🧵 Sew Reusable Fabric Gift Bags – Quick & Easy DIY Tutorial (Beginner Friendly) – Khayrhumayrcreations

Reusable fabric gift bags are a sustainable, beautiful way to wrap presents — and they’re incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking for a fast project, this tutorial will guide you through every single step!

✂️ Supplies You’ll Need (Per Bag)

ItemDetailsCotton Fabric1 Fat Quarter (approx. 18” x 22”) or similar scrapRibbon or Cord18–24 inches (½” wide works well)Matching ThreadCotton or polyester, whatever matches your fabricSewing MachineStraight stitch is all you needFabric Scissors or Rotary CutterFor clean, straight edgesPins or Sewing ClipsTo hold things in placeIron + Ironing BoardFor neat folds and hemsMeasuring Tape or RulerTo measure fabric preciselySafety PinFor threading the ribbon through the casing

🧵 Step-by-Step Instructions

✅ Step 1: Cut the Fabric

Start by cutting your fabric to 10 inches wide by 16 inches tall. This will create a finished bag about 7.5 inches tall x 5 inches wide (after folding and sewing).

TIP: If you’re making multiple bags, cut all your fabric pieces first and group them by size.

✅ Step 2: Fold the Fabric in Half

With the right sides (patterned sides) of the fabric touching, fold the fabric in half so that it becomes 10 inches wide x 8 inches tall. The fold will be at the bottom of your bag.

• Press the folded edge flat with your iron to create a crisp bottom crease.

✅ Step 3: Sew the Side Seams

Now, sew up the left and right sides of the folded fabric using a ¼” seam allowance.

• Use a straight stitch.
• Start from the folded edge and sew up toward the open top.
• Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the seams.

Your fabric is now like a little pouch open at the top.

✅ Step 4: Finish the Top Raw Edge

• Open the top of the bag and fold the raw edge inward by ¼ inch all the way around.
• Press it flat with your iron.
• Then, fold it down again by 1 inch to form a clean casing for your ribbon.
• Press again and pin in place.

The double fold will hide the raw edges and give a clean look.

✅ Step 5: Sew the Ribbon Casing

• Sew a straight line around the edge of the fold, about ⅛” from the bottom of the folded casing.
• IMPORTANT: Leave a 1-inch gap on one side (just above a side seam) to thread your ribbon through later.

✅ Step 6 (Optional): Box the Corners

This will give your bag a flat bottom so it can stand up nicely.

1. Turn the bag inside out again (if you flipped it).
2. On one bottom corner, pinch the fabric so the side seam aligns with the bottom fold, creating a triangle.
3. Measure 1.5 inches from the point of the triangle and mark a line straight across.
4. Sew across the line, then trim off the triangle.
5. Repeat for the other corner.

This step adds extra shape and room to your gift bag — great for bulkier gifts.

✅ Step 7: Insert the Ribbon

• Attach a safety pin to one end of your ribbon.
• Insert it into the casing through the 1-inch opening.
• Use your fingers to scrunch and guide the ribbon all the way around the top of the bag.
• Pull it out the other end and remove the safety pin.
• Adjust the ribbon so the ends are even, then tie them into a bow.

You can also use two ribbons if you want a double-drawstring style — just thread the second ribbon through the opposite side going the other direction.

✅ Step 8: Turn Right Side Out & Finish

• Flip the bag right side out.
• Push out the corners gently with a pencil or chopstick to sharpen the shape.
• Give the whole bag one final press with your iron.

And just like that, your beautiful reusable gift bag is done!