Learn how to sew a fabric gift bag with this easy step-by-step tutorial. These reusable bags are a great way to wrap gifts in something that’s both beautiful and eco-friendly. They sew up quickly, can be made in any size, and are the perfect stash-busting project when you need a last-minute gift wrap idea.
No need for paper, tape, or bows—just pop your gift inside, tie it up, and you’re done! Whether you’re sewing for birthdays, holidays, or handmade gifts, these fabric bags add an extra personal touch that your friends and family will love.
Learn How to Sew a Fabric Gift Bag for Any Occasion
I’m a sucker for bags. Little bag– that you can sew, double sucker! This little simple cinch gift bag is perfect for anything. Toss in a little gift, stocking stuffer, present for a friend, little surprise for the kids…. you name it.
The additional option to personalize the front with an iron on image is a great addition as well. No more plain bags! Let’s make them cute!
Why You’ll Love Making Fabric Gift Bags
- Beginner-friendly – quick to sew, no tricky steps.
- Reusable & eco-friendly – a sustainable alternative to wrapping paper.
- Customizable – choose your fabric size, style, and closure.
- Stash-buster – perfect for using up leftover fabric.
- Giftable on its own – the bag becomes part of the present!
Fabric & Style Ideas
- Seasonal fabrics – Christmas prints, Valentine hearts, or birthday balloons.
- Scrappy look – mix coordinating prints or use charm squares.
- Elegant finish – use satin ribbon and metallic thread for special gifts.
- Quilty touch – piece together fabric strips or small blocks before sewing the bag.
Materials Needed:
yarn or DMC thread – 18″ all 6 strands if using DMC floss
Come Sew with Us!
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fabric 7″ X 6″ > 2 per bag
Fabric Gift Bag Tutorial~
1- Iron the printable on the right side of the fabric. Need help with this? You can make your own printable if you’d like using picmonkey. Super simple. They have a lot of different clip arts you can choose from as well. I went through the Christmas pile and picked the penguin, reindeer head and stocking.
2- Pin fabric together- right sides facing out- wrong sides are together
3- Sew around three sides of the bag
4- Cut all the edges with pinking shears
5- Using the 6 strands of DMC floss hand sew large stitches across the top (one fabric at a time) all the way around the top of the bag. Keep the stitch around 1/2″ -1″ from the top edge
6- Tie the ends of the thread together in a knot
Stuff with your little gift bag goodies and cinch the thread tight to keep them from falling out.
You can make any kind of adjustments you’d like to the bag size. It’s sure simple to customize both the size and the clip art on the bag. Put their name there, any kind of design.
With these printables you can see that where there isn’t ink the space shows the fabric behind. You will need to make sure you don’t use fabric that will make the image get lost and not show. No sense in doing all that work for it to get lost in the fabric!
The fabric I used was busy, but it was a light enough fabric that you can see the shape and image just fine.
Tips for Sewing Success
- Adjust your bag size based on your gift—measure it first, then add seam allowance.
- Press the top edge before stitching to make a crisp fold for your casing.
- Use pinking shears or serge the inside seams to prevent fraying.
- Keep a few extra bags on hand for quick, last-minute wrapping.
- Add a gift tag or embroidery for a personalized touch.
How to Customize Your Fabric Gift Bags
- Add appliqué or embroidery to match the occasion.
- Stitch on buttons or fabric flowers for decoration.
- Create a drawstring top or simple fold-over flap with Velcro.
- Sew a set of matching bags in different sizes to reuse year after year.
These fabric gift bags are simple to sew, reusable, and add a thoughtful handmade touch to any present. They’re great for all occasions—birthdays, holidays, or just-because gifts—and are a smart way to use up fabric scraps.
Once you make a few, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought wrapping paper. Keep a basket of them ready in your sewing room, and you’ll always have the perfect finishing touch for your next handmade gift.
Check out this tutorial on making a customized printable with Picmonkey.
More Easy Bags & Holiday Sewing Projects
Are you looking for something larger? How about a Don’t Open till Christmas Bag.
Give a little poem with your gift!
Holiday Mug Rug – great for making an easy gift basket
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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