How to Make a Gift Bag

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Gift bags are very handy and come in many sizes. They are also expensive, especially if you buy the heavier and larger bags, and not always exactly what you want. Make your own and set them aside for the next time you have a present to give to someone.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Simple Gift Bag

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    You can make paper bags out of just about any type of paper you want, including: brown kraft paper, patterned scrapbooking paper, and wrapping paper. Cardstock is not recommended, however, because it is too stiff.
    • If the paper is not the right size, cut it down. Make sure that it's a rectangle.
    • For an extra-fancy gift bag, consider using fancy wrapping paper with either glittered or flocked designs.
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    If you are working with plain, solid-colored paper, such as brown kraft paper, it would be a good idea to decorate it. This will make it look more like a gift bag and less like a paper sack. Get out some paint and stencils, and add some pretty designs onto it. Alternatively, you can add a simple pattern using rubber stamps and an ink pad or acrylic paint.
    • For a fancier touch, draw your designs with glue, then sprinkle extra-fine glitter onto them before the glue dries.
    • Be sure to let the paper dry before moving on.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Orient the paper landscape style, with the designed or decorated part facing up. Fold the top, long edge down by 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters). Run your fingernail along the crease to sharpen it.
    • For a fancier touch, trim the edge with a pair of pinking shears first, before folding it. [1]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    The folded part should now be flat against your work surface. Make sure that it is still along the top edge of the paper.
    • If you are using plain paper, with neither a front or back, skip this step. The folded edge will be on the inside.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Overlap them by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). If you'd like, you can run your fingernail along the side edges to make creases. If you'd like a more "oval" shaped bag, however, don't crease the sides.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Unfold the top flap. Run a glue stick or lay down a strip of double-sided tape along the side edge of the bottom flap. Press the top flap back down. Run your finger along the seam to seal it.
    • If you used a glue stick, make sure that you don't get any glue on the inside of the bag.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    The more you fold it up by, the wider the base of your bag will be. [2] Aim for about 3 to 5 inches (7.62 to 12.7 centimeters).
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    When you folded the bottom part of the bag up, you will have created a pocket. Fold the top part of the pocket down and flatten it. Run your fingernail along the angled sides to create creases. You should have something that looks like a diamond, with the inside of the bag showing as a rectangle at the center. [3]
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    The "diamond" on the bottom of your bag has two tabs or flaps at the top and bottom. Fold them towards the center of the diamond; they will overlap slightly. [4]
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Unfold the top flap. Run a glue stick along the bottom one or lay down a few strips of double-sided tape. Press the top flap back down and run your finger across the seams to seal them.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    The holes should be about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) from the top edge. They should be closer to each other than the sides of the bag.
    • If your paper is thin enough, you can punch the holes through both layers of paper at the same time.
    • Consider inserting eyelets into the holes. [5] This makes them sturdier as well as adds an element of design.
  12. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Measure and cut two equal lengths of ribbon. For a more rustic touch, you can use strong, cording, yarn, or twine instead.
    • Choose colors that go well with your bag.
    • Avoid skinny ribbons. The knots won't be big enough to hold it inside the bag.
  13. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Thread each end of your first ribbon through each hole on the front of your bag. Tie the ends of the ribbon into knots on the inside of your bag. Flip your bag over, and do the same for the back.
  14. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    If you were to open your bag now, it will be shaped more like an oval sack. If you want to make it a rectangle, like a traditional bag, do the following: [6]
    • Fold left and right side edges down until the base of the bag is the same width as the top.
    • Run your fingernail along the edges to make creases.
    • Unfold the edges and flip the bag over.
    • Fold the sides again, and run your fingernail along the edges to make creases.
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    Your bag is now ready to use! Insert some coordinating tissue paper and tuck your gift inside. Add more tissue paper, if needed, and fluff it out.
    • If you folded the bag to make it a rectangle, like a traditional bag, you may have to adjust the folds you made.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making a Traditional Gift Bag

