How to make Gift bags - Make them in recycled Fabric for the environment - DIY Tutorial

Step 1 Cut out the fabric piece for your bag – 20 inches by 10 inches.

Step 2 Stitch the handles to both ends.

You can use webbing, fabric straps or lace as I have done.

Turn under the edges enclosing the handle ends and stitch in place.

Step 3 Keep the fabric folded right sides out – this is done to make a neat french seam inside. Stitch the edges. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching line.

Turn the bag right sides in.

Stitch along the edge ,enclosing the seam and the seam allowance.

Turn the bag right side out and use.

cloth gift bag

This is a very small cloth gift bag which measures about 4.5 inches in height and 4 inches in width. Perfect for those small gifts like jewellery that you intend to give your loved ones. You can change the dimensions and make it to suit the gift you have, ofcourse. Whatever it is that you are giving inside this bag will surely be used again.

Step 1 Cut the pattern pieces

For the bag piece

For the drawstring & 2 little stoppers

Step 2

Fold the side edges of the bag piece ( 6″ sides) inside 1/4 inches and stitch

Step 3

Turn under the upper edge about 1/2 inch and stitch along the fabric edge. You have the casing for the drawstring here. If it is a selvedge you donot have to finish the edge here. But if it is not you may want to do a zigzag stitch on the fabric edges.

Step 4

Fold the Bag fabric by half, with short edges together ( right sides together) stitch the side seams. Stop just short of the upper casing. Donot forget to backstitch.

Step 5

Stitch the bottom edge of the bag together.

Turn the bag inside out.

Step 6. Make drawstring

Cut a piece of fabric 14 inches long and 1 inch wide . Fold it lengthwise. Stitch along the fold, about 1/2 inch from the fold .Anchor a tapestry needle ( or a thick needle) with 4 strands of thread near one edge by making 2-3 back stitches. Insert the needle through the hole in one edge. Pull the cloth along with the needle so that when the tube is turned inside out it will look filled up and round . Checkout this tutorial to make a fabric tube for more details. You will get a string which is your drawstring.

Insert the drawstring through the casing in your bag using a safety pin

Step 7 Make a Drawstring stopper.

Cut out 2 squares of 3 inches. Cut the edges 1/4 inch from the corners. Fold the square diagonally first. Then by half. Hold the edges together. Stitch them together. trim the seam allowance close to the seam

Keep the string end inside the rectangle and stitch them together. Turn it inside out.