Stitch the seams, hem the top, attach ribbon in the back. Then just tie
the ribbon and you have your beautiful gift bag! Sizes small, medium and large.
Unlike our gift and wine bag pattern, these bags do NOT require a casing for the ribbon.
The bag is stitched together and hemmed. Then you simply attach the ribbon to the outside of the bag (sewn onto the back of the bag). Tie the ribbon around the bag. That's it!
You can add your own trimmings and create your own look. These make wonderful gifts themselves, or use them
to present your gifts in. I have made several of both types of bag, and they have been passed through the family numerous times as they are used to "wrap" gifts.
Supplies Required:
Small Bag: 1 yard of 45" fabric will make 3 small bags.
Medium Bag: 1.25 yards of 45" fabric will make 3 medium bags.
Large Bag: 1.5 yards of 45" fabric will make 3 large bags.
Bag Sizes (not including the hemmed area above the ribbon)
Small: 9" x 9"
Medium: 9" wide x 12" tall
Large: 9" wide x 15" tall
Thread (to match background or ribbon - it really won't show under the ribbon so thread color is not too important)
1.5 yards of Ribbon per bag (for ties)
Optional: Ribbon, lace, etc. for trim
hint: quilting pins are easier to use than regular pins; a tupperware box works well as a supply box.
Note: all seams are 1/4 inch. Always iron between steps.
Safety Reminders For Little Helpers
A. Always have an adult do all the ironing!
B. Never run with scissors. Carry them pointed end down.
C. Never use a sewing machine without adult supervision.
D. Always let an adult use the seam ripper for you.
Now you are ready to start!
Please Note: These diagrams are not exactly to scale, but pattern pieces do fit as shown.
Pattern Pieces
First, cut out your pattern pieces. I use butcher paper, bought on a roll at Costco.
For multi-directional fabric:
Small Bag: Cut 1 piece 13.5" x 34.5"
Medium Bag: Cut 1 piece 13.5" x 40.5" (or cut it 13.5" x w.o.f. for a slightly larger bag - w.o.f means width of fabric)
Large Bag: Cut 1 piece 13.5" x 46.5 OR 2 pieces, each 13.5" x 23.5"
For unidirectional fabric (pattern lies in one direction with the grain)
Small Bag: cut 2 pieces, each 13.5" x 17.5"; label one FRONT and one BACK
Medium Bag: Cut 2 pieces, each 13.5" x 20.5"; label one FRONT and one BACK
Large Bag: Cut 2 pieces, each 13.5" x 23.5"; label one FRONT and one BACK
Now, lay-out pattern pieces as shown below. Use "multidirectional" for fabric that has a pattern that runs all directions. Use "unidirectional" for fabric that has a pattern that runs with the grain. Otherwise, the pattern will be right side up on one side of the bag and upside down on the other side.
1. Optional: Finish Fabric Edges: Optional
Zig-zag long sides of all pieces (if serging, omit this step).
2. Stitch Side Seams
For the unidirectional bags: Fold each bag right sides together, across the fold line. Stitch 1/4" sideseams.
For multidirectional bags, stitch the front to the back, right sides together, along each side and
across the bottom.
3. Create Mitered Corners
For directions on making mitered corners on the bottom of the bag, go to: One Yard Gift Bag Set. Refer to steps 5 through 7. Draw a 1.5" sqaure for this bag.
4. Stitch Top Hem
Fold under the top edge of the bag 1/4", all the way around; press. Fold under another 3"; (4" on large bag). Press. Stitch hem.
5. Turn bag right side out.
6. Attach Ribbon
Lay bag so that the back is face up. Mark the bag in the center, on the hem stitch line.
Mark center of ribbon length. Pin the ribbon to the bag, matching centers. Pin the ribbon so that its upper edge
covers the stitch line on the bag. Stitch a vertical line across the ribbon, to hold it to the bag. Stitch again, to be
sure you have a strong line of stitching.
Note: As an alternate to machine stitching, you can hand stitch the ribbon to the bag, or use fabric glue to attach the ribbon.
7. Tie Ribbon
Tie the ribbon around the bag. You can easily re-use this bag many times. Simply tie and untie.
The ribbon is securely sewn, so it won't get lost from the bag.
Tie knots in the ends of the ribbon to keep it from ravelling.
