I was looking for an inexpensive way to package some of my hand made soaps. I knew I couldn't use occlusive plastic, so I enlarged a paper candy pouch I had made years ago, and it worked GREAT!

I made mine out of brown craft paper, but you could also use any paper that has a little "body" to it. You could use scrap booking paper, heavy wrapping paper, or even a paper bag.

I sewed the tag directly to the pouch, but you could use stickers, stamps or markers

To open the recipient simply tears the paper

Step 1: Step 1 Supplies

Brown Craft Paper (brown paper bag or decorative scrapbook paper)
Straight Edge Ruler
Scissors or Rotary Cutter (reserved for paper)
Sewing Machine
Thread
Old Sewing Machine Needle (reserved for paper)

Cutting Mat (optional)
Weights (optional)

Step 2: Step 2 Cut

You will start with cutting your paper into a rectangle. For this project I cut my paper 8 inches by 6 inches. Play around with the size of yours.

I was able to get 3 "pouches" from a 24 inch width of paper.

Using my long straight edge ruler, and holding the paper down flat with weights, I cut a strip of paper 6 inches wide, then I cut that strip into thirds (each