Xmas Post :: Joyfoolery - Re-usable Fabric Christmas bags

Guest Blogger - Joyfoolery
madeit.com.au/Joyfoolery

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This year I decided to finally make my own bags to wrap the Christmas presents in.

I have wanted to do this for many years, but always found myself too busy (or lacking in desire) to get it done. With four children I knew this would be a mammoth task, but also worthwhile. Here is why I love this idea:

1. It's eco friendly, lots of energy saved in not buying wrapping paper (especially when you get the fabric second hand from op shops like I managed to).


2. They look fabulous!


3. They are reusable. This means I have very little work to do next year! (I really, really like that part).


4. No filling up the rubbish bin on Boxing Day. I just need to fold the bags and store them away for next year.


5. Cost. The price of the fabric and my time was the only cost and that was a one off.

Want to make your own? There is still time, these bags are so quick and easy, especially when you make a whole heap at a time like I did. Here's how:

Choose your bag size, you can make your bags any size you want! Start off with your fabric in a square or rectangle shape.

Then fold it in half (right sides of your fabric together).

If you have an overlocker use that to sew together the bottom and one side edges. Or you can use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to keep the edges tidy. Stop around 2 inches from the top.

So it should be looking like this:

Now fold those edges back and zigzag them. I should note here, I used white cotton so you could see my stitches, but it would be much nicer if you matched your cotton to your fabric!

If you don't have an overlocker you can skip this next step. I overlocked the top edge.

Now you just need to fold the top edge down to make a casing for your ribbon. If you don't have an overlocker, you will want to use a zigzag stitch or fold the hem under for a neater edge. Fold down around 1.5cm depending on the width of the ribbon that you want to thread through.

That's it, looking good, only one more step now.

You can turn your bag right side out now. Pop a safety pin onto the end of your ribbon (I used bias tape that I picked up in the op shop) and thread it through.

Tie a knot in the ends of your ribbon, and you are done!

Now go and make a whole heap!

No. More than that.

That's better. Merry Christmas!

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