How to Make Holiday Gift Bags

All the gifts have been bought. Instead of using wrapping paper and bows, make your own gift bags. Fabric gift bags can be used more than once and add a homemade touch to any gift. Use any type of fabric or scraps you may have. Use pretty coordinating ribbon, and add a cute gift tag. These bags are perfect for holding Christmas cookies, jewelry or just about anything on your list. Make several sizes.

Things You'll Need

• Holiday cotton fabric 1/2 inch-wide matching fabric ribbon Scissors Sewing machine Gift tags Hole puncher

Instructions

1. Lay your fabric out on your work surface. Cut out a 5-by-12-inch rectangle. Turn under 1/4 inch on each short side, pin, and machine stitch to form a hem. Remove pins as you sew.

2. Fold fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together. Pin the sides only and machine stitch 1/4 inch along each side, leaving the top open. Remove pins as you sew. Turn right side out, pushing out the corners.

3. Make five or six slits around the top of the bag using scissors. Cut the slits about 1 inch from the top edge. Cut a piece of ribbon approximately 10 to 12 inches long. Thread one end of the ribbon through all the slits in the bag. Pull it through the last slit until both loose ends are even. Pull the ribbon until it gathers the top of the bag together.

4. Punch a hole in the top of the gift card. Write the recipient's name on the gift tag. Thread both loose ends of the ribbon through the back of the hole in the gift tag. Tie the ribbon in a bow. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for as many gift bags as you need.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your bags smaller or larger depending on what you are using them for.