Monday, November 17, 2014

Tutorial - Kitchen Gift Bags


The finished bags measure 7 1/2 by 14 inches, and the ribbon is 9" from the bottom seam. You can certainly make them any size you need. They go together so quickly, you can make up a bunch and even use them in place of wrapping paper.

Supplies to make 1 bag:
1 box of mix, muffin, cookies, brownie, quick bread, etc.
1/2 yard of fabric (will make 2) or a fat quarter
(2) 16" pieces of 7/8" wide ribbon
Sewing thread
String or thin ribbon for hanging tag
Tag (save image(s) included with this tutorial)
Scissors and/or rotary cutter
Flexible tape measure
Cardstock (for card)
Paper if printing out pattern
Hole punch, optional

Note: I purchased 19 to 21 ounce mixes. The box measured 5 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches. If your box(es) is bigger or smaller, just add or deduct the difference.

Instructions:
1.  Cut your (ironed) fabric into a piece that measures 14 1/2 x 16 inches. Please note that the 14 1/2 inches will be the height or length of your bag. If you are using directional fabric, keep this in mind so your design will not be sideways.

2.  Fold your fabric in half with right sides together, keeping in mind that the fold will be along the shorter edge (14 1/2 inch) edge of the fabric. Measure 10 inches from what will be the bottom of the fabric and make a mark at the edge, where you'll be stitching your seam.

3.  Take your two 7/8 inch wide ribbon pieces and place the two pieces right sides together (if there is a right and wrong side to your ribbon). I rolled and clipped it together so it wouldn't get caught in the stitching where you don't want it to. Place this inside the folded fabric so that the ends of the ribbon are on the mark you just made where the two edges meet. Pin to secure in place.



4.  Take this to your machine and stitch along that edge using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. You will be catching the ribbon in your seam where you pinned it in place. Press seam open, but be careful not to squinch or wrinkle your ribbon when ironing.

5.  Now arrange your "tube" with the ribbon still on the inside so that your seam is centered. This will be the back side of your bag. Stitch across the bottom using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Turn right side out, pushing corners out. If you used a clip to secure your ribbon during stitching, you can remove that now.


6.  Create a hem at the top by turning that edge under 1/2 inch to the inside, then another 1/2 inch. Press, and stitch close to the fold.

  
Note: For an even quicker assembly, you can disregard the hem at the upper edge and cut about an inch away using pinking shears.

7.  Open the box of mix, remove the inner bag(s) and place them inside the bag you just made. Set aside for the moment.


8.  Choose one of the tags that I designed for you, or you can make your own. If you are using mine, click on the image (below) to open, then save to your computer. Once you saved it, you can import the image(s) into your word program, or photo program, and print out. You can either type the name of the mix on the card before printing, or you can hand write after you print. What ever is easiest for you. 





You are also going to want to type, or hand write the instructions that are on the box. Double check to make sure you don't leave anything out. Slip this paper inside the bag along with your mix(es). If you are using this as a hostess gift, or a teacher gift, you might want to neatly cut out the list of ingredients and/or the nutrition information from the box and slip it inside the bag as well. This way they will know what they are getting in case they have a food sensitivity or allergy.

9.  Once everything is inside the bag, you can bring the ribbon around the bag, and to the front. Tie ribbon into a bow while attaching the tag to the bow. Snip the tails of the bow at an angle. 


I like to make mine up no more than a month before giving. I also store them in one large plastic container with a secure lid to keep them safe from critters (like my Yorkie and cat).

Do you like free embroidery designs and tutorials?

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6 comments:

  1. Those gifts (almost) look to good to unwrap!

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all, I use Jiffy every time I make cornbread and I've NEVER seen the chocolate version! I'll have to track that down.

    These are so cute! Great for a neighbor or teacher gift.

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are awesome. What a great gift idea. Thanks for the tutorial. If I can find some time I'll be making some of these

    ReplyDelete

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