Do it Yourself Bags

Stockpile Materials

• If you get in the habit of keeping a craft box stocked with the right materials, you can whip up a gift bag or presentation bag in a few minutes instead of having to make a run to a store for that teacher gift, birthday gift, or baby shower present. Holiday fabric, pretty velvets, satin ribbons, satin roses, seasonal silk flowers or leaves, jingle bells--the supply list is limited only by your imagination. Stock up on glue sticks or fabric glue, or use your sewing machine for even faster construction.

Bag Ideas

• If you're having a hard time coming up with ideas, browse a store specializing in bath products or stationary. The packaging of these products consists of vast assortments of bags from fabric and papers trimmed with beads and bows. Chiffon tied with satin and a satin rose is always a feminine choice. Paisley fabric closed with a faux leather strap is an attractive male-oriented bag.

Deciding on the Bag to Make

• How much time you have to craft your bag determines the lavishness of the bag. If you have only a few moments for that teacher gift, use a brown paper bag and glue an apple cut from calico trimmed in red rick rack. If you have hours to fashion bags, use plush fabrics to make matching bags that can be tied in bundles or used individually. Sew some bags ahead of time for future use.

Paper Bags

• Determine the size needed. Measure and cut paper an inch wider and taller than needed so you can turn in raw edges and glue with a glue gun. Close the open top with adhesive or turn it under and staple it. You can turn brown paper bags into bags very quickly with stickers or glued-on appliqués.

Fabric Bags

• You can assemble a cute fabric bag in under a half an hour. Measure and cut fabric in a square or rectangle an inch wider and 2 inches taller than the item to be encased. With the rights sides of the fabric together, sew with a ½ inch seam allowance on the three sides. Leave one open end. Turn the bag right side out. Cut the top with pinking shears and tie with ribbon, raffia or other decorative material.

  To create a fabric drawstring bag, cut the fabric 3 inches taller than the item and an inch wider. With the rights sides of the fabric together, sew three sides using a ½ inch seam allowance, and turn the top down 2 inches to sew a casing. Hem the casing, leaving a small opening for the ribbon. Turn right side out. Thread ribbon through the casing, and pull the drawstring to close.