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Make Free Gifts for Fathers Day

Free Fathers Day Gifts to Make

By Lorain Blanken, About.com

So, Dad has enough golf-tee ties to last him into the next century. How about making him something truly special while saving yourself some cash? Dad always told you to be smart with your money. But these projects don't look cheap.

These Fathers Day crafts are not only impressive, they have more thought and care than anything you'll find at the store.

1. Make a Record Bowl for Dad

Record Album BowlPeter Kaminski
Chances are, Dad has bragged in the past about the superior sound of a vinyl record. Sounds like a great way to store watches and cuff links to me.

Make dad this cool record album bowl, and try to lay low on the age jokes this Fathers Day.

2. Fathers Day Stencils

Rain Blanken
Is your dad a Super Dad? Tell the world when you use these free Fathers Day stencils to paint or print just about anything you've got lying around. Instant Fathers Day gift.
See all the free stencils to try.

3. Knit Dad a Necktie

knitpicks.com
Hear me out. So Dad has received his fair share of ties on Fathers Day... but does he have one that has been hand-knit by one of his favorite offspring?

I guarantee that this one so special, it may even usurp the Three Stooges tie in the place of honor on his tie rack.

See all the free patterns.

4. Screen Print a Batch of Fathers Day Shirts

Screen printRain Blanken
If you've got a big gathering or just a few kids that really want to impress dad, this is a project that is sure to go over big. Screen print shirts for the whole family with some of our free Fathers Day stencils.

Won't he be surprised when an army of Dad shirts walk in the door?

Learn to screen print at home.

5. Fathers Day Chain Bracelet

Chain BraceletRain Blanken
Most dads aren't expecting jewelry for Fathers Day, but this manly chain bracelet just screams 'Macho'. Plus, dad will be proud to know you've been out in the garage bending metal in his honor.
See the photo instructions.

6. Stitch a Fathers Day Message

Fathers Day Cross StitchConnie G. Barwick
Personalize a BBQ apron or hoodie with this old-fashioned Fathers Day message.

Taking the time to stitch out this design will bring a tear to Dad's eye that he'll deny later.

Get the free cross stitch pattern.

7. Spray Paint a Shirt for Dad

Rain Blanken
Let's face it, all dads think they're really cool. Feed that ego with a spray-painted shirt that matches that smooth, smooth style we've come to know and love. Hey, when you're older, people will tell you you're cool, too.

Use the free Fathers Day Stencils mentioned above, or just go wild with some Simply Spray fabric paint. There is a method to the madness, though, so make sure you grab this tutorial.

Get the free photo tutorial.

8. Make a Neck Tie T-Shirt

Necktie T-ShirtSherri Osborn
Back in the day (when he still had hair), your Dad was probably the type to have worn one of those corny tuxedo shirts. Tap into his fabulous sense of style with this neck tie t-shirt that he'll be sure to wear on Casual Friday.
Get the free instructions.

9. Make a BBQ Apron

BBQ ApronDebbie Colgrove
So maybe your dad already has a BBQ apron, but does he have one that makes him think of you every time he dons it? Aprons are super-easy to make, and super-useful for grilling fathers.

The best part is that after he wears this baby, he'll probably feel compelled to cook you something.

Get the complete photo tutorial

10. Sew a Chef's Hat to Match

chef hatThomas Duesing
This chefs hat is so easy, why not make it to match the BBQ apron? Even if your dad doesn't sweat it over the grill, this is a great nod to all those home-cooked meals he's made over the years.

Remember when you were six and he made you pancakes with faces on them? Good times.

Get the photo tutorial.

11. Crochet a Set of Football Coasters

Football CoastersSandi Marshall
Dad might not exactly be able to wear these coasters, but his drink sure will. Fashion a sweet set of football coasters that his friends are sure to envy on during the big game.
Get the free pattern.

12. More Sweet DIY Fashion

Resistor BraceletRain Blanken

Easy Clothes to Make:
How-To Pants . How-To Skirts . How-To Dresses . Recycle Your Clothes . 10 Clothing Repairs You Should Know . Beginner Sewing Projects . T-Shirt Surgery . Stencils Library . Top 10 Hippie Clothes . Punk Clothes to Make

Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces and More:
Junk Drawer Jewelry . Decoupage Jewelry . Make Bracelets . Jewelry Making . Hemp Jewelry

Bags, Hats, and More Accessores:
Free Hat Patterns . How-To Bags . Make Scarves . College Student Accessories . Index of Accessory Projects . Gloves and Wristbands

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