Sewn Drawstring Gift Bags from Scrap Fabric

5 min read

Sewn drawstring gift bags turn wrapping into part of the gift. A small fabric bag hides a present, needs no tape or paper, and can be reused for years. Scrap fabric works perfectly, because a gift bag needs only two small rectangles. A set of bags in different sizes handles everything from jewelry to books.

Choose a cotton fabric that is easy to sew: quilting cotton, linen, or a light canvas. Avoid slippery satin for a first bag, because it shifts under the needle. A festive print suits holiday gifts, while a plain linen bag fits any occasion. The drawstring can be ribbon, cord, or a strip of the same fabric.

Cutting and Marking the Fabric

Cut two rectangles 20 cm wide and 28 cm tall for a medium bag that holds a small book or a jar. For a tiny jewelry bag, cut two rectangles 10 cm by 14 cm. Mark the drawstring casing line 4 cm below the top edge on each piece with a fabric marker. Mark the side seam lines 1 cm from each side edge.

Press the top edge of each rectangle down by 1 cm, then fold it down again by 3 cm to form the casing. Pin the fold in place. The casing holds the drawstring, so it must be wide enough for the cord or ribbon to slide freely. Test the fit by threading a scrap of ribbon through the folded casing before you sew.

Sewing the Casing and Sides

Sew along the lower edge of the casing fold on each rectangle, leaving the side edges open for now. Use a straight stitch and backstitch at both ends. Then place the two rectangles right sides together, lining up the casing lines. Pin the sides and bottom, and sew with a 1 cm seam allowance, stopping at the casing line on each side.

Press the side seams open. Turn the top of the bag right side out and check that the casing openings line up on both sides. If a casing opening is sewn shut, pick out those few stitches with a seam ripper. The drawstring must pass through the casing on both sides without catching.

Threading the Drawstring

Cut two lengths of ribbon or cord, each twice the bag width plus 20 cm. Thread one length through the casing on the front side, around the back, and out the same side it entered. Thread the second length through in the opposite direction. Knot the two ends of each cord together on each side to form two loops.

Pull both loops at once to close the bag. The fabric gathers neatly at the top. If the drawstring sticks, widen the casing by pressing it flatter or switch to a thinner cord. A bag that closes smoothly feels polished and gets reused instead of tossed.

Finishing Touches

Trim the seam allowances inside the bag and finish the raw edges with pinking shears or a zigzag stitch to stop fraying. Turn the bag right side out and press it. Tie a small tag to one drawstring loop with the recipient name, or stamp a simple motif on the front with fabric paint.

Store finished bags flat in a drawer so they stay crisp. A stack of sewn gift bags in several sizes means you always have wrapping ready. With scrap fabric and a few minutes at the machine, gift wrapping becomes part of the gift itself.

Gift Bag Sizes and Fabric Ideas

A gift bag for jewelry needs only a small rectangle, about 10 cm by 14 cm, and a narrow ribbon drawstring. A bag for a book or a candle needs a medium size, about 20 cm by 28 cm. A bottle bag needs a tall narrow shape, about 18 cm wide and 38 cm tall, with a sturdy cord. Measure the gift first, then add 4 cm to each side for ease and seams.

Fabric choice changes the feel of the bag completely. Velvet makes a luxurious bag for jewelry, linen makes a relaxed bag for food gifts, and a bright cotton print makes a cheerful bag for a child birthday. For a wedding or holiday gift, use a metallic or brocade fabric and a satin ribbon. The bag becomes part of the present.

For a reusable wrapping station, sew bags in three sizes from one fabric collection so they coordinate. Store the bags nested inside each other in a drawer. When a gift occasion arrives, pick the right size, drop the gift in, and pull the drawstring. Wrapping takes a minute and looks better than paper every time.

For a lined gift bag

For a lined gift bag, cut a second set of rectangles from a light cotton and sew them into a lining. A lining hides the seams and makes the bag feel luxurious. Lined bags suit jewelry and other small valuable gifts.

A gift bag sewn from holiday fabric becomes part of the present. Store the bags flat in a drawer so they stay crisp. A stack of ready bags means wrapping takes a minute.

A bag with a flat bottom stands up on a table. Sew a small gusset into the bottom seam. A flat bottom makes the bag easier to fill.

A drawstring bag also stores small toys and game pieces.

That is the short version. For the longer one, work through the Sewing crafts guides below.

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