Tutorial: Make a Folding Gift Bag with Fabric
I really wanted to learn how to make reusable folding fabric gift bags as a sustainable option that will (hopefully) be passed from person to person as people give gifts to each other. This particular bag was made to be used with 1/2 yard remnants so that you can use leftover fabric from other projects to make your sustainable and reusable gift bags. Download the pattern below and get started with the tutorial.
Supplies Needed:
(all of my patterns include 1/2″ seam allowance)
Step 1
Apply interfacing to the front/back and side pieces
Step 2
edgestitch the side pieces along the dotted lines
Draw in the dotted lines from the pattern. Then fold the side pieces along these lines with right sides together and stitch as close to the edge as you can. This will create an indent in the side pieces, allowing the bag to easily fold when it’s finish.
Step 3
sew the sides to the front/back piece
With right sides together, wrap the front/back piece around the side pieces and stitch, pivoting at the corners.
Step 4
optional: finish the seams with bias tape
You can finish your seams however you like, but for a neater look I recommend binding the seams with bias tape. This covers up the raw edges and makes the whole bag a little bit more durable. Simply fold bias tape around the seams and sew it in place inside of the seam allowance.
Step 5
turn the bag to the right side
After finishing the seam, turn the bag to the right side. At this point, it’s a good idea to press all of your seams so they are nice and crisp and try folding your bag to make sure it works as it’s supposed to.
Step 6
baste the handle to the top
Cut two 9″ pieces of belting or twill tape and baste them to the top of the bag on both sides.
Step 7
sew the facing
With right sides together, sew the facing together into a loop along the short side.
Step 8
Fold over and press the seam allowance
On one side, fold over and press the seam allowance of the facing piece.
Step 9
sew the facing to the bag
With right sides together, line up the raw edges of the facing with the upper edge of the bag and sew through all layers.
Step 10
turn the facing to the inside and sew
Flip the facing to the inside of the bag and sew it along the folded edge.
Step 11
hem the base
Make a narrow hem along one side of the base.
Step 12
fold the base in half and sew
With right sides together, fold the base in half and sew, leaving the hemmed side open. Then clip the seam allowance and turn the base to the right side.
Step 13
Insert cardboard into base
Add your little piece of cardboard into the base through the opening. Then place the base into the bottom of the bag.
Finished!
