Make wrapping presents extra special this festive season with this guide on how to sew a gift bag with a drawstring. Not only do they look amazing, they also save time wrapping and even better they reduce the amount of gift-wrap used, which makes them a great environmentally conscious choice.
They are super quick and easy to make. Plus, with our instructions on how to sew a gift bag you can make a bag for any gift of any size that you may want to wrap.
Here is a list of what you need for our instructions on how to sew a gift bag.Note the amount of fabric required will depend on the size of the gift that you would like to wrap.
First determine the size of your gift bag, by following these easy steps below:
1 )Measure the gift you would like to put in the bag.
Width = Width of gift + approx 8cm (this may need to be more if your gift is very wide.) This will be referred to as the top of the bag.
Height = (Height of gift x 2) + approximately 15cm. This will be referred to as the side of the bag.
2 ) Cut out the rectangle you measured up.
3 ) Fold over one long side by 6mm and press with your iron. Fold over again by another 6mm so the raw edge is now hidden. Repeat this step with the other long side.
4 ) Fold over one short edge 6mm and press. Fold over again by 4cm, press, and pin. This will form the casing for the drawstring of your ribbon. Repeat this step for the other short edge.
5 ) Using your sewing machine sew all the way along one of the short edges about 3.5cm. Trim your thread tails and repeat for other short edge. (Optional: Sew an extra stitch line for a nice decorative effect!)
5 ) Fold your bag, right sides together, matching up your top edge casings, and pin.
6 ) With a 6mm seam allowance, begin just below one casing sew down the side of the bag, then along the bottom and then finally up the other side.
7 ) Turn your bag right side out.
8 ) Cut a length of ribbon that is 2x the width of the finished bag + 15cm. Cut the ribbon ends on an angle to prevent fraying. Tip: You can also use fray lock glue or craft glue along the edge of the ribbon to secure it.
9 ) Add your present, tie the ribbon in a nice bow and place it under your Christmas tree!
Now you know how to sew a gift bag! Once you’ve made one fabulous and festive gift bag, you can certainly make more for all the gifts you have to wrap. It is a great way to reduce waste at Christmas time and these bags can be reused for many years to come.
Want to personalise them even further? Why not try monogramming the receiver’s initials on the front of the bags with a PFAFF sewing and embroidery machine!
Tag us at @pfaffsewingaus on Instagram and use the hashtag #pfaffsewing, so we can see your wonderful creations.