Muslin gift bag tutorial

I was putting together some gift bags today & thought I'd try to make a tutorial for you. I warn you, I am NO Amy Butler & this is a marathon post.  You might need a snack!

This is certainly not a revolutionary idea, it is just my take on it. Hope you enjoy! 

Step 1 - Prepping muslin

Coffee stain or tea stain your muslin  however you like.  I use instant coffee crystals, whatever kind is on sale.  I like my muslin to look super old & stained. My trick is to sprinkle some crystals on top of the fabric while it's in the pot & let it just soak in.

Step 2 - Sewing the bag

Instead of cutting 2 pieces of muslin I like to fold mine from top to bottom, then fold the top edges over to make a drawstring pocket.  So figure out the size you want, double the height & add 2 1/2 inches, to the width add 1 inch for seam allowance.

Fold the piece in half top to bottom & iron. Fold top edge over 1/4 inch & iron. Stitch seam & repeat on the remaining edge. Fold each edge over 1 inch, iron & stitch seam.  These are the pockets for your drawstring.  Before sewing up the side seams you will add your image.

Step 3 - Image transfer

This is were your imagination can go wild. I like to use old pictures, especially those of women & children. Illustrations from books are great.  I love to borrow pics from The Graphics Fairy & GreenPaper.  Pick out a few images and lay them out on your printer. 

I have an ink jet printer so I use fabric sheets by June Taylor in cream.  I buy them at Micheal's or Jo-Ann Fabrics, where ever I have a 50% off coupon.  They are a little pricey, that's why I make sure I cover my whole printer with images to use for other projects.

After printing out your fabric sheet, snip and tear around each image. I think the torn edges look better than cut (your preference). Then pin onto the middle of the front side of the muslin piece. 

Stitch around all sides to secure, then continue stitching around the image 4 or 5 times. Get sloppy with it!

Step 4 - Keep on sewing!

Fold muslin right sides together and pin up to the drawstring pocket.

Stitch up sides but do not stitch over the pockets.

To make a gussett find one of the corners of the bottom of the bag and fold a triangle.  Match up the bottom seam to the side seam to form a triangle then pin and stitch straight across.  The gussett allows the bag to sit up nice. 

Turn inside out or is it right side out?? Anyway, your almost done. Just thread a piece of ribbon or seam binding through the pocket openings and Wa-La!

I love making these little bags because there is no limit to what you can do with them. I like to add stamping like I did here.

And here.

 I didn't do a drawstring on this bag, got lazy & just tied it up.

Wouldn't these be great shoe bags?  Just find some clip art of a cool shoe.  Like I said endless possibilities. 

I hope you liked it, I'd love to get your feedback.