Custom-made Gift Bag

By Mary Catherine McCoyHere’s a quick and easy project for any holiday in 10 easy steps!  It’s ideal for embroidery, and you can stitch up several at one time.  As a craft project, it does not require precise measuring.
The photos illustrate serger construction with 5/8” seam allowance, but you can make it on a sewing machine with French seams for a clean finish.

Supplies

• ½ yard of sheer fabric*
• 1 yard of ribbon (about ½” wide)
• Embroidery thread
• Sewing thread
• Scissors
• Sewing/embroidery machine
• Optional:  serger

* will make 3 gift bags (don’t forget to buy extra ribbon)

Cutting directions
Step 1
A – Cut an 18” x 14” piece from the main fabric.
B – Trim ribbon ends diagonally (to minimize fraying).

Sewing directions
Step 2
If desired, embroider a favorite design on the fabric before construction.  In this example, we embroidered the wreath design from A Bonnie Christmas.  You can see the entire collection at
http://www.designsbysick.com/details/abonniechristmas

Step 3
After embroidering, fold ribbon in half, lengthwise (so you have an 18” ribbon doubled-over).  Pin ribbon’s folded edge to the raw edge of sheer fabric, approximately 6” down from top.  Then, pin the rest of the ribbon out of the way.  And finally, fold the fabric in half and pin along the entire 18” length, as illustrated.

Step 4
Serge with a 3- or 4-thread overlock stitch (or use French seam construction with a conventional sewing machine).  Remove pins along seam line just prior to stitching to avoid breaking a needle.

Step 5
After stitching, carefully, reach inside project and remove the other pins holding the ribbon.  Pull the loose ends of the ribbon out the opening opposite the embroidery  – that’s the top of the project.

Step 6
Press seam flat, and then fold the entire project so the seam is at the center, as shown.  Pin bottom of project, then stitch or serge.  Do not sew over pins.

Step 7
Create a square-edge or box-bottom on project by flattening bottom seam.  Then, pin both ends to create small triangles, as shown, approximately 1” from point.

Step 8
Stitch or serge straight across each triangle or point.  Trim, as shown.

Step 9
Turn entire project right side out, finish the raw edge at the top with a rolled hem on your serger or use your sewing machine’s rolled hem foot (see sample of rolled hem foot)

Step 10
Insert a bottle of wine, spirits, or other favorite bottled item.  And you’re ready for the holidays.

Tip:
This is an ideal project for multi-tasking.
Embroider one bag while you’re finishing construction on another with your serger or sewing machine.