Posted in Crafts, Sewing, Cooking, Etc...

My daughter and I spent this morning sewing gift bags.  I stopped buying gift wrap about 10 years ago when I realized I could buy fabric cheaper and make really nice gift bags. I have noticed quite a few blogs with people talking about good sewing projects for kids, so I thought I would throw these out there.  All of the bags we made today (8 in all) were made from either leftovers from other projects or fabric people had given me.  If I buy fabric to make bags I limit myself to the $1.00 table at JoAnn's or Wal-Mart.  I can get 2 to 4 bags from a yard, so that makes these bags cheaper than even the cheapest purchased gift bags!  Plus these are reusable and kids can find a zillion uses for them.  To close them I buy the inexpensive spools of ribbon at Micheals.  I usually get them on sale for 3 for $1.00.  The spools last a long time.  I have about 30 of these bags in Christmas Fabric that we use year after year with our kids.  (I have 10 per kid.  Our kids don't get 10 gift per year, but this allows plenty of different sizes I may need.)  Another bonus of using fabric gift bags for Christmas is I can wrap all our gifts in about 30 minutes! 



To sew the bags cut 2 peices of fabric and place right side togther.  Cut a peice of ribbon long enough close the bag.  (Approximatley 24 inches.)  Fold the piece of ribbon in half and pin in about 3 inches from the top in one of the side seams.  (The ribbon will be on the inside of the bag at this point.) Sew 3 sides.  Turn right side out.  I use pinking shears to cut the top so I don't have to hem them.  Easy, easy, easy.... So put those kids to work making bags!