Christmas Gift Bag (for dining table present)

 

These small decorative bags are ideal for small gifts on the table at Christmas Dinner or other celebratory occasions.

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Materials (makes 4 bags):

• 1 Fat Quarter of Kona Solid in Ruby
• 1 Fat Quarter of Kona Solid in Basil
• 44” (112cm) Narrow ribbon per bag
• 1 Small safety pin
• Thread
• Measuring grid or ruler
• Rotary cutter or dressmaking scissors
• Dressmaking pins
• Hand sewing needle
• Sewing machine (optional)
• A small gift

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Instructions:

1.      Press both pieces of fabric to remove all creases

 

 

2.      Measure and cut a square with 8½ inch (21cm) sides from each of the two fabrics

 

3.      Pin the two squares together with right sides facing leaving a gap of 2½ to 3 inches (6 to 7.5 cms) along one side, marked by two pins at each end, for turning fabric inside out after stitching.

 

4.      Using a straight stitch, stitch the two squares together starting and finishing at the pins marking the gap and leaving a ¼ inch (5mm) seam allowance all round.

 

 

5.      Snip off each corner to reduce bulk

 6.      Turn the bag inside out so that the right sides of your fabric are on the outside. Take particular care to ensure the point of each corner is neat.

7.      Neatly secure the gap closed using slip stitch.

 

8.      Press well.

 

9.      Decide which of the fabrics is to be the outer and which the inner of your bag.

 

10. Optional: Sew a decorative stitch all around the square near the edge of the fabric.

 

11. Lay the bag down with the outer side fabric uppermost.

12.  Fold each corner over about 2½ inch (6.5cm) from its point so that the inner fabric is showing.

 

13. Stitch along each folded corner leaving a 3/8” seam allowance to create a channel for the ribbon. Do not stitch along the edges where the outer fabric still shows uppermost.

 

14. Take the 44 inch (112 cm) length of ribbon and cut into two 22 inch (56 cm) lengths.

 

15. Using the safety pin as a guide on the end of the first piece of ribbon, thread the ribbon through the channels. Stitch or tie the ends together to secure.

 

 

 

16. Thread the second ribbon through the channels, starting directly opposite where threading of the first piece was begun. Stitch or tie the ends to secure them together.

17. Place your gift in the bag.

 

18. Holding one ribbon in your left hand and the other in your right, pull the two ribbons apart to tighten the top of the bag.

 

19. Tie the two ribbons into a bow.

 

20. Your gift bag is complete.

 

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