Fabric Gift Bags: 15 Reusable Wraps That Make Any Present Look Boutique Bought

Fabric Gift Bags are the little secret behind those presents that look like they came from a fancy boutique. You know the feeling on Christmas morning: a mountain of torn paper, sticky tape everywhere and a full trash bag by noon. A soft cloth bag changes all of that. It slips over a gift in seconds, it looks rich and cozy under the tree, and it gets used again next year, and the year after that. Many of these ideas need only a straight seam, and a few need no sewing at all. Grab some leftover flannel, an old scarf or a thrifted pillowcase, put on a holiday movie and let these 15 ideas turn your wrapping pile into something your family will want to keep..

Fabric Gift Bags in Plaid, Velvet and Linen

Start with a matching set of fabric gift bags in three textures: cozy plaid flannel, rich green velvet and soft cream linen. Sew a few sizes from one simple pattern and stack them together, and the whole pile looks like a store window. Mixing textures is the trick that makes cheap fabric look expensive. Tie each one with satin ribbon and tuck in a sprig of pine. Which fabric would you pick for the very first bag..

You will need: Half a yard each of flannel, velvet and linen, matching thread, satin ribbon, fabric scissors, pins, an iron, a sewing machine or needle.

How to make it: 1. Cut two equal rectangles for each bag, adding a little extra at the top. 2. Sew the sides and bottom with right sides together. 3. Fold the top edge down twice and stitch a neat hem. 4. Turn right side out, press and tie with ribbon.

Plaid Flannel Drawstring Fabric Gift Bags

A red buffalo plaid drawstring bag is the most classic of all fabric gift bags, and it is the perfect first project for a new sewist. The drawstring channel is just a folded hem with a gap, so you can make one in about twenty minutes. Thrifted flannel shirts work great too, so the cost stays close to nothing. Make a big one for a sweater and a small one for a mug. Would your family guess these were made at your kitchen table?

You will need: Plaid flannel fabric or an old flannel shirt, cotton cord, a safety pin, thread, scissors, sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut two rectangles and sew the sides and bottom, stopping 2 inches from the top on one side. 2. Fold the top down 1 inch and stitch to make a channel. 3. Thread the cord through with a safety pin. 4. Knot the ends and pull to close.

Japanese Knot Bag With a Loop Handle

The Japanese knot bag has two handles, one long and one short, and you close it by pulling the long one through the short one. Sewing videos of these sweet little bags have pulled millions of views this season, and it is easy to see why. They hold a small gift beautifully and become a handy everyday purse afterward, so your present is really two presents. Pick a cotton print in indigo, red or soft green. Who on your list would carry one every day?

You will need: Two fat quarters of cotton (outer and lining), thread, a printed knot bag pattern, pins, scissors, an iron, sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Cut the pattern from outer fabric and lining. 2. Sew the outer and lining together around the handles, leaving the sides open. 3. Turn, press and sew the side seams. 4. Topstitch around the opening and tie the handles to test.

Furoshiki Wrap With an Old Silk Scarf

Furoshiki is the Japanese art of wrapping things in a square of cloth, and it needs no sewing at all. A thrifted silk scarf, a vintage bandana or a square napkin works perfectly. Set the box in the middle, tie opposite corners together twice and tuck the ends in. The knot becomes the bow. It takes about one minute, and the scarf is part of the gift. Have you got a forgotten scarf in a drawer that could finally shine?

You will need: A square scarf or cloth about three times wider than the box, a sprig of greenery or a gift tag.

How to make it: 1. Lay the scarf flat on the diagonal and place the box in the middle. 2. Fold two opposite corners over the box. 3. Tie the other two corners in a double knot on top. 4. Fluff the ends and slide a sprig of greenery under the knot.

Velvet Wine Bottle Fabric Gift Bags

A tall bottle is the hardest gift to wrap with paper, but velvet fabric gift bags make it look elegant in minutes. Cut a long, narrow tube, sew one seam and a round or flat bottom, then tie it shut with a gold ribbon. It works for olive oil, sparkling cider or homemade syrups too. Make a few at once and keep them ready for every hostess gift this season. Which party on your calendar needs one first?

