Hello! Frances here!
With Christmas just around the corner I thought today we’d make some reusable bottle gift bags. These are quick to make and will make your gift extra special.
As mine are for gifts of wine I thought it would be fun to use a cork fabric, but you can use whatever you have in your stash. A quilting weight cotton would be fine, but you could also use denim, canvas, a quilted offcut, anything you like. Cork fabric like mine doesn’t fray so there’s no need to finish the edges. If you’re using a fabric that frays then you might like to consider using a zigzag around those handle edges to control the fabric, or even bind them for that perfect finish.
In the photo below you’ll see the pattern piece. Using my measurements, draft your copy of the pattern piece onto some paper.
The pattern includes 1cm seam allowances.
Trace around the pattern onto your fabric and cut out two pieces in your chosen fabric.
Begin by sewing the short ends of the handles together. Place them right sides together and sew with a 1cm seam allowance. Press to one side and top stitch as shown in the photo here.
If you’re using a fabric that frays and you want to finish the hand edges with either a zigzag or binding, now is the time to do that.
Next, keeping the bag pieces right sides together, sew the side seams and bottom seam again with 1cm seam allowance.
Next we’ll box out the bottom of the bag. Open the cut out squares at the base and align the side and bottom seams to sit on top of each other, right sides together. Press the seam allowances in opposite directions with your fingers. This is to distribute the bulk and give a neater finish. It’s also easier for your sewing machine to stitch. Sew both seams.
Turn your bag through to the right side. Poke the corners out gently with your finger.
I’ve added a little wooden tag on a ribbon but you could use cardboard or cut another piece of cork fabric and punch a hole through for some ribbon.
All finished, pop in a bottle and you’ve got a lovely reusable gift bag to make your present extra special!
Merry Christmas!
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