5 Minute DIY: Fabric Handle Gift Bags

Today I'm delighted to have teamed up with Waverly to create a fun and simple DIY that will only take you a few minutes to make: DIY Fabric Handle Gift Bags!

There's certainly nothing wrong with using a plain store-bought gift bag...but with only a few minutes and minimal supplies there is really no reason not to make that basic bag into something worthy of the gift you're giving! Here's how to create your own:

Supplies needed:

• Cotton fabric. I used fabrics from Waverly that I purchased at my local JoAnn's (you can also purchase them at JoAnn's online).
• Gift bags with removable twine/ribbon handles. I found the ones for this project at Target and Hobby Lobby for around $1 or less each.
• Fabric Scissors
• Bamboo skewer (optional)
• Yarn (optional)

Simple Fabric Handle Bag: Version I

Remove the original handles from your gift bags. Cut your fabric into strips that are equal in length, or longer than the handles you removed. Be sure to include a little extra length for tying. I cut my strips freehand for a more organic look, but you can use a ruler and be more precise if you'd like. My strips were around 1.5" wide. The length is determined by the size of your bag and the handle size that you'd like to have.

To thread your new handles on, pinch the end of your fabric in half once and then fold it in half again. Thread the folded end through one of the holes in your bag (threading from the outside of the bag, in). A bamboo skewer may come in handy for pushing thicker fabrics through the opening, especially if the holes are on the smaller side.

Once you have threaded both sides through (like seen in the image) tie a not in each end. Trim off any excess fabric and straighten your handles. Repeat with the other side, making sure that your handles are the same length. Trim off any loose threads...and you're done!

If you'd like to add on a simple pom pom like I did in the example above, you can find my fast and easy 5 Minute DIY: Yarn Pom Pom video here. Just tie the pom pom on your bag's handle using the two loose yarn ends. Snip the excess yarn off to finish.

Simple Fabric Handle Bag: Version II

Cut fabric strips the same way you did in Version I...but this time you will want to make them quite a bit longer so that you can have a nice tail at the end of each handle. The actual size will depend on your bag and your preference. Remove the handles that came on your bag and thread your new fabric handle through (threading from inside, out). pull the handles down until the handle loop is the size you want on top, and you have long enough tails threaded out the front.

Tie a knot in each end of your fabric handle, leaving nice tails at the bottom. Create a decorative end like I did on mine by folding your handle in half (as shown) and cutting at an angle with the scissors pointed down towards the open edges. Repeat handle-making process on the other side, taking care to make sure your handles are the same length (you will do this during the knotting stage). Trim off any loose threads. Fill your bag with a gift and give!

Additional credits: Maileg Deer Softie from My Sweet Muffin (sold out) | Gift Bags from Target and Hobby Lobby | Find my 5 Minute DIY Yarn Pom Pom Video Tutorial here.

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This post was kindly sponsored by Waverly. Follow them on Twitter, Pinterest, and like them on Facebook. The DIY content, images, and opinions shared in this post are my own.

Comments

[Leah // Freutcake]

This is such a simple but lovely idea!

[Emily K]

This is such a great idea for using up scraps of fabric! Love it!
And I love the pom pom you added to the red bag :) simple but it adds so much!

[Renee]

I LOVE this! I'll never look at gift bags the same! And the coffee filters for tissue? Brilliant!

[Emma]

This is a lovely Idea! Thank you for a great DIY!
I've only just strumbled across your blog and I think its wonderful,
I'm off to look for blog buttons if you have one too put on my sidebar!
Best wishes!
xx Emma

Emmaknitted.blogspot.com

[My Love Wedding Ring]

What a cute idea!! And it looks so effective, another one of your fabulous ideas that I will definitely be trying :)

[Kate]

So simple! Totally going to do this!

[claire]

I really adore this project! :)

[Sarah Jane | Clean & Proper]

Such a great idea! So simple and yet such a fabulous upgrade to a standard gift bag.

[Cristiana]

How original!! I had never seen this before and I love it! Great idea, Ez! I will definitely use it on my gifts... :)

[elli by studio34E]

So simple and beautiful idea!

[The Steele Maiden]

Such an easy fix that makes such a big difference! I can't believe I hadn't seen your blog until just yesterday - I was lost for hours! Your work is lovely :)

[yasella]

Love this! Where are the scissors from?

[barefoot duchess]

so cute and looks easy! thanks for sharing!

[Tanya]

This is so adorable and simple!

[Emily]

Love this idea. So simple but effective!