Ditch wasteful wrapping paper for good with these homemade gift bags.
The finishing touch to any heartfelt gift is wrapping it up for your recipient.
But you may want to think twice before you reach for a roll of patterned wrapping paper.
Credit: Dera Burreson
Cut two pieces of fabric for each bag.
For a large bag, cut two pieces measuring 12 x 18 inches.
For a small bag, cut two pieces measuring 7 1/2 x 11 inches.
Iron fabric if needed.
Step 2: Hem Fabric
On both pieces of fabric, fold one short side up 1/4-inch.
Press with an iron and stitch seam using a sewing machine.
Measure from the hemmed top 3 inches on both sides, and place a straight pin.
Use pinking shears to trim the three raw edges.
Press and pin, then repeat on the other side.
Sew along the hemmed edge, using the stitched line as a guide.
Then sew along the top edge using a presser foot for seam allowance.
(This creates the channel for adding ribbon.)
If you are making a small bag, turn it right-side-out and skip to step 6.
This will create a triangle shape.
Sew on this line, then repeat on the opposite corner.
Trim with pinking shears.
You’ll need about 2 feet of ribbon for each channel.
Thread through one channel and back through the other channel, then repeat on the opposite side.
When you’re done, you’re ready to fill the bag.
Once you’ve added your gifts, cinch the bag shut and tie the ribbon in a bow.
