It's been nearly a year since posting anything here. I don't think I'll ever be the blogger/small business owner that does weekly or even monthly posts. And I'm totally ok with that. I'll stick to sharing projects and recipes with you when the the moment arises.
There is a slow build project I started working on last year and will continue to add to it this year. Our household started using fabric bags and wrapping fabric for Christmas gifts, and even birthday gifts. I have always saved and reused gift bags and tissue paper, but using fabric takes this to the next level for me.
There are plenty of ways to get started on your own fabric wrapping. I started with a fat quarter bundle and a panel (intended for cute holiday pillows). I used fat quarters to make various sizes of drawstring bags. There are many drawstring bag tutorials on YouTube and I followed some of the easy bags last year. I also used sections of panels and fat quarters trimmed and squared and folded in a quarter inch seam on all 4 sides. I used those flat pieces as regular wrapping "paper" with the folded ends held down with grosgrain ribbon.
Using a serger on the edges is also a wonderful way to quickly finish the edges of fabric to use as wrapping paper.
And finally, I've also started making quilted bags. They can stand on their own, just like the standard gift bags and I stuff them with tissue paper (something I always reuse until it's in holes).
Step One: I suggest starting with fat quarters and left over batting and quilting straight lines on your domestic machine. If you're in need or a larger gift bag, use larger fabric and batting pieces. Once you have created your quilt sandwich (fabric right side facing out, batting and fabric facing out again) and quilt together. I suggest simple straight line quilting using a guide to keep lines straight, if you don't have a guide, painters tape works well to sew along, or mark lines using a marking tool or chalk pencil.
Step Two: Once you have quilted your gift bag fabric, it's time to square and cut pieces. One large piece 20" x 3" and Two pieces 8.5" x 3".
Step Three: Sew pieces together. Full disclosure, I did not take pictures of sewing pieces together because I got in a zone and forgot. Placing the inside of the bag fabric together the 8.5" edge at the top right side of the 20" piece and begin sewing. As you approach the end of the 8.5" piece, stop 1/4" from the corner. With the needle down, turn the smaller piece so the 3" edge lines up to the 20" edge. Sew down and again stop 1/4" from the corner. Turn again so the 8.5" edge is along the remaining 20" edge and finish sewing. Repeat on the second side.
Step Four: If you have any matching or contrasting fabric left over from binding a quilt, now is the time to use it! Otherwise, you will need to cut 2 pieces WOF x 2.5" and press to bind. Use binding along your sewn edges, trimming flush at the top of the bag. Once the edges have been bound, use binding and finish the top of the bag. If you think ahead, use a bit of binding fabric or ribbon and make a loop and sew it under the binding to use as a bag tag later.
If you are looking for a slightly easier gift bag. The second quilted version I have doesn't require as much binding, but can still stand up on its own. Follow Step One for quilting as before.
Step Two: Cutting. Trim and square your finished quilted fat quarter.
Step Three: Placing the outside fabric together, fold in half. Sew side edges together leaving the top untouched. Cut the bottom corners off at a 45º, and sew back together creating a boxed bottom. If you have a serger, sew all these edges using a serger for a cleaner look.
Step Four: Binding. Again, if you have left over binding, it's a great time to use it. Otherwise, cut one piece WOF x 2.5" and press to bind. Bind the top edge of your gift bag adding a loop or ribbon as you go for a tag.
Press the bottom down to sit flat.
I have made a quick guide with illustrations to help you create your own gift bags. Please download your free copy to keep by our sewing machine this season as you make your own quilted gift bags!
Happy wrapping,
Anna B
