How to sew a fabric bag from leftover fabric

Looking for a simple sewing project that makes good use of leftover fabric? This fabric bag is a practical and beautiful way to turn small pieces from your stash into something useful. It’s quick to sew, easy to personalize, and can be used again and again.

It also makes gift wrapping feel extra special. Use the finished bag instead of disposable wrapping paper, fill it with a gift, and give the recipient a reusable handmade bag too. Choose a fabric that suits the occasion, and you’ll have a thoughtful gift with a personal touch.

What you need:

• Cut out two squares , two rectangles, and two long rectangles in the measurements you see in the chart. We have cut the bag with the stripes running in different directions. Follow the grainlines as depicted below. 
  
• Mark the notches on the square, 2" / 5 cm below the top edge.

• First, pin & sew, then zig-zag one square and one rectangle together RSF
• Press the seam, and zig-zag the entire piece along the outer edges
• Repeat on the other square and rectangle
  

• Pin the two pieces together RSF. Sew from the notch around the edge to the other notch. Remember to secure the stitch both at the beginning and at the end.
  

• Split and press the seams on both sides of the bag.
• Sew around the slit; continue 3/8" / 1 cm below the notch, pivot the work with the needle down, sew across the seam allowance, pivot, and sew back up to the edge. Repeat on the other side of the bag.

• Fold and press the seam allowance 3/8" / 1 cm, fold the edge again, this time to the notch in the seam, press, and topstitch the casing as close to the folded edge as you can.

• Fold, pin, and sew the ribbon together RSF.
• Use a safety pin or a broadkin and turn it with the right side out.
• Repeat on the other ribbon

• Thread the ribbon through the casing from right to left.