Every Christmas morning for as long as I can remember among all the excitement and happiness of opening gifts, I’ve felt terrible about the big trash bag of wrapping paper and ribbon that we tossed out.
About 12 years ago I started making cloth gift bags to use during the holidays. They’re VERY easy to make (I don’t do complicated) and can be reused for years. It makes me smile when my sister-in-law sends gifts to my children in the same fabric bags I’d sent to their family in the past. It’s a small link between our families that’s fun (AND earth-friendly) since we aren’t able to spend Christmas together.
You can use any fabric you like or having laying around. There’s no particular amount of fabric you need, just enough to make a usable sized bag. I often hit the remnant section of the fabric stores to find fabric when I make new gift bags.
You can use 2 pieces of fabric and sew them on 3 sides, but I usually fold the fabric so that I only sew the two sides (like above) or one side and the bottom. Before I start sewing I use pinking shears to cut the top of the bag. I have done seams on the top (I’ll show you a picture below), but it’s not really worth the extra time, plus, I prefer the way the bow looks on this style.
Cut a piece of ribbon so that when it’s folded in half it stretches about 2/3 or 3/4 of the way across the top of your bag. You want enough ribbon to tie a bow, but not so much that it’s droopy and trailing everywhere. Leave the folded side of the ribbon sticking out of the side of your bag about 1/4 to 1/2 inch so that it is sewn securely in the seam.
Have any gifts you need to wrap? Before you run out and buy more wrapping paper, grab a coupon from your newspaper and run to the fabric store for some cute fabric. It’s super quick and easy. I promise.
Update:
See a Reader’s twist on gift bags {here}.
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Jillian Nicole says
Hi I am following you on Facebook and love the Thanksgiving kit and this Christmas cloth bag! It is prefect for the little girls and I will definitely make some for them. Thanks for the tip and I would love for you to follow back.
Jillian
http://puzzlemecomplete.blogspot.com/2012/11/family-traditions.html
Julie redheadcandecorate.com says
This is so darn smart. I reuse the gift bags that are store bought, but this takes it to whole new level! Very clever, and a nice tradition too. Thank you Susan…it was so nice of you to link up to our Christmas party 🙂 Merry Christmas and I don’t think I will look at that big bag of wrapping paper the same ever again on Christmas morning! XO ~ Julie
Susan@Organized31 says
Julie, I’m with you about never looking at wrapping paper the same way. When Christmas paper goes on sale at the end of December, the money saving me battles with the tree hugging me. The older I get, the more I hate wasting anything. At least pretty options make it more enjoyable to practice earth-friendly living.
Rose :: Fine Craft Guild says
These Look Great!!! Do come and share ‘m at our linky party, which opens Wednesdays: http://www.FineCraftGuild.com
Debi @ Adorned From Above says
I love this idea. I am going to have to make some also. I have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this with everyone. Here is the link to the party.
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/washi-tape-idea-book-and-wednesdays.html
I’m following you and would love to have you follow me.
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Awesome, I love the drawstrings! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
Ana Sullivan says
I found you from Titus Tuesday/Cornerstone Confessions. I love how simple this is. I can see that you can use your fabric stash to make these. I love the way they can be reused also, instead of wrapping that is torn and thrown away. I pinned this idea to my Pinterest Christmas board.
Susan@Organized31 says
Ana, thanks for the pin! I just got back from visiting your blog and am so encouraged by your mom support and your great sewing ideas. You’ve found yourself a new fan.
Mel@Mellywood's Mansion says
These are lovely. Here in Australia these types of sacks are a tradition. We call them Santa sacks. I’m not sure how it started but everyone uses them. Paper is usually reserved for people outside the home/family.
Susan@Organized31 says
I love that they’re called Santa sacks. It makes me smile.
Accidentally Wonderful says
These are so much more durable than those paper sacks that can get so expensive. I’d love it if you’d share this at my linky party! http://accidentallywonderful.blogspot.com/
OnceUpona Sew says
These are cute and I love how they are so easy to make. Thanks for sharing today.
Donna @onceuponasewingmachine.com
Kathy Shea Mormino says
Thank you for linking up with the Clever Chicks this week; I hope you’ll join us again!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com
4 You With Love says
Awesome! I just posted a picture and link to your tutorial on my facebook page!
4 You With Love says
YEA I’m so glad you linked up! Thanks for sharing on the homemade holiday party.
Marilyn
4you-withlove.blogspot.com
Four Marrs and One Venus says
Perfect- and CLEVER!! Featuring these on my blog tomorrow! Thanks for sharing and linking up at the party! Merry Christmas!
Jen
Fabric Banners says
Well, this is a clever way to use some fabric. It’s nice because it can be reusable which is so great in today’s world because it can save money and especially the environment. Thanks for the ideas!
Pam @Threading My Way says
How wonderful that your sister reuses the bags and sends them back to your family.I must do that with my sister and her family. I’ve made bags like yours for my own family and they went down well.