How to Make Fabric Gift Bags (4 Sizes) Free Pattern
You put so much thought, love, and effort into choosing the perfect present, so why not learn how to make fabric gift bags to put it in. My sister can gift wrap presents worthy of photographing and splashing all over Pinterest, but my paper-wrapping abilities are a bit of an ongoing family joke. So this year, I’m making DIY fabric gift bags for all my presents which are sure to impress.
How to Make Fabric Gift Bags
These DIY fabric gift bags don’t take long to make and are great for reducing your ever-growing scrap fabric piles. Don’t forget to check out some of my other scrap fabric sewing projects.
How to make a fabric gift bag summary:
- Cut a rectangle according to the cutting instructions below
- Press the top over twice to form a casing (don’t sew yet).
- Put the right sides together and sew the sides and bottom leaving a gap at the casing.
- Stitch the casing.
- Add cord or ribbon.
Learning how to make gift bags is easy with this tutorial, which will show you how to make four different sizes. You can easily adapt the gift bag sewing pattern to make one of any size. Make an extra large one and turn it into a Santa sack pattern!
How to Make Fabric Gift Bags in Different Sizes
Here are the finished sizes of the gift bags. If these sizes are not big enough for your presents, you can always use the same techniques to make any size.
- Small – Great for jewelry and small items – size 5.25″ W x x 6.75″ H (13.5x17cm)
- Medium – Fits scarves, small books or notepads – size 7.75″ W x 8.75″ H (19.5x22cm)
- Large – Fits small clothing items eg a t-shirt – size 11.25″ W x 11.75″ H (28.5×28.5cm)
- Long – Fits a wine bottle – size 5.25″ W x 14.75″ H (13.5×37.5cm)
Supplies for Making Fabric Gift Bags
- Cotton Fabric – Small, medium and long can be cut from a fat quarter. Quilting cotton is easy to sew and readily available.
- Ribbon – 3/8 inch (1cm) wide ribbon for the ties.
- Safety pin for threading the ribbon through the casing.
How to Make Fabric Gift Bags -Video Tutorial
Check out this YouTube video I made for you on how to make fabric gift bags. All my videos are quick and to the point, as I know you are juggling a million things. Thanks for watching 🙂 Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly craft and sewing videos.
How to Make Fabric Gift Bags – Sewing Instructions
Here are the step by step instructions for making fabric gift bags.
Step 1: Cutting the DIY Fabric Gift Bags
Cut your fabric gift bag pattern in the following sizes.
- Small – Cut 11 x 8 inches ( 28 x 20.5cm)
- Medium – Cut 16 x 10 inches (40.5 x 25.5cm)
- Large – Cut 23 x 13 inches (58.5 x 33cm)
- Long – Cut 11 x 16 inches (28 x 40.5cm)
Step 2: Press the Casing
On the wrong side, press over the top edge by 1/4 inch (6mm). Press over top again by 3/4 inch (2cm). Gently unfold your pressed edge.
- Small – press the 11-inch edge
- Medium – press the 16-inch edge
- Large – press the 23-inch edge
- Long – press the 11-inch edge
Step 3: How to Sew Gift Bags Sides
Fold your fabric in half with the right sides together so the pressed edge is at the top. Pin in place and mark 1 inch (2.5cm) from the top (in the crease) and 1 3/4 inches (4.5cm) down.
With a 1/4 inch (6mm) seam allowance, stitch from the top to the 1 inch (2.5cm) mark. Backstitch well.
Leave a 3/4″ (2cm) gap and continue stitching from the 1 3/4 inch (4.5cm) mark all the way down to the bottom and across as shown.
Clip the fabric gift bag bottom corner. Further Reading: Sewing Clipping
Step 4: Stitch the Casing
At the top, where the gap is, open up the seam with your fingers. Fold the pressed edge back down. Pin all the way around.
On the wrong side, stitch around the folded edge to form a casing. There is no need to leave a gap since we will be threading the ribbon through the gap in the side seam.
Step 5: Add the Ribbon
Turn the bag to the right side and give it a good press. The last step is to add the ribbon drawstrings. Thread the ribbon through the hole in the casing with a safety pin.
Knot the ends of the ribbon together and cut the ends at an angle to minimize fraying. Further Reading: How to stop ribbon from fraying
How to Make Fabric Gift Bags – In Conclusion
And that’s it – that’s how to make fabric gift bags! All you need to do is to add your gift and hide it away until the perfect moment.
More Bag Tutorials
If you enjoyed this how to make fabric gift bags tutorial, what about trying a DIY felt gift bag. These felt bags are designed for smaller gifts like chocolates or jewelry. The tutorial has a printable pattern piece to make it easy to get the shape perfect.
How to Make a Fabric Gift Bag
Difficulty
Tools
- Sewing Basics Pins, thread, iron
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
Materials
- Cotton Fabric
- 3/8" (1cm) wide ribbon
Instructions
- Cut a rectangle in the following sizes. Small – Cut 11 x 8 inches ( 28 x 20.5cm) Medium – Cut 16 x 10 inches (40.5 x 25.5cm) Large – Cut 23 x 13 inches (58.5 x 33cm) Long – Cut 11 x 16 inches (28 x 40.5cm)
- On the wrong side, press over the top edge by ¼ inch (6mm). Press over top again by ¾ inch (2cm). Gently unfold your pressed edge.
- Fold your fabric in half with the right sides together so the pressed edge is at the top. Pin in place and mark 1 inch (2.5cm) from the top (in the crease) and 1 ¾ inches (4.5cm) down. With a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance, stitch from the top to the 1 inch (2.5cm) mark. Backstitch well. Leave a ¾" (2cm) gap and continue stitching from the 1 ¾ inch (4.5cm) mark all the way down to the bottom and across as shown.
- Clip the bottom corner. At the top where the gap is, open up the seam with your fingers. Fold the pressed edge back down. Pin all the way around. On the wrong side, stitch around the folded edge to form a casing. There is no need to leave a gap since we will be threading the ribbon through the gap in the side seam.
- Turn the bag to the right side and give it a good press. Thread the ribbon through the hole in the casing with a safety pin. Knot the ends of the ribbon together and cut the ends at an angle to minimize fraying.
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for the nice words.
I love your classes. I sucked at sewing. I kept trying and I just wanted to stab my sewing machine with my new scissors. I’ve been taking it slower, reading all of your articles, doing beginning projects, and now I don’t hate it so much.
Thank you so much. You are my hero!!!!
Carol