I know there is a lot of chatter about DIY handmade gifts for guys – and this is a simple one! I made a set for my brother and brother-in-law but it would make a great gift for a teen or a woman as well. I picked a geek-chic computer themed fabric but you could easily personalize it with a favorite sports team, nice soft flannel, or upcycled fabric from a favorite shirt or blanket. I picture them using this at work especially – so hopefully they do!

Here is how I made my set:

1. I cut 4 rectangles for each rest, 2 of the fabric and 2 of fusible interfacing that was lightweight. My small wrist rest was cut at 4″ X 8″ and my long rest was cut at 5″ X 17″.

2. Iron the interfacing on to the fabric! And laugh at my belly in this picture.

3. Turn the fabric pieces inside out so the fabrics are facing one another and serge or sew along 3 edges in their entirety. Then, on the 4th edge be sure to leave a spot unsewn so you can turn it inside out. It’s up to you how long – I usually do an inch or two which makes it a little tougher to fill but easier to sew closed. You can see where it dips out a little in the picture, which is the opening.

4. Flip them inside out! I use a little crochet hook to push the corners out nice and sharp,although I think there is a special tool if you prefer. If you’re feeling extra fancy, iron it out so it is nice and flat.

5. Fill them up! I used these poly beads that I bought at Michaels – it makes them machine washable. I think the whole bag was $9.99 and I used a 40% off coupon. It took a little less than a full bag to make TWO sets of these (so 4 rests total). You could also use rice or beans, or poly-fill fluff.

6. I take 3 steps to close up openings on pillows and purses – I fold, press with an iron, and then sew. It adds a little extra time, but I find that if I try to just fold it in as I sew, it looks much sloppier.