How to Make a Simple Reusable Gift bag

I love reusable things. Especially commonplace items that normally get tossed in the trash.  Today I thought that I would make a reusable fabric gift bag that is perfect for Christmas, birthday’s Valentine’s Day or any holiday for that matter.  You see paper gift bags everywhere and they inevitably get tossed in the trash when they have served their purpose.  This gift bag can be used over and over again.  This is the perfect regifting idea.  It is also the perfect project to make and sell.  

I used Christmas fabrics that I had on hand for this project.  I believe I purchased the Christmas fabric as a remnant at JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores and the lining and flap are Kona cotton solids also purchased from there.  You can head to Hobby Lobby, Fabric.com or onlinefabricstore.net to get exactly what you want for your gift bags.  There is often a wider selection online than in the store so give these outlets a try.  This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

If you would like a video tutorial of this project head over to YouTube and check out my video.  While you are there subscribe to my free YouTube channel.  

What you will need: How to make a simple reusable gift bag

• Pattern you can get by clicking on this link
• 1/4 yd outer fabric
• 14/ yd lining fabric
• 1/8 yd flap fabric
• 1/4 yd interfacing like Pellon SF101
• 8 1/2″ cotton strapping
• 1 Kam Snap

Step 1: Cut your fabrics

• Two pieces that measure 4 1/4″ x 7 3/4″ of the flap fabric
• One outer piece that measures 23 7/8″ x 11 1/2″
• One lining piece that measures 23 7/8″ x 11 1/2″
• Interfacing
  • 4 1/4″ x 7 3/4″
  • 23 7/8″ x 11 1/2″

Step 2: Create the flap

Using the pattern piece cut the flap pieces and corresponding interfacing piece.  Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of one of the flap pieces following the manufacturers instructions.  Place the flap pieces right sides together and stitch along the sides and top using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  Clip the curves.  Turn right sides out and press.  Top stitch around the seam for a finished look.  

Step 3: Fuse the interfacing to the outer Gift bag

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the outer piece.

Step 4: add the handle

Find the center of one of the short ends of the outer piece and mark with a Frixion heat erasable pen.  Measure 1 1/4″ on each side of the center mark and place the end of the cotton strapping.  Stitch in place.  

Step 5: add the flap

Place the flap piece together with the outer piece sandwiching the strapping with right sides facing.  Stitch the flap to the outer piece.

Step 6: add the lining

Place the lining right sides together on top of the outer piece sandwiching the flap and strap. Stitch along the top and bottom using a 1/4″ seam allowance.  

Step 7: Create the gift bag

Fold the gift bag in half so that the lining is facing itself and the outer piece is facing itself.  Clip making sure that the seams are aligned. Stitch along both sides leaving an opening on one side of the lining for turning.  Turn the bag right sides out through the opening in the lining.  Close up the opening in the lining using your machine or ladder stitch.  

Step 8: Finish the Gift bag

Push the outer bag into the lining making sure the top is even and the flap is open.  Fold the sides in toward the center 11/2″. Stitch along the bottom using a 1/8″ seam allowance.  Turn the gift bag right sides out.  Top stitch all the way around the top of the bag for a finished look. Flatten the bottom corners and topstitch closed.  This is similar to boxing the corners.

You will notice that there will be slight folding along the sides of the bag in the front and the back.  Press those folds so they are crisp and top stitch along the folds so that they remain crisp.  There should be 1 1/2″ from the side seam to each of the folds.  Add the Kam Snap to the underside of the flap and the front of the body. You have now finished your Simple Fabric Gift Bag.  If you are unfamiliar with how to install Kam Snaps check out my video on this subject.

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