Make your own gift wrapping bags
They’re gifts themselves with many “after” uses
Have you ever gone through wrapping gymnastics trying to make a pretty package of an odd-shaped gift? The easiest way is to slip it in a bag. Ours are made like a brown paper bag, but with colorful fabrics, printed papers, even leather. In addition to gift wrapping, bags will be handy later in suitcases or as storage aids.
- Gift money in bill-size leather bag. (Side seam glued halfway only.) After — makes a convenient billfold.
- Share your harvest of prized seeds in little gift bags. After — perfect jewelry pouches.
- Compact, glamour-wrapped in taffeta with a contrasting lining. After — pretty purse for parties.
- Preserves packaged in chintz, then tied with a pert bow. After — the schoolgirl’s favorite lunch carrier.
- Fancy cookies are a treat in bright paper bag lined in waxed paper. After — a bag for more cookie giving.
The bag pattern
To make a bag, decide on the size you’ll need, select and cut material, then follow steps for folding. If using paper or leather, seal side seam and attach point A to B, Step 3, with Elmer’s glue. For fabric bags, stitch side seam, fold through Step 2, and make seam from A to B. Then turn, so seams are inside, and fold bottom again as in Steps 2, 3. Tack point A to B; hem or pink opening.
