I know I’ve mentioned before that I do not know how to use a sewing machine. Learning to sew is definitely one of my goals for myself for the near future, but in the meantime, I need to find other ways of making things with fabric.
These muslin gift bags are quick and easy to make, although the glue does need time to dry. I’ll share how I made these gift bags without a sewing machine. You can follow exactly with how I made these, or use the general idea to make some in your own size and shape.
What you need:
1. Muslin Fabric
2. Fabric Fusion
3. Twine
would look great)
4. Fray Check
(Optional)
5. Scissors
6. A Ruler
What you do:
1. Gather your supplies. Cut strips of muslin that are 5 inches by 14 inches, or 7 inches when folded over. You can make any size bag you want, but remember that the final bag will be a lot smaller than your original dimensions. (Optional: use fray check along the edges of your fabric.)
2. Lay a long piece of twine across the top of the piece of muslin. Place a thin straight line of fabric glue near the top, leaving a lot of room for the twine, then fold the fabric over the twine and press down. Make sure that the twine doesn’t get stuck in the glue. If you leave more room at the top, the bag will tie more easily.
3. Repeat the same steps to the other side of the fabric, using the same piece of twine. Make sure that you fold both sides over in the same direction.
4. Flip the fabric over so that the folded over edges are face down. Use a straight edge or a ruler to apply a thin straight line of fabric glue near the edge of your fabric.
5. Stop the glue at the middle fold of the fabric. Repeat the same step on the other side. I made sure that there was exactly 4 inches between these two lines of glue.
6. Fold over pieces of wax paper or plastic that are slightly less than 4 inches wide and place them in between the two lines of glue. This will prevent the glue from spreading to the middle part of the bag. Now fold over the other side of the fabric, and press down the edges. As your bags dry, move the pieces of wax paper and twine around about 4 times at 10 minute intervals. This will keep the paper or twine from getting permanently attached to the bag.
7. Once your bags have dried, remove the paper, and flip them inside out. Tighten the twine, and decorate as you want. I added dark wooden beads.
I had fun decorating a few with TULIP Fabric Markers
. They are fun to use and I could play with them all day. I also added some glitter to one of the flowers.
These are super. I can see making these from the flour sack towels from the Dollar Store too!
That's a great idea. I bet that would work well!
What a fun idea! You could use these for alllll sorts of occasions!
These are great, Rachel! Although I have a sewing machine, I could see the no-sew version being just as easy, if not easier. I especially love the wooden beads on the string. I love how the gift bag is a gift in and of itself!
Hi Rachel, what a cute, cute little bag! Your tutorial is awesome, and the pictures are fabulous. Great job. I sew quite a bit, but I know some little people who would appreciate being able to make these on their own. 🙂 So glad I saw your link over at Flamingo Toes.
Debbie
I know I've mentioned before that I do not know how to use a sewing machine. Learning to sew is definitely one of my goals for myself for the near future, but in the meantime, I need to find other ways of making things with fabric. click here