No matter how much I love ripping the wrapping paper off a gift, I get sad thinking about all of that wrapping paper that is thrown away. I’m the person who folds the tissue paper and reuses it for the next Holiday. Thus, reusable gift bags and wrapping make my soul happy. This bag fits small objects, but if you want to make a larger bag, try this Infinity Tie Strap Tote bag.
A fine example of this is the year my now husband was going to propose to me (I didn’t know). “The Ring” was “burning a hole in his pocket”. So he suggested we give each other one gift every few nights for a week to spread out Christmas, which is his favorite season. We both ended up using the same gift bag/box every night for the other person. It made me giggle and made my inner frugal hippie so happy.
Imagine a bag or two for each member of your family. You can put their names on them and use them every year. Or put a button on each bag for an easy place to attach a name tag.
It’s so Quick!
I think the best part about this origami inspired bag is how quick it is to make, 12 minutes plus fabric cutting. You can make 5 in one hour, ONE HOUR! I think wrapping gifts takes me longer than that, and I don’t like doing it. So much so, that I actually hire someone to do it. Seriously, Molly my gift wrapper is amazing! But, if I took the time to make more gift bags, I’d save money too. Saving the environment and money is a WIN-WIN for me.
This is more than just a reusable gift bag, the bag itself can be a gift. When I teach at GenCon I use this pattern for the “dice bag” class. I have also given it as a project bag, for my friends who knit socks.
The drawstring bag starts with 2 squares, literally any size. I really like the size bag a 12” square makes. It’s big enough for an ornament or small coffee mug to fit inside. So any small trinket will fit nicely inside. Use 45” squares and you can fit a large stuffed animal in it.
Materials needed (for 18” square)
- Instructions: Download the one page visual instruction sheet for the Fabric Ninja Freebie Library
- Fabric: I used quilters cotton, but you can use anything. FYI: Slippery or stretchy fabric will be harder to control.
Two Fat Quarters that coordinate or Two half yards – this option makes 2 bags - Cord: If the cord is too slippery it won’t keep the bag closed and it will be hard to keep knotted. So I suggest grosgrain ribbon or cord that has some texture. Not the slippery “rat tail” cord.4 yards will give you some nice string ends that you can trim a bit shorter if you like. For different size bag multiply the square size by 8. Example: 18” square x 8 = 144” … 144”/36” = 4 yards
Basic sewing tools:
- Measuring Tape, Ruler, or Quilters Square (I love this square)
- Scissors (My favorite pair)
- Coordinating Thread
- Sewing Machine or hand sewing needle
- Safety Pin or threading cord or another device like a bodkin.
- Iron
- Pins or clips, if desired.
- One page Visual Instruction Sheet from the Freebie Library.
You can learn all about my favorite sewing tools here
Download and print the One page Visual Instruction Sheet from the Freebie Library. Keep it next to your sewing machine while you work. No need to go back to the video constantly for the next step.
Please post your finished bags here as a comment or in the Fabric Ninja Sewing Circle Group. And get a Sewing Machine Maintenance Log from the Fabric Ninja Freebie Library
Happy sewing!
Want to remember this! Save this super easy gift bag to to your favorite board
Thanks for the tutorial! Really enjoyed it!
The bag is adorable. I just made my first one. I have a question though. How long are the cords? Thanks!
For an 18″ square 4yards will give you some nice string ends that you can trim a bit shorter if you like. For different size bag multiply the square size by 8. Example: 18” square x 8 = 144” … 144”/36” = 4 yards
Is this the shop in Tremon,OH?
I am located in Indiana
Where in Indiana
Near Indianapolis
Do you recommend a specific seam allowance? I come from the quilting world, so am used to 1/4″ seam allowance.
You can use any seam allowance that you prefer. As with all seam allowance it works best when it’s consistent.
If your seam allowance is larger the bag will be smaller. Your quilter instinct of 1/4 inch is perfect.
I like this idea will try to get my act together for next year. You stated at the top of of the comments that you’d like to know what uses want. I like useful gifts that are a bit quirky but not too complicated to make. I live in a very small unit and have no table space for cutting on. so the smaller the better. At one time I used to make my kids clothes and other things but they are all grown up with kids of their own. I am trying to make room to sew but space is limited and my computer desk takes up the dining area space.
I have seen many people have a sewing machine next to their computer. We all make it work somehow. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks for sharing. I didn’t make seams 1/2″ and found feeding the ribbon challenging.