Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Fabric Gift Bags- A Photo Tutorial

Determine how large you'd like your fabric bag to be and multiply by 2 adding 1/4 inch for seam allowance. This is how much fabric you will need for each bag. If adding a ribbon for tying, you will need a length equal to the width of your fabric.

For example, if you want to make a bag (without cuff) that is 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide, you will need a piece of fabric that is 10 x 12.25 inches and a piece of ribbon that is 12.25 inches in length.

After you've determined how large you want the bag to be, fold your fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, pinning the folded ribbon on the inside about 2 inches from the top. Stitch 1/4 inch seam allowance along the bottom and up the open side.

IF you are NOT going to finish the bag with a cuff, end your stitches about 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the top. This will allow you to trim the top of the bag with pinking shears without cutting into your stitches and gives the top of the bag a decorative effect while at the same time, helps keep fabric from unraveling.

Squaring the bottom of the bag:
To square the bottom of the bag, pull out the sides of each corner into a triangle, matching seams on side and bottom. Stitch across the widest part. and snip off the ends. Turn right side out.

To add a cuff:
If you want a 3 inch cuff, then cut your fabric twice the width of the bag and twice the height of the cuff. Using the bag size mentioned above as an example, the fabric dimensions needed will be 12.25 x 6.25. Fold wrong sides together lengthwise. Press, fold in half and stitch 1/4 inch seam on the short end. Press seam open. Turn so that the seam is now on the inside and the unfinished edges are facing the top. With bag turned RIGHT side out, pin the cuff to the inside of the bag, matching seam. Pin and stitch with 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Pull cuff out of the bag and press seam down towards the bag. Fold cuff over and press in place.
And here is a finished bag. The attached ribbon is hidden under the cuff.

Have fun! You can make these bags to be any size you like and it's a great way to use up scraps or fabric quarters! And don't forget to check out The Country Needle's "It's In the Bag!" sets for gift giving ideas!
Happy Stitching!
Nathenia

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