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    You can make gift bags out of just about any type of paper you want, such as: brown kraft paper, patterned scrapbooking paper, and wrapping paper. Pick one that works best with the occasion. Cardstock is not recommended, however, because it is too stiff.
    • For an extra-fancy gift bag, use fancy wrapping paper with either glittered or flocked designs.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    If you are use with plain, solid-colored paper, such as brown kraft paper, you might want to decorate it. This will make it look more like a gift bag and less like a paper sack. Use paint and stencils to add some pretty designs onto it. You can also use rubber stamps to create a simple pattern instead.
    • Be sure to let the paper dry before moving on.
    • For a fancier bag, draw your designs with glue first, then sprinkle them with extra fine glitter.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    You will be folding your paper around this box, so make sure that it is bigger than your desired gift. You can use any type of box you want, including: breakfast bar boxes, cereal boxes, instant oatmeal boxes, shoe boxes, gift boxes, etc.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Trace the skinny end of your box onto a sheet of thin cardboard using a pen or pencil. Cut the resulting rectangle out with a craft blade, and set it aside. You will be putting this into the bottom of your bag. [7]
    • Use white cardboard or another color that matches your paper.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    These will make supports for the handles. They need to be a little narrower than your bag and about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) wide. Set these aside as well after you cut them. [8]
    • These will be inside the top hem of your bag. The color for these does not matter.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    It needs to be a rectangle and large enough to wrap around your box, like a present. This includes wrapping around the side of the box as well.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Fold the top, long edge by 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters). Run your fingernail along the folded edge to make a crease. This will add a nice finish to the top of your bag. [9]
    • The hem needs to be the same width as your cardboard strips.
    • If your paper has a pattern on it, make sure that the pattern is facing down and the blank side is facing you.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Trim off any excess paper and overlap the two narrow ends by ½ inch (1.27 centimeters). Try to place the seam at one of the box's edges inside of the front, back, or side face. [10] Secure the edges with double-sided tape or a glue stick.
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Fold the side edges of the paper down first, right against the box. Run your fingernail along the angles on the top and bottom flaps to make creases. Fold the top and bottom flaps against the bottom of the box, and secure them with a glue stick or double-sided tape.
  10. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    If you'd like, you can pinch the corners of the bag first before you remove the box. At this point, you can put the box away. You won't be using it again for the remainder of this tutorial.
  11. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Flatten the bag and tuck the sides inside, just like a real paper gift bag. Run your fingernail along the edges to make crisp seams. You only have to make the seams about half-way down. [11]
    • This is not completely necessary, but it will add a professional touch to your bag.
  12. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Run a glue stick or lay down a strip of double-sided tape along one of your thin cardboard strips. Open up the hem on the front of your bag. Slide the strip inside, and press the hem flat. Repeat for the back of the bag with the other strip. [12]
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    Draw a cross on the cardboard rectangle with a glue stick or double-sided tape. Place the cardboard glue-side or tape-side down into the bag, and press it against the bottom. [13]
  14. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    The holes should be about ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) from the top edge of the bag. They should be closer to each other than to the sides of the bag.
    • For a fancier touch, add eyelets into the holes.
  15. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Measure and cut two equal lengths of ribbon. Choose a color that goes well with your bag. For a rustic touch, you can use cording, string, twine, or even yarn. Avoid anything that is too skinny, however; the knots won't be big enough to hold.
  16. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Gift Bag
    Thread the ends of your first ribbon through both holes on the front of your bag. Tie the ends into knots on the inside of your bag. Repeat with the other ribbon for the back.
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    Open the bag up and tuck in some tissue paper. Insert your gift and add more tissue paper, if needed. Fluff the tissue paper out.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What size ribbon do you use for the handles?
    Community Answer
    You can use any size that fits in the punched holes. Larger non-wired ribbon can be bunched up or folded to fit through the the punched holes, so you are free to experiment.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9
  • Question
    Could I use a stapler?
    HumanBeing
    Top Answerer
    You can use a stapler in place or glue or tape, but your bag may have gaps at the seams, and the staples might look a bit unsightly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
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      Tips

      • Use colors that go well with the occasion. Snowflakes and blue will be great for Christmas, while tulips and buttercups would be better for Easter.
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      • Make little tassels for the gift bag so it looks more stylish.
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        Helpful 47 Not Helpful 18
      • Make the bags ahead of time, so that you can be prepared for any holiday when it comes.
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        Helpful 46 Not Helpful 19
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      Things You'll Need

      Making a Simple Gift Bag

      • Paper
      • Scissors
      • Ruler
      • Glue stick or double-sided tape
      • Hole puncher
      • Ribbon, string, or cord
      • Glitter, paint, stamps, stickers, etc. (optional)

      Making a Traditional Gift Bag

      • Box (to use as a template)
      • Paper
      • Thin cardboard
      • Scissors
      • Craft blade
      • Ruler
      • Glue stick or double-sided tape
      • Hole puncher
      • Ribbon, string, or cord
      • Glitter, paint, stamps, etc. (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://liagriffith.com/scandinavian-gift-wrap/
      2. ↑ http://liagriffith.com/make-a-custom-gift-bag-out-of-scrapbook-paper/
      3. ↑ https://liagriffith.com/scandinavian-gift-wrap/
      4. ↑ https://liagriffith.com/scandinavian-gift-wrap/
      5. ↑ http://liagriffith.com/make-a-custom-gift-bag-out-of-scrapbook-paper/
      6. ↑ https://liagriffith.com/scandinavian-gift-wrap/
      7. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/how-to-make-professional-looking-gift-bags.html
      8. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/how-to-make-professional-looking-gift-bags.html
      9. ↑ http://www.apieceofrainbow.com/fastest-way-make-gift-bags
      1. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/how-to-make-professional-looking-gift-bags.html
      2. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/how-to-make-professional-looking-gift-bags.html
      3. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/how-to-make-professional-looking-gift-bags.html
      4. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/02/how-to-make-professional-looking-gift-bags.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a gift bag, place a piece of sturdy paper on a solid surface, landscape style, and fold the top edge down. Next, fold the paper towards the center to make a tube, and secure it with glue or tape. Then, unfold the top flap, glue the bottom flap, and press the top flap back down. Fold up the bottom edge to make the base of your bag, open the pocket you created, and flatten it. Finally, fold the two tabs on the bottom of the bag towards the center and finish by securing the bottom with tape or glue. For tips on using cardboard to make a gift bag, read on!

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        Dec 17, 2017

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