You will need: Stretch velvet, matching thread, gold ribbon, ruler, chalk, scissors, sewing machine with a ballpoint needle.

How to make it: 1. Measure the bottle around and from base to top, adding 4 inches of height. 2. Cut a rectangle, fold in half and sew the long side and bottom. 3. Box the bottom corners so the bag stands up. 4. Hem the top, turn it out and tie with ribbon.

Burlap Bag With a Stenciled Star

Burlap is cheap, sturdy and perfect for a farmhouse Christmas look. A simple white star painted with a stencil turns a plain sack into something you would see in a country gift shop. Burlap frays, so a quick zigzag stitch along the edges keeps it neat. These bags are great for big, bulky gifts like blankets, games or a bundle of firewood for the neighbors. Would you paint a star, a tree or a family initial on yours?

You will need: Burlap, a star stencil, white fabric paint, a sponge dauber, jute twine, thread, sewing machine, cardboard.

How to make it: 1. Cut and sew a simple bag with a zigzag stitch. 2. Slide cardboard inside so the paint will not bleed through. 3. Dab white paint over the stencil and lift it straight up. 4. Let it dry and tie the top with jute twine.

Lined Boxy Zipper Pouch

A lined boxy pouch with a zipper is the gift bag that turns into a gift. It is perfect for stocking stuffers like lip balm, hair ties or chocolates, and afterward it becomes a makeup or craft bag that gets used all year. The boxed corners are just two small seams, and the zipper is easier than it looks once you try it. Sew one in a cheerful holiday print and line it in a solid color. Who would love a little pouch full of treats?

You will need: Two fat quarters (outer and lining), fusible fleece, a 9 inch zipper, zipper foot, thread, scissors, sewing machine.

How to make it: 1. Fuse fleece to the outer pieces. 2. Sew the zipper between outer and lining on each side. 3. Open the zipper halfway and sew around the edges, leaving a gap in the lining. 4. Box the corners, turn it out and close the gap.

No-Sew Pillowcase Fabric Gift Bags

Got a gift too big for any box? Pillowcase fabric gift bags are the fastest fix there is, and they need no sewing at all. A pillowcase already has three closed sides, so just slide the present in, gather the top and tie it with a wide ribbon. Thrift shops sell pretty vintage cases for a dollar or two. It is perfect for toys, blankets and anything with a strange shape. Which awkward gift will you hide in one this year?

You will need: A clean pillowcase in a festive color or pattern, wide wired ribbon, a gift tag, a rubber band.

How to make it: 1. Slide the gift into the pillowcase. 2. Gather the open end and wrap a rubber band around it. 3. Cover the band with a big ribbon bow. 4. Fluff the top like a sack and add a tag.

Tea Towel Wrap With a Sprig of Greenery

A kitchen tea towel makes the perfect wrap for a jar of jam, a loaf of bread or a cookbook, because the wrapping is part of the gift. Choose a linen or cotton towel in a holiday stripe or check, wrap it like paper, and tie it with baker’s twine. A sprig of rosemary, eucalyptus or pine on top adds a fresh smell and that boutique finish. It is ideal for hostess gifts and neighbors. Who on your street would love a homemade treat wrapped this way?

You will need: A cotton or linen tea towel, baker’s twine, a sprig of rosemary or pine, a small kraft tag.

How to make it: 1. Lay the towel flat and set the gift in the middle. 2. Fold the sides over like wrapping paper. 3. Tie it with twine in both directions. 4. Slide the sprig and tag under the knot.

Stocking Shaped Fabric Gift Bags

Small stocking shaped fabric gift bags are so cute that people hang them on the tree after opening. Trace a mini stocking on paper, cut two pieces of felt or flannel, sew around the edge and add a fluffy cuff. They fit gift cards, ornaments, socks or candy, and they make great place settings for Christmas dinner too. Sew one with each person’s name and you have a new family tradition. How many would you need for your whole crew?

