The Gunny Sack

{Tutorial Tuesday} Magazine & Paper Gift Bags

 I’ve heard of people making their own gift bags using magazines or calendar pages.  Then, last weekend at the craft sale, someone at another booth was using handmade bags for their merchandise!  I just had to try it out myself.  I think these will be perfect for wrapping Christmas gifts!
Supplies needed:
(2) 12×12 sheets of scrapbook paper
4 magazine pages
Tape runner or glue
Paper Trimmer
Sewing Machine
Cut the 2 pieces of 12×12 scrapbook paper as shown in this picture by using the magazine page as a pattern for the largest piece.  The largest pieces of scrapbook paper will be the main pieces of the bag, the next size down will be the sides of the bag and the narrowest pieces will be the handles.
Then, cut 2 of the magazine pages to fit the 2 side pieces of scrapbook paper.  Here are all of the pieces need for the bag:
Bag Sides:
2 full size magazine pages & 2 pcs scrapbook paper of the same size
Side Panels:
2 trimmed magazine pages & 2 pcs scrapbook paper of the same size
Bag Handles:
2 pieces of scrapbook paper

Stack 1 magazine page and 1 piece of scrapbook paper, wrong sides together and hold together loosely with a small line from the tape runner.  Fold the piece of paper for the handle in half lengthwise and sew shut with a zig-zag stitch.  Insert the handle ends between the 2 pieces of paper and sew shut.
Stack the side panel pieces wrong sides together and hold together loosely with a small piece from the tape runner.  Sew the top and then sew the side panel to the bag.  I tried to mix up the magazine pages and the scrapbook pages so that some were on the inside and some on the outside.
Fold the side panels and then sew the 2nd bag side onto the side panel.  Then, fold bag together and sew the far right side to the far left panel.
Now, the bottom of the bag looks like this…but not so blurry…close it up and sew straight across the bottom, sewing the side panels to the bag sides.
And the bag is fully sewn!
 If you want a flat bottom on the bag, gently open and crease the sides so the bottoms looks like this.
 Here is the interior of the bags…adorable!
A great way to customize these would be to use magazine pages that coordinate with the gift you are giving.  If you are giving goodies, use magazine pages that show food.  If you are giving a baby gift, use magazine pages that show babies or baby gear and so on!
Linking to some of these sites & these require a link in the post:
Under The Table & Dreaming
Today’s Creative Blog 
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Comments

  1. Floyd Gary Clyne says

    I wonder if it is possible to use lamination in the process to make these bags more permanent. Great idea.

    Reply

  4. Tina says

    Wow, what a neat idea! I’m not good at crafts, AT ALL, but this looks like a really fun and easy project. When I give a gift, I like to make the wrapping of it also part of the gift, and these bags are a perfect example of that.
    Tina @ Life is Good

    Reply

  11. Megan says

    i knew there was a good use for all those magazines I don’t need anymore! Thanks for the great tutorial! They are beautiful.
    Megan @ The Crafty Conunrum

    Reply

  13. Andrea says

    Now that is COOL! I have seen a lot of crafts on blogs and this maybe my favorite! The bags are so eye catching. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! I am newer to blogging and trying to use giveaways to get some attention lol. Come see what I mean.

    Reply

  19. CAS says

    Wow, this is one of the cutest craft projects I’ve seen in a long time! I’m new to your blog but already following, & I can’t wait to “snoop” around your blog for more fun & inspiration!
    🙂 CAS

    Reply

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