15 from www.johnlewis.com

Young sewers from eight years old upwards will adore this traditional rag doll-making kit. It's a really well-thought out kit which contains absolutely everything they need, from a peg and pattern-printed fabric to stuffing, thread, instructions and even a sweet pink little pair of child scissors. It all comes in a fabric bag so they can carry it with them, and even the cardboard packaging can be cleverly turned into a paper sunlounger and table for the dolly to sit on. This is just one of the Little Experience Company's excellent sewing and craft kits for children - check out their website for more.

The Little Experience Rag Doll Molly Kit, £18 from www.johnlewis.com

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