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It’s easy to make reusable fabric gift bags and save time, money, and the environment. Wrap presents of any size, without the hassle and waste of wrapping paper! This tutorial shows a detailed, step-by-step process that’s perfect for those who are new to sewing.
True Confession: I hate wrapping presents.
I hate spending money on wrapping paper, finding boxes, trying to wrap awkward-sized packages…and don’t get me started on the ribbons, bows, and foofy decorations. Gack.
And then there’s the giant mess in your living room after all the presents are opened. Some of the wrapping paper can be recycled, some can’t, and you end up with a ton of paper in your trash can.
A couple of years ago, I decided to make fabric gift bags of all sizes to use for Christmas presents. I figured with a little bit of work up front, I’d never have to buy wrapping paper again.
It was too good to be true!
I realized at the end of the day that nobody had returned the bags their gifts were in. So here I am, sewing up another set of reusable gift bags. This time I took pictures so you can make them too. 🙂
You do NOT need any kind of fancy sewing skills to make these bags. You can even sew them by hand if you don’t have a sewing machine (or use a hot glue gun with fabric glue–I won’t tell).
Why make your own gift bags?
Homemade gift bags are versatile. You can make giant gift bags for oversized or oddly-shaped gifts, or tiny bags for jewelry or crystals–the process is the same for any size bag.
Use a light muslin and make produce bags to take to the farmer’s market or grocery store; pick out a fun print and make a bag for the kids’ blocks or LEGOs; or make your own birthday party goodie bags.
Fabric gift bags are reusable and eco-friendly. Most wrapping paper and ribbons are thrown away or can’t be recycled, which creates more trash in an already-overloaded system.
Fabric gift bags can be reused, washed, mended, and repurposed. If you have any zero-waste friends or family, they’ll be shared and passed around from year to year.
DIY gift bags cost less. Holiday fabric is usually on clearance a month or two before the holiday, and one yard of fabric can cost as little as $3. For less than the cost of a roll of wrapping paper, you can make 8-10 reusable gift bags!
Quick Fold Trick: Turn the fabric over so you're looking at the wrong side. Fold the top two inches over so the fold runs off the side of the fabric. Iron or pin it so the fold will stay. Stitch the fold so it stays in place by running a straight stitch through the folded part and right off the edge of the fabric. Repeat on all four corners. Sew up Sides and Top: Run a straight stitch up from the bottom to close up the sides, stopping when you get to the folded part. Fold over about 1/4 inch of each top flap, iron it so it stays, and stitch across. Finish Drawstring Tunnel: Fold down each of the top flaps, and sew all the way across to make the drawstring tunnel. Don't sew the bag shut (ask me how I know). Repeat on the other side. Add the Ribbon: Measure how much ribbon you'll need, and then put a safety pin on the end to make it easier to thread the ribbon through the fabric tunnel. Thread the ribbon through one side of the tunnel, across the "jump," and out the other side. Knot the ends. Repeat, starting the ribbon on the opposite side, so you can pull the knots to close the bag. And you're done! How awesome is that? You now have gift bags that are resuable, washable, and can fit presents of just about any size or shape. Drawstring bags have tons of uses beyond Christmas presents: As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sew an Easy Drawstring Gift Bag
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products
What will you use your DIY gift bags for?
