Learn how to make reusable fabric gift bags within fifteen minutes. These easy fabric gift bags are so stylish the receiver will want to use them again and again!
Why make your own reusable gift bags?
There are so many reasons! Firstly there is the environmental impact of throwing away single-use wrapping paper – often it is not recyclable (this does vary on local recycling schemes and the type of gift wrap paper). Then there is the aesthetics – you can customize your fabric gift bags for the receiver, spending time and love sewing gift bags makes the gifts special.
Taking time now to make these gorgeous gift bags will in the long run save you time. Merely suggest to your loved ones that if they are going to reuse them keep them and enjoy, if not hand them back so you can reuse next year!
Reusable Gift Bag Pattern
These instructions are for two different sizes of gift bags, but once you have made one or two you will be easily able to customize them to the sizes you require. The larger gift bag is suitable for a book or DVD, the smaller size is good for a jewelry box or ear pods. The finished sizes are 8 by 9 1/2″ and 5″ by 3 1/2″.
The fabric gift bags tutorial will show you the dimensions for each gift bag, it is easy to measure out with a quilters ruler but if you prefer you can download printable pattern pieces.
Continuing the theme of reducing waster and a more sustainable Christmas check out my Christmas Stocking with template tutorial and my guest post Reusable Christmas Crackers at Red Ted Art.
Sewing Gift Bags Video
How to make a fabric gift bag
Materials
- Fat quarter – cute holiday fabric
- Piece of ribbon
- Lining fabric
- Fabric Tac Glue
Seam allowance is 5/8″
Step 1
Let’s start with cutting your lining fabric and external fabric to size. I find a quilters ruler and rotary cutter extremely helpful.
For the larger gift bag cut two pieces of fabric measuring 21 by 11″. We are going to measure and cut a triangle out of the two top corners. Measure and mark with taylors chalk two points, from the top down the side by 1 1/2″, and along the top inwards from the edge 3″. With your quilters ruler join these two points together to form a triangle in the corner of your fabric. Cut along this marked edge.
For the small gift bag cut two pieces of fabric 5 1/2″ wide by 10″ tall. As for the larger Christmas gift bag we are going to measure and cut a triangle out of the two top corners. Measure and mark with taylors chalk two points, from the top down the side by 3/4″, and along the top inwards from the edge 1 1/2″. With your quilters ruler join these two points together to form a triangle in the corner of your fabric. Cut along this marked edge.
Step 2
Place the fabric right sides together. Machine stitch around the edge leaving a turning gap aling the short straight edge at the bottom (approx 5″ for larger gift bag, 3″ for smaller gift bag). Trim the corners.
Step 3
Turn right side out and press, turning in the raw edges of your turning gap. Top stitch this edge to neatly close.
Step 4
Now we are going to add the closing ribbon. The ribbon piece is sewn on the closing flap and the back of the gift bag, but not the front bottom of the bag – this is to give the bag more flexibility re the size of the gift.
For the larger gift bag, you need a ribbon piece 1m long. turn up the bottom edge 7″ so the linings are facing.
Flip the gift bag over. Using a quilters ruler measure the central pint running down the gift bag. Using fabric tac or similar glue the ribbon in place.
Topstitch the ribbon to hold in place securely, making sure you do not catch the front of the gift bag.
Step 5
Let’s finish the resuable fabric gift bag by top stitching the two sides of the bag together.
I hope you love your adorable fabric gift bags as much as I do.
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