How to Make an Easy Felt Gift Bag for Christmas

Felt Gift Bags in 4 Easy Steps

Easy Felt Gift Bags for Christmas

This felt bag costs as much or even less than a paper gift bag from the dollar store, and is so simple to make, it takes about 15 minutes once you get the hang of it.  I like this one, too, because the felt sheets I used are made from recycled plastic bottles, so it’s really eco-friendly!

This easy Christmas gift bag is even simpler than the drawstring one I shared while guest posting over on One Creative Mommy.  Although those ones might be slightly more durable and multi-purpose, and can be customized to any size, these are super simple if you want something quick, or you're lacking in sewing skills (or even a sewing machine!).  These bags can be reused for years, re-gifted or used for storing things like toys and other things. 


So in the spirit of the Waste Not Want Not Wednesday link party, here's a little tutorial for some frugal, sustainable gift bags to make Christmas a little more eco-friendly!

What You’ll Need

Felt, 2 matching pieces 9x12” each

Ribbon, approx. 22” long

4 grommets (optional)

Thread and sewing needle

Sewing machine (optional)

Decorations, felt designs (optional)

Directions:

If you want to decorate your bag with bits of felt (i.e. attaching felt snowmen, snowflakes, etc) it’s easier to glue or sew them on now, before sewing your two pieces together.  For this demo, I’ve kept it really simple for those who want a super quick gift bag.

1. Lay the two pieces of felt on top of one another – if there is a right side to your felt lay them right sides together.  Mine looked the same on both sides so I didn’t worry about it.

2. Using a sewing machine or freehand, sew down the long sides and bottom of the fabric with a ½” seam, leaving the top open.

3. Using tailor’s chalk or pins, mark a spot about 1” up from the stitching on both sides of the bottom corner, along the side, and the bottom.  Repeat on the other corner.  This is what is referred to as “boxing” the corners, and will make a flat bottom for your bag so it stands up on its own.  Line up the seams on the side and bottom of the bag, and match up your marked edges.  This will make a little triangle of your corner. Pin, then sew a straight line from one marked edge to the other.  Repeat on the other side. 

4 a. Turn your bag right side out.  Now you can decide if you want your bag to have handles, or little ribbon bow ties.  If you choose handles, cut your ribbon in half, then pin the ends on either side of the open bag on the inside.  Sew in place and that's it! 

4 b. If using the grommets, measure in about 1 ½” from each edge, and follow the directions on the package for putting them in place.  Using a pen or tailors chalk, stick it through the hole in the first two grommets to mark the place on the inside of the opposite side of the bag for the next two grommets.  String your ribbon through a tie a cute little bow and you’re done!  

Are you doing anything to make your Christmas a little more eco-friendly?

This post was shared on the following great sites: Make Your Own Monday, Natural Living Mondays, Sewing Barefoot, Tasteful Tuesday, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Frugal Days Sustainable Ways, Farm Girl Blogfest,