
Want a gift wrap that’s reusable, gorgeous, and doubles as part of the present? Say hello to DIY reusable fabric gift bags—the zero-waste wrapping you’ll want to use again and again.
No sewing expertise? No problem. This beginner-friendly tutorial shows you how to whip up a fabric gift bag in under 30 minutes!
Why Switch to Fabric Gift Bags?
✔️ Zero waste—no paper, tape, or trash involved
✔️ Reusable for years—great for birthdays, holidays, any occasion
✔️ Part of the gift—a useful extra for your recipient
✔️ Customizable—make it as simple or fancy as you like
What You’ll Need
✅ Fabric (cotton, linen, or even upcycled pillowcases)
✅ Ribbon or drawstring cord
✅ Sewing machine or needle & thread
✅ Scissors
✅ Safety pin (for threading drawstring)
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Fabric Gift Bag
1️⃣ Cut your fabric
- Rectangle shape: width = gift width + 1”, height = 2x gift height + 3”
2️⃣ Fold and sew the sides
- Fold fabric in half, right sides together
- Sew along both side edges, leaving top open
3️⃣ Hem the top
- Fold top edge down ½ inch twice
- Sew around the fold to create a drawstring casing
4️⃣ Insert drawstring
- Attach safety pin to ribbon end
- Feed it through casing
- Tie ends in a knot
Done!
Ways to Customize Your Bag
✨ Add iron-on patches or embroidery
✨ Use patterned fabric for a unique vibe
✨ Stamp or paint the fabric for a DIY print
🎁 Pro tip: Pair your fabric gift bag with a DIY soy candle or beeswax wrap for a zero-waste gift set!