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Quilted Gift Bags

Designer Tom Russell

Quilt designer Tom Russell shares this idea for quilted gift bags in two sizes!

Large Gift Bag

Materials:
various scraps and random blocks
24'' of 3/8'' ribbon
large 4-hole button

Figure A

Steps:

1. Assemble strips, blocks (figure A) and leftover pieces to create two separate panels that measure 8-1/2'' x 16-1/2''. These panels will be the front and back of your gift bag.

Figure B

2. From a complementary fabric cut two 8-1/2'' x 5-1/2'' rectangles. Attach a rectangle (figure B) to each panel with right sides together. This will be the lining of your gift bag.

3. Lay the completed panels right sides together and sew around three sides of the bag. Leave the top open. Clip the corners on the diagonal so your bag will have sharp corners after it's turned.

4. Turn the bag inside out. Tuck the lining inside the bag and press the bag flat.

Figure C

5. Create a channel for the drawstring (figure C) to travel through. Draw two lines on both sides of the bag. The first line should be 3 1/2-inches down from the top and the second line should be 4-inches down. Using a straight stitch, sew on these two lines. Sew completely around the bag.

Figure D

6. After you have sewn the channel, you will need to cut 4 slits (figure D) though the top layer of the fabric to allow the ribbon to weave though. Make these slits approximately 2 inches apart. Be sure to not cut through the second layer of fabric or your stitching lines.

7. To lace the ribbon through the bag, attach a safety pin to one end of the ribbon. This will give you something of substance to hold on to as you weave the ribbon in and out of the holes. Decide which side of the panel is going to be the front. Start the weaving from the far left hole on the front. Weave the ribbon around the bag. You will end up in the same position as you started, but on the back. Remove the safety pin.

Figure E

8. Lace the ribbon tails through the buttonholes (figure E) in a vertical manner. Cut the end of the ribbon on an angle to help get it through the holes. If the ribbon slides through the hole too easily the button is too big or the ribbon is too small. There needs to be a certain amount to tension in the ribbon or it won't keep the bag closed. Once button has been laced, tie a knot in the end of each ribbon tail.

9. Fill the bag up with a wonderful gift, and give it away knowing you've made something unique, and reduced your scraps at the same time.

Small Gift Bag

Materials
various scraps and random blocks
24'' of 1/4'' ribbon
large 4-hole button

Steps:

1. Assemble strips, blocks and leftover pieces to create one block that measures 14-1/2'' x 14-1/2''. This block will be folded in half to create the front and back of your gift bag.

Figure F

2. For bag lining, cut a 4-1/2'' x 14-1/2'' rectangle. Attach this rectangle to the top (figure F) of your block with right sides facing.

Figure G

3. Fold the block in half vertically (figure G). Run a straight stitch along the open side and the bottom 1/4-inch in from edge. Turn the bag inside out. Tuck the lining inside the bag and press the bag flat.

4. Create a channel for the drawstring to travel through. Draw two lines on both sides of the bag. The first line should be 2-1/2-inches down from the top and the second line should be 3-inches down. Using a straight stitch, sew on these two lines. Sew completely around the bag.

5. Using an awl or a small pair of scissors cut two holes on each side of the bag, close to the outside edge. Be sure to not cut through the second layer of fabric or the stitching lines.

6. To lace the ribbon through the bag attach a safety pin to one end of the ribbon. This will give you something of substance to hold on to as you weave the ribbon in and out of the holes. Decide which side of the panel is going to be the front. Start the weaving from the far left hole on the front. Weave the ribbon around the bag. You will end up in the same position as you started, but on the back. Remove the safety pin.

Figure H

7. Lace the ribbon tails through the buttonholes (figure H) in a vertical manner. Cut the end of the ribbon on an angle to help thread it through the holes. If the ribbon slides through the hole too easily the button is too big or the ribbon is too small. There needs to be a certain amount to tension in the ribbon or it won't keep the bag closed. Once the button has been laced, tie a knot in the end of each ribbon tail. Your one-of-a-kind bag is now complete.

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Other Quick Projects:
Way to Grow Growth Chart
Fun & Funky Wall Hanging
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Like this designer's style? See how Tom Russell tackled a Simply Quilts challenge block project with his Scrap Bag Bouquet design.

Guests
Tom Russell
Quilt Designer
Katy, TX
Phone: 281-392-5287
E-mail: TomQuilts@aol.com

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