You will need: Felt or flannel, a cuff of faux fur or white fleece, thread, a paper stocking pattern, ribbon loop, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Draw a stocking about 8 inches tall and cut two pieces. 2. Sew around the edges, leaving the top open. 3. Sew on the cuff and a ribbon loop. 4. Fill with a small gift and hang it.

Tote Bag Made From an Old Shirt

An old T-shirt can become a sturdy no-sew tote that holds a whole stack of gifts. Cut off the sleeves and widen the neck to make handles, then cut fringe along the bottom and tie the strips in knots to close it. Nobody will guess it was a shirt this morning. Among all the fabric gift bags here, this is the best way to wrap gifts for teens, since they can use it for the gym or the grocery store afterward. Which shirt in your closet is ready for a second life?

You will need: An old T-shirt, sharp fabric scissors, a ruler, chalk.

How to make it: 1. Cut off both sleeves along the seams. 2. Cut a wide scoop around the neckline to form the handles. 3. Cut 3 inch fringe strips along the bottom hem. 4. Tie front and back strips together in double knots.

Linen Bag With Stamped Initials

Fabric gift bags in plain linen stamped with someone’s initials feel personal and pricey, yet the stamp set costs only a few dollars. Fabric ink makes the letters wash safe, so the bag lasts for years. Stamp each family member’s initial on their own bag and those bags come out every Christmas, which saves you wrapping time forever. It is also a sweet way to wrap wedding or new baby gifts. Whose initials would you stamp first?

You will need: Natural linen or cotton bag, alphabet rubber stamps, red fabric ink pad, a ruler, an iron, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Sew or buy a plain linen bag and iron it flat. 2. Mark a light line with a ruler to keep the letters straight. 3. Press the stamps firmly and lift straight up. 4. Iron the back to set the ink, then add ribbon.

Patchwork Scrap Fabric Gift Bags

If you have a basket of leftover fabric, patchwork fabric gift bags will use up every last piece. Sew small squares into rows, join the rows into a panel and make a simple bag from it. No two bags ever look the same, which makes each gift feel one of a kind. It is a relaxing project for a cozy evening, and it is a great way to try new colors together. For more ways to use your stash, see these easy Christmas sewing projects. Which scraps would you mix?

You will need: Cotton fabric scraps, a rotary cutter and mat, ruler, thread, an iron, sewing machine, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Cut scraps into 4 inch squares. 2. Sew squares into rows, then join the rows into a panel. 3. Press the seams flat and fold the panel in half. 4. Sew the sides, hem the top and tie with ribbon.

Fleece Gift Sack With Pom Pom Ties

Fleece does not fray, so you can make a gift sack without any hems at all. Cut two pieces, sew around three sides, and close the top with a cord that ends in fluffy yarn pom poms. It feels as soft as a blanket and kids love opening it. Use it for pajamas, plush toys or a cozy movie night kit. The pom poms are fun to make with little helpers at the table. What color pom poms would match your tree?

You will need: Soft fleece, thread, thick yarn, a pom pom maker or a fork, cord, a large needle, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut two fleece rectangles and sew around three sides. 2. Make two yarn pom poms. 3. Thread a cord through small slits near the top. 4. Tie a pom pom to each end of the cord.

Kraft and Fabric Combo Bag With a Tag

Short on time? Dress up a plain kraft paper bag with a strip of fabric glued around the middle and a matching fabric tag. The mix of brown paper and cozy plaid looks like a high end shop bag, and it uses the smallest scraps. Cover a cardboard tag with fabric, punch a hole and tie it on with twine. It is a simple last minute finish that still feels handmade. Would you match every bag or mix the patterns?

You will need: Kraft paper gift bags, fabric scraps, fabric glue or double sided tape, cardboard tags, hole punch, twine, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut a fabric strip 2 inches wide and long enough to wrap the bag. 2. Glue it around the middle of the bag. 3. Glue fabric to a cardboard tag and trim the edges. 4. Punch a hole and tie the tag on with twine.