Perfect Size Custom Gift Bags Tutorial by May Chappell

Have I mentioned how much I love our guest writer today? Lee Monroe - the creative wonder behind the blog and quilt designs of May Chappell - is sharing a super practical tutorial today for making your own perfect-size reusable, lined fabric, custom gift bags to fit any size gift!

Custom Gift Bags

Hello! It's Lee from May Chappelland thanks to Amy for letting me join in the fun over here. I'm going to share a quick last minute holiday tutorial. This is based on my Charger Bag Tutorial, but with a little bit of Christmas magic (or simple math 🙂 ), you can size it to your special gift! Plus, it's a bonus gift for the recipient.

Measure: Measure your item. You will need the height, width and depth.

Supplies: You need two fabrics, one for the exterior and one for the lining. Cut the exterior piece to be width + height + 2 ½" (call this Measurement A) by height + depth times two, then add 1 ½" (call this Measurement B).

Cut the lining to be Measurement A by height + depth times two, then add 5 ½" (call this Measurement C).

Cut the ribbon to be two times Measurement A + 6". Avoid directional fabrics.

If you want an easy worksheet to print out for your math, head over to my website! 

Forming the Bag: Place the pieces right sides together and stitch ends together using a ¼″ seam along both Measurement A ends. Note: The lining piece will not lay flat as it is 4″ longer.

Lay the piece on your pressing board with the seams lining up as shown. The lining fabric will be right sides together and the exterior fabric will also be right sides together. Pin the seams in place.

Measure 2″ from the seam towards the lining and place a pin on both edges.

Starting at the second pin (not at the seam) sew a ½″ seam down the open side edge of the lining. Backstitch at the beginning. Repeat for the other side edge.

Stitch a ½″ seam along the edge of the exterior fabric starting at the seam. Backstitch at the beginning.

Turn the piece right side out through one of the 2″ openings.

Finishing the Bag: Stuff the lining into the exterior. Pin the sides so that the end of the openings align as shown. The seam allowance should be neatly tucked inside and laying flat.

Take care that the lining is folded straight along the top. Press.

Topstitch along the edge of the exterior all the way around the top of the bag right near the seam. I used my #10 foot and moved my needle three spots to the left. Pull the threads to the lining and knot.

Adding the Ribbon: Attach a safety pin to end of the ribbon and feed it through both channels creating a U so that the ends are back together. Make sure there are no twists in your ribbon. Insert your gift and tie a pretty bow.

Happy Holiday wrapping! Thanks for letting me join in the fun over here! You can find me on Instagram  and Facebook.

xx Lee

Thanks Lee! You can find other great posts from Lee including making a mini patchwork pincushion and tips and trick for sewing with Voile & Lawn.

You can also find my free pattern for Lined Drawstring Bags in 3 different sizes here.