The weather is getting colder, and let's have a handmade holiday on our minds! Handmade gifts are heartful, and also better for the environment. So, pls forget about those paper gift wrappings and gift boxes and take fabric gift bags instead. A fabric gift bag is as well received as the gift itself. This is an easy sewing project for beginners.
Sewing fabric gift bags is usually pretty simple. It is mostly just a matter of determining what size you need, then cutting out two pieces to your specifications. Add seam allowances on the sides and bottom. Allow an extra large hem at the top for the casing where you will put the drawstring or elastic.
Fabric gift bags can be made to fit the intended gift, regardless of the shape or size. Square and rectangular bags are by far the most common and the easiest to make. However, those with some prior sewing experience can also create other shapes as well.
For such sewing projects, durable fabrics work very well. If you choose one that is sheer or rather lightweight, use a heavy interfacing (fusible or non-fusible) on the wrong side to give the bag the body it needs. Gift bags for jewelry need not be quite as heavy. So, a lightweight interfacing would be fine for these.
When it comes to choosing fabric colors and patterns, the only limit is your preference. If the fabric gift bag is for a seasonal or holiday gift, select a material to fit the occasion. Certainly, fabric stores and fabric departments have a wide range of festive kinds for every sort of event.
In addition, take this opportunity to use scraps from other projects if you are doing pieced or appliquéd bags.
Apply the interfacing and appliques. Place the two pieces of the bag with the right sides of the fabric together. Sew the side seams.
For the bottom of the bag, you have two options. The simplest is to sew the bottom seam in the same manner as the side seams. For a fitted bottom, cut notches to form the corners. Then, sew the corners and the bottom. Finally, sew the top hem as mentioned above. Use two rows of stitching for the casing. Leave an opening to insert your drawstring or elastic. The final step is to finish the edges of the opening as you wish. A buttonhole is one possibility.
Use colorful ribbon, braid, lace, or strips of fabric for the drawstring. If you use the latter, finish the edges so they won't fray. When the drawstring is ready, insert it into the opening and you are ready to go.
If you are looking for suitable designs and ideas for fabric gift bags, there is no shortage of information sources. These would include magazines, Internet, commercial patterns found in fabric stores, and craft books of all sorts.
