How to Make Fabric Gift Bags

A fun, eco-friendly, fabric gift sack sewing project that’s quick, simple and reusable – no casing and no hand sewing required!

This fabric gift bag comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.  Even better, it can be made in any size, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, party favors or even a storage bag.

You’ll love this project because the construction is quite simple.  The fabric sack requires only three seams, a double hem at the top and it ties closed with a cord – eliminating the need for a drawstring channel.

As always, you’ll find a video tutorial on how to sew the fabric gift bag along with step-by-step written instructions and photos below so you can follow along in whichever way suits your learning style best.

INSTRUCTIONS for sewing a fabric gift bag:

STEP 1: Gather your materials

Choose your fabric and gather all supplies listed above.

STEP 2: Cut fabric

Cut two fabric rectangles, one for the front and one for the back of the bag. For this tutorial, I am making a finished fabric bag measuring 16” x 9”, so I cut 2 fabric pieces measuring 18” x 10”.  This extra fabric allows for seam allowances and a double-fold hem at the top.

STEP 3: SEWING BAG

After you cut the fabric, align the two fabric pieces on top of each other, right sides together.

Sew along both sides and across the bottom using a ½” seam allowance.

To prevent fraying on the inside, trim the seams with pinking shears close to the stitching.If you don’t have pinking shears, you can zigzag stitch or serge the seams instead.

Next, turn the bag right side out and gently push out the bottom corners. The basic bag is now formed.

STEP 4: Hem the Bag Top

It’s time to finish the top of the bag. You want a double-fold hem to hide the raw edge.  Basically, you need to fold it over twice.  By folding the edge twice, you will also avoid fraying.

To do this, fold the top edge to the inside about 1/4” to 3/8” and press.  There is no need to use a ruler; you can just eyeball this measurement.

Fold it over a second time by the same amount and press again.  If you wish, you can pin or clip it so it stays in place, but it is not necessary.

Sew around the top edge with a straight stitch, keeping the stitching close to the inner fold.This creates a neat, finished top.

STEP 5: Attach the cord

The final step is to attach a length of cord (or ribbon) near the top so the gift bag can be tied shut. I used macrame cord.

For this project, I cut a piece of cord 28” long (or adjust the length based on your bag size). 

Find the center of the cord and place it on the outside of the bag, centered horizontally and about 3” down from the top edge.

Stitch it in place with a sewing machine stitch, stitching back and forth over the cord several times. You're only stitching through a single layer of fabric (not both layers).

The reusable gift bag is ready!

Simply place your gift inside, gather the top edge and tie the cord around it into a bow.  You’ve created a charming, reusable and eco-friendly fabric gift bag – perfect for any season or celebration.

I hope you enjoyed this simple and fun sewing tutorial for making reusable gift bags.  They're a wonderful way to add a personal, handmade touch to your gifts while being kind to the environment.

For more sewing inspiration, tips and free projects, be sure to visit our Sewing Pinterest Board and follow us for fresh ideas all year long.  You'll find a variety of sewing tutorials and creative DIY projects to keep you inspired.

Thank you for joining me - happy sewing!

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