Super Simple Gift Bag Tutorial + Pattern

For those of you who have been sewing for awhile, this tutorial might be pretty self explanatory. But for those of you who are wanting to learn how to sew or are just beginning, this is a perfect little project. I wanted to share it because it is a great gift idea and can be completed in a short amount of time.

 So easy and so versatile....can't beat that. You can even handsew the pouch using a blanket stitch and not even use a sewing machine.

 Download PATTERN BAG

 Here’s What you need: 

Felted Wool sweater

Scrap of ribbon 

Button 

Scissors 

Thread 

Sewing Machine

Now that you have gathered all your supplies, let’s get started. 

1. Cut out your pattern pieces. Then use them as a guide to cut your sweater. If you don’t have access to a felted wool sweater, you can use any material that does not fray. Although I have not tried it myself , I am sure fleece or wool felt would work just fine. When cutting the long piece I try to cut it along the ribbing because the top is going to become the flap

I went ahead and cut both pieces along the edge to create a more finished look

2. Once you have both pieces cut out, put the smaller piece on top of the longer piece with wrong sides together. Pin them together . To add a little color fold a piece of ribbon in between the two layers towards to the top. Pin the ribbon in place too.

3. Now you are ready to sew. Because the fabric stretches a little bit, I usually set my stitch length to 3 and my thread tension to 5 or 6.

4. Topstitch all the way around your pouch. I try to get as close as I can to the edge . If you feel more comfortable with a larger seam allowance that is fine too. You can always trim the excess later

5. Now trim up the edges if it looks uneven at all. I always have to trim mine. 

6. Now determine where you want the button. Sew it in place.

7. Fold over the flap and feel where the button hits

8. Now cut a small slit in the flap. This will be your buttonhole. No need to stitch around it since the fabric won’t fray. I usually make the buttonhole a little smaller in case the fabric stretches. 

9. Embellish it as you please and you are done.