Gift giving is a great way to let someone know how much you love and appreciate them. The packaging of the gift is equally as important, don’t you think? This special handmade treat bag will make any small gift extra sweet!
To get started, cut a piece of fabric 7.75″ h x 10.5″ w. If using a light colored fabric for the outside, you may want to line it with a piece of white that is 7.50″ x 10.5″. A dark outside fabric does not need a lining.
With the outside fabric face down (and optional liner on top with bottoms lined up), fold and iron the top down 1/4″ then 1/4″ again. By not making the liner the exact same size, we eliminate some of the bulk when cinching the bag shut.
Straight stitch the flap down with a 1/8″ seam allowance.
Iron a 2″ piece of Heat and Bond to a 2″ piece of fabric for the heart. Peel off the paper backing. Trace the heart template onto the heat and bond, then cut it out. Position the heart .75″ from the right and .75″ from the bottom (or where ever your little heart desires <grin>) and iron in place.
Straight stitch the heart down. Tie the strings into a knot where you start and stop sewing then clip the excess thread.
Now fold the fabric in half with right sides together. Sew along the side and bottom with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Trim the corners and flip right side out.
Next you will add the strings for pulling it shut. Cut two 12″ pieces of baker’s twine, yarn, or pearl cotton. Thread one piece of string on a large needle. Poke the needle in the top near the seam. Push the needle into the casing and across to the other side.
Leave about 1/4″ of it out then poke back in to go the other direction.
Tie the ends in a knot.
Repeat with the other string by starting from the other side. Use the same holes.
Now the fun part: fill with some sweet treats, a little card, and a special gift! I was able to fit in a key fob wristlet, coffee cozy, card, and chocolates with room to spare.
Get a head start on gift-able holidays by making a half dozen darling little bags in suitable fabrics for St Patrick’s Day with a shamrock, Easter with an egg or a bunny, Back to School Teacher gift with an apple, Halloween with a fat little pumpkin and Christmas with a snowflake. I especially love the idea of a sewing swap gift bag with buttons. I made an entire years worth because I just couldn’t help myself!
These treat bags come together quickly… about 5 minutes without an applique or 15 minutes with one. You will love being able to put some scrap fabrics to good use and I promise that your recipient will be thrilled to take them off your hands.
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