Fabric Gift Bag Instructions

Easy Gift Bags!

Quick and easy! Stitch the seams, hem the top, attach ribbon in the back. Then just tie the ribbon and you have your beautiful giftbag! Sizes small, medium and large.

Add your own trimmings and create your own look. These make wonderful gifts themselves, or use them to present your gifts in.

Supplies Required:

Small Bag: 1 yard of 45" fabric will make 3 small bags.
Medium Bag: 1.25 yards of 45" fabric will make 3 medium bags.
Large Bag: 1.5 yards of 45" fabric will make 3 large bags.

Bag Sizes (not including the hemmed area above the ribbon)
Small: 9" x 9"
Medium: 9" wide x 12" tall
Large: 9" wide x 15" tall

Thread (to match background or ribbon - it really won't show under the ribbon so thread color is not too important)

1.5 yards of Ribbon per bag (for ties)
Optional: Ribbon, lace, etc. for trim

Sewing Supplies: scissors, quilting pins, large sewing ruler, fabric marking pencils, seam ripper, pins

Note: all seams are 1/4 inch. Always iron between steps.

Now you are ready to start!

Pattern Pieces

First, cut out your pattern pieces. (Wax paper works well)

Small Bag: Cut 1 piece 13.5" x 34" (fold over)
Medium Bag: Cut 2 pieces, each 13.5" x 20.25"; label one FRONT and one BACK
Large Bag: Cut 2 pieces, each 13.5" x 23.25"; label one FRONT and one BACK

1. Zig-zag around all pieces (if serging, serge the two short ends of each piece, or serge around top of bag after sides are sewn).

2. For the small bag: Fold each bag right sides together, across a pre-made fold line. Sew 1/4" sideseams.
For the medium and large bags, sew the front to the back, right sides together, along each side and across the bottom.

3. To make mitered corners on the bottom of the bag, pull out the sides of the bag, on both sides of the side seam (pulling out the little points). Measure and mark the miter line 2" up from the point, perpendicular to the side seam. Stitch along this line. Trim close to the stitched line. Repeat on the other side of the bag. This easy method of mitered corners can be used for pillows, and any place that calls for a mitered corner.

4. Fold under the top edge of the bag, making a 3" hem (4" on large bag). Press. Stitch hem.

5. Turn bag right side out.

6. Lay bag so that the back is face up. Mark the bag in the center, on the hem stitch line. Mark center of ribbon length. Pin the ribbon to the bag, matching centers. Pin the ribbon so that its upper edge covers the stitch line on the bag. Stitch a vertical line across the ribbon, to hold it to the bag. Stitch again, to be sure you have a strong line of stitching.

7. Tie the ribbon around the bag. You can easily re-use this bag many times. Simply tie and untie. The ribbon is securely sewn, so it won't get lost from the bag.

Tie knots in the ends of the ribbon to keep it from ravelling.

Optional Trim: Add buttons, applique, bows etc.

This is a LOT easier than all these directions! But the directions are easy enough and if followed will make for a prettier and more professional bag! I likely will just wing it until M gets ahold of me. Lol

I will post them as we make them.

Come on board! Grab your old fabric and make some bags!