How to Sew a Cloth Gift Bag
Decide what size bag you want to make., Cut the fabric., Press a fold about 0.5" (1cm) of fabric along the top edge. , Fold and press again, this time a 1" flap (twice the previous fold)., Press a vertical fold halfway across the fabric; this will...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Decide what size bag you want to make.
You can do this two ways.
The easy way is to wrap the cloth around the object you want to wrap and mark its dimensions on the back of the fabric you want to use.
A more complex way is to measure your object's dimensions (length, width, height) and add an inch or two in each direction for seam allowances.
Bear in mind that these instructions are for two dimensional, rectangular bags, and that you will have to allow for all three dimensions of your gift to fit.
In this example, the width of the rectangle equals the circumference of the object plus two inches (diameter times pi plus two) and the height of the rectangle is equal to diameter plus height plus two (you could add 3 or more inches instead of two for a roomier fit). -
Step 2: Cut the fabric.
You can do this all in one piece or in two pieces, just remember to double the seam allowance if using two rectangles instead of one.
The following pictures are for a small gift bag made from a single rectangle.
If your gift is larger, it may require that you cut two rectangles and sew an additional side seam to make a bag large enough.
Otherwise, the same principles apply. ,, This will be the casing for the tie closure. ,, These are to run the drawstrings through. , Make them about .75" (2 cm) long. ,, It's a good idea to clip the corner before sewing to prevent it from bunching up later.
Zigzag the seam edges to prevent fraying.
You can also pink the edges or sew a French seam to obtain the same effect. ,, Allow for clearance of the buttonholes. ,,,,,,, -
Step 3: Press a fold about 0.5" (1cm) of fabric along the top edge.
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Step 4: Fold and press again
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Step 5: this time a 1" flap (twice the previous fold).
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Step 6: Press a vertical fold halfway across the fabric; this will be the side without a seam.
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Step 7: Unfold and mark the placement of buttonholes on the wrong side of the fabric as shown
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Step 8: positioned below the lower horizontal fold.
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Step 9: Make four buttonholes where they were marked.
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Step 10: Open the buttonholes with a seam ripper.
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Step 11: Sew the side seam(s) and bottom seam of the bag.
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Step 12: Turn the bag right side out and turn the casing to the inside.
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Step 13: Stitch down the casing to the inside of the bag.
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Step 14: Cut two pieces of ribbon
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Step 15: or cordage to use as drawstrings.
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Step 16: Tie your ribbon to a small safety pin for ease of threading through the casing.
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Step 17: Pull the ribbon through the casing.
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Step 18: Note: The photo shows only one ribbon
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Step 19: but if four button holes were made
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Step 20: you should use two ribbons as shown in the drawing... one "U" shape from each direction so that you're pulling two ribbon ends from each side of the bag to snug down the opening.
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Step 21: Drop your gift in the bag.
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Step 22: Snug up the drawstring.
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Step 23: Tie a bow and add a tag if you like.
Detailed Guide
You can do this two ways.
The easy way is to wrap the cloth around the object you want to wrap and mark its dimensions on the back of the fabric you want to use.
A more complex way is to measure your object's dimensions (length, width, height) and add an inch or two in each direction for seam allowances.
Bear in mind that these instructions are for two dimensional, rectangular bags, and that you will have to allow for all three dimensions of your gift to fit.
In this example, the width of the rectangle equals the circumference of the object plus two inches (diameter times pi plus two) and the height of the rectangle is equal to diameter plus height plus two (you could add 3 or more inches instead of two for a roomier fit).
You can do this all in one piece or in two pieces, just remember to double the seam allowance if using two rectangles instead of one.
The following pictures are for a small gift bag made from a single rectangle.
If your gift is larger, it may require that you cut two rectangles and sew an additional side seam to make a bag large enough.
Otherwise, the same principles apply. ,, This will be the casing for the tie closure. ,, These are to run the drawstrings through. , Make them about .75" (2 cm) long. ,, It's a good idea to clip the corner before sewing to prevent it from bunching up later.
Zigzag the seam edges to prevent fraying.
You can also pink the edges or sew a French seam to obtain the same effect. ,, Allow for clearance of the buttonholes. ,,,,,,,
About the Author
Stephanie West
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in organization and beyond.
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