DIY Drawstring Bags for Party Favors or Gift Wrap!
Why buy wrapping paper or party favor bags when you can make your own? A handmade pouch is reusable, unique, and helps the planet because it keeps fabric scraps, ribbon, and even old clothes out of the trash. Every time you reuse a bag instead of tossing paper or plastic, you cut down on waste. Plus, these are fun to make and even more fun to share!
✨ Climate win: Reusing what you already have saves resources and keeps single-use plastics out of landfills.
Materials You’ll Need:
- ✂️ Fabric: Any rectangle shape will work. I usually cut mine about 6 inches x 8 inches. (Tip: if you’re using a sewing machine, keep it at least 6 inches wide so it fits around the arm.) Great sources: old pillowcases, fabric scraps, or clothes that are too worn to donate.
- 🎀 Ribbon: Around 24 inches long. Save ribbon from gifts or ask family and friends for their leftovers.
- đź“Ť Safety pin: To help feed the ribbon through.
- 🧵 Thread: Match your fabric color or get creative with a fun contrast!
- 🪡 Sewing machine or needle for hand-sewing.
- 🔥 Iron and ironing board (adult supervision needed here!).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Stack your fabric: Place two rectangles together with the right sides facing in.
- Mark your ribbon opening: Measure 2 ½ inches down from the top and mark it with a pin or pencil.
- Sew it up: Starting below your 2 ½ inch mark, sew down one side, across the bottom, and up the other side. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to lock it.
- Iron time! (Grab an adult for this part.) Fold in the two corners at the top (the unsewn edge) and press flat with the iron.
- Make the ribbon tunnel: Fold the top edge down to the line you marked and iron again. Then sew along the bottom of this fold to create a tunnel. If you’re using a sewing machine, remove the arm so your pouch can move in a circle.
- Flip it out: Turn your pouch right-side out and use a pencil or chopstick to poke out the corners.
- Add the ribbon: Attach the safety pin to one end of your ribbon and feed it through the tunnel until it comes out the other side. Pull it even, and tie a knot if you’d like.
🎉 Ta-da! You’ve made your very own reusable pouch!
Fun Ways to Use Your Pouch
- As gift wrap (no paper or tape needed!)
- For party favors
- To hold pencils, art supplies, or small treasures
- As a travel bag for snacks or toys
And the best part? 🌱 Every pouch you make is one less piece of single-use waste in the world. That’s climate activism with a needle and thread!
Have a blast and let me know what you did with your pouches!
