DIY Network

Fabric Giftwrap Bags From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-132

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Figure A Figure B Figure C Figure D Figure E

Wondering what to do with those leftover fabric scraps? Sandra Betzina, host of HGTV's Sew Perfect, stitches a gift bag perfect for glass containers such as wine bottles, flavored vinegar, and body oils and wraps a delicate teapot in a fleece bag.

Materials:

Fleece fabric
Pinking shears
Ribbon
Sewing machine or serger
Thread
Rubber band

1. Place the teapot in the center of the fabric to measure for the size of the bag. Sandra tied a ribbon around the bag above the top of the teapot and had a little extra fabric extending above the ribbon (figure A).

2. Trim the edges of the fabric with pinking shears to be sure the sides are straight and to leave a decorative edge. Trim the top edges with pinking shears (figure B).

3. Fold the fabric, wrong sides together, matching the side and top edges. The fold will be on the bottom of the bag. Sandra stitched the side seams on the right side of the fabric, leaving the seams and seam allowances exposed once the bag was completed. If you prefer, stitch the bag with right sides together and turn it right side out so the seam allowances are hidden (figure C).

4. Stitch the side seams from the fold to the top edges of the bag. Sandra used a wide 1" allowance on each side seam. Use a longer stitch and a ballpoint or regular needle. You may also serge the edges. Turn the bag if you wish to hide the seams.

5. Place the teapot in the bag. Gather the fabric above the teapot lid, and wrap a rubber band around the fabric. Tie a ribbon into a bow around the rubber band. Trim the ends of the ribbon at an angle. You may want to wrap the lid of the teapot separately in tissue so it doesn't fall off the teapot in the bag (figure D).

6. Cut the fabric in strips from the top edge of the bag toward the ribbon gathering, using pinking shears (figure E).

Tip:

• Make gift bags out of burlap, canvas, fake fur, flannel, felt or velvet. Stitch a few bags from fabric remnants to have on hand when you need to wrap a gift.