With the holiday season just around the corner, why not add a personal touch to your gift-giving with these DIY fabric gift bags? This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions and a free pattern to make your own unique gift bags. Not only are they eco-friendly and reusable, but they also add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your presents with some Christmas gift bags. Making your own fabric gift bags is sooo much better than a run of the mill paper gift bag or gift boxes! Also, at the end of this post we'll give you some tips on sewing Christmas pajamas and other holiday projects.

DIY Fabric Gift Bags | Reusable Fabric Gift Bag

Sure you can buy gift bags at the store but these DIY fabric gift bags are just so much more fun 🙂 They are made from one cut of fabric so they’re super quick which is definitely a bonus! Now I want to dig through all my fabric stash and make more for birthdays too!

They are a great way to make a gift to anyone extra special! Or if you’re selfish like me you can use them for family gifts so you can re-use them each year 🙂

And the DIY fabric gift bags fold up nice and flat just like a regular gift bag so they’re easy to store

Gift Bag Materials

Let’s get started! For each bag you need:

• 2 pieces of fabric
• 1/2 yard cuts is plenty for the bags we’re making.
• 1″ ribbon (I used grosgrain)
• Decor Weight Fusible Interfacing (I used Pellon 809)
• Sewing Supplies / Sewing Machine

Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Gift Bags

Choosing the right fabric for your gift bags is an important decision that can greatly impact the overall appearance and durability of your bags. I've made some fabric bags with solid fabric and others with a chevron, polka dot, or other special piece of fabric. Use excess fabric scraps or ribbon to make casing, or straps to attach to the top of the bag.

There are several factors to consider when selecting fabric, such as the occasion, the desired look and feel, and the level of durability required. For everyday use, durable fabrics like quilting cotton or canvas are more practical and can withstand regular wear and tear. It's also important to consider the color and pattern of the fabric to ensure it complements the theme or style of your gift. Ultimately, choosing the right fabric will not only enhance the presentation of your gifts but also ensure they are well-protected and appreciated by the recipient.

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DIY Gift Bags Instructions 

Fabric Gift Bags Step 1: Grab you scissors and cutting mat and cut out your pattern pieces according to the pattern. Iron on the main interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric on the outer layer of your bag 1/2″ down from the top edge and 1/2″ in from each side seam. Using the interfacing placement number from the chart position the bottom pieces that far in from the side seams (so 2.25″ for an XS bag). It should have 1/2 inch of fabric left below and you’ll have a gap in the middle.

To get nice crisp lines press along the dotted lines. This will be the 4 corners and bottom edge of your bag

Fabric Gift Bags Step 2: With right sides together (RST) sew the short edges of the bag together. Press the seam allowance flat and open and then sew across the edge at the bottom of the bag. Use a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Gift Bags Step 3: Using your pre-pressed lines fold your bag so it has a nice rectangle bottom and 2 little tabs coming out each end

Gift Bags Step 4: Stitch across each tab right at the base of your interfacing. If you want to make sure you’re sewing in the right place the length of your stitching line should match the finished depth measurement for your bag. Trim off the excess.

Repeat steps 2-4 with your lining fabric. I didn’t bother to pre-press and just used my measurement from step 4 to make sure I sewed the corners correctly. Leave a 4-6″ gap in the side seam. 

Gift Bag Step 5: The next step is to sew each end of the ribbon as a handle to each long side at the top of your bag. My ribbon pieces were around 6-8″ long, depending on the bag size.

Gift Bag Step 6: Slide the lining over the bag and sew together around the top edge

Gift Bag Step 7:Turn the bag right side out and hand sew the gap in the lining shut. Once you have the lining inside the bag re-press your bag so it’s nicely formed and has 4 clear sides. Fold it up like you’d fold a gift bag for storage and press

There you have it – you’ve learned how to make a reusable gift bag out of fabric. You’ll be able to reuse these year after year and remember that you made them as well as save the money and hastle of using one-time use bags. I hope you have fun making lots more diy fabric gift bags!

No-Sew Options for Fabric Gift Bags

No-sew options for fabric gift bags provide a convenient and creative alternative to traditional sewing methods. Whether you're short on time, don't have access to a sewing machine, or simply prefer a no-sew approach, there are several options available that allow you to make beautiful fabric gift bags without any stitching. One popular method is using fabric glue or fusible webbing to secure the edges of the fabric together, creating a seamless and durable bond. Another option is to utilize heat-activated adhesive tape, which can be applied with an iron and provides a strong and reliable hold. Alternatively, fabric gift bags can also be created by folding and tying the fabric in various ways, such as using knots or ribbons to secure the ends. These no-sew techniques not only save time and effort but also allow for endless customization possibilities, making your gift bags truly unique and special.

Personalizing Fabric Gift Bags

Personalizing fabric gift bags adds a special touch to any gift-giving occasion. Whether adding a piece of ribbon, personalized gift tag, or some holiday fabric to the side of the bag, you can really make it one of a kind. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or milestone celebration, customizing fabric gift bags allows you to create a unique and memorable presentation. There are many ways to personalize fabric gift bags, from adding monograms or initials to incorporating images or designs that reflect the recipient's interests or personality. With the availability of various crafting techniques such as embroidery, applique, or fabric paint, the possibilities for personalization are endless. Not only does personalizing fabric gift bags make them stand out from traditional wrapping paper or plastic bags, but it also shows the recipient that you put thought and effort into their gift.

Can you customize the size and shape of the fabric gift bag depending on what you want to put inside?

Yes, you can easily customize the size and shape of the fabric gift bag based on what you want to put inside. Simply adjust the dimensions of the fabric and follow the same steps to create a custom-sized bag that perfectly fits your gift.

Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoyed our tutorial. While you're here, be sure to explore more Christmas Sewing Projects on the website for even more homemade holiday inspiration. Once you get started sewing, we also have a number of different patterns that are perfect for sewing Christmas pajamas. Check them out today. Before you leave, also be sure to come join our Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Facebook Group. You’ll be able to ask questions from love 85,000 sewists and share what you make. Come join us today!