Gift bags to sew

Pretty and practical, these easy-sew gift bags can be used again and again

You need:
Light- to medium-weight fabric (see Step 1, below, to determine required amount)
Matching or contrasting thread
Dressmaker's chalk pencil, ruler and set square
Bodkin or large safety pin

To make:
1. Determine desired width and length of desired bag. Add 2 cm (3/4 in) to width to determine total width; multiply length times 2, then add 17 cm (7 in) for small bag or 24 cm (9-1/2 in) for larger bag to determine total length. With chalk pencil, ruler and set square, measure and mark rectangle having total width x total length on fabric; cut out along lines. Across entire width of 115 cm wide matching or coordinating fabric, cut 2 strips, each 4 cm (1-5/8 in) wide, for drawstrings.

2. Press under 1 cm along each long edge of each strip; fold so wrong sides are together and pressed edges are even and press again. Pin, then edgestitch pressed edges together on each. Set aside.

3. Fold rectangle so wrong sides are together and short (top) edges are even; pin down each side edge. Using 1 cm (3/8-in) seam allowance, stitch each side edge; if desired, machine zig-zag raw edges of seam allowance to bind.

4. Press under 1 cm around top edge, then fold under 9 cm (3-1/2 in) for small bag or 12 cm (4-3/4 in) for larger bag around pressed edge and pin; edgestitch. Topstitch second stitch line 2 cm (3/4 in) above first to form casing for drawstrings.

5. Turn right side out. If desired, reinforce each stitch line at side seam by stitching 2 cm long bar tack (use closely spaced narrow machine zig zag) centred across side seam. With seam ripper or tip of scissors, open side seam of casing, at outside of bag only, to make opening for drawstrings.

6. With bodkin, thread 1 drawstring through opening at 1 side seam, around entire casing and out same opening, then adjust until bag lies flat and ends are even. Beginning at other side seam, repeat with second drawstring. Knot each pair of drawstring ends together, using overhand knot at desired length, then trim ends diagonally.

Designer's tip
To make this even faster you can use coordinating ribbon or cord for the drawstrings.

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