Once the tubes are turned right side out, press the tubes open. At the same time, press the ends under 1/2″. *Tip: Press the tubes along the seam line first to open the seams. Then press the tubes with the seam lines on the edges. After the handles have been pressed, top stitch along 1/8″ from the edge.

Step Three: Create the handles. There are four pieces of fabric to make the handles. Stitch two together, right sides together with a 1/4″ seam allowance, to create long tubes. Next it’s time to sew the bottom of the bag closed. You are closing up the two “V” shapes. Start with one “V” and stitch both sides of the tote using a 3/8″ seam allowance.Fabric Gift Bag Pattern – Grab the free file by filling out the purple form at the end of this post. Stitch the handles following the 1/8″ stitch lines. I used green thread with a white bobbin so my thread would match the handles on the inside and the tote bag on the outside. Step Four: Attach the handles to the tote bag. Place the handles so they are 2″ from the side edges of the tote. The edges of the handles should line up with the stitched lines from folding over the top of the tote bag. These tote bags are so cute once finished! I think they are perfect for small gifts and especially great for holding gifts for kids. Cheers to a more sustainable holiday season!

You will need two fabrics for each tote bag – fabric for the bag and fabric for the bag handles. I chose to use flannel for each. Flannel at my Joann Fabric’s store is always on sale, comes in huge selection of prints to choose from, and is a great weight for these bags. One yard of fabric will fit three tote bags using my printable pattern. A half-yard of fabric will fit handles for four bags. Step Two: Finish the top edges of the bag pieces. Start by folding the top edges of the tote bag down 1/4″ and press with an iron, then fold 1.75″ under and press again. It’s the first day of my series “12 Days of Holiday Crafts” and I am so excited to get started sharing new holiday crafts for the season! Today I’m sharing these cute DIY fabric gift bags! If you are looking for ways to make your holiday more earth-friendly and sustainable, these reusable gift bags are a great place to start. Turn the tote bag right side out and press the side seams open. Stitch the of the seam allowance down. For the second “V”, stitch again with a 3/8″ seam allowance. You won’t be able to sew all the way across like you did the first “V”. Instead, start at the previous stitch line and sew out to the edge of the fabric.

Required Cookies & Technologies

Step Five: Stitch the bag closed. If you cut two pieces for the tote bag, stitch them together along the bottom using 1/2″ seam allowance. Press the seam open. Step One: Cut the fabric. After printing the pattern, cut out the pieces and tape them together. Use the pattern to cut out the tote bag fabric. For the handles, cut four pieces from your handle fabric that measure 2″ x 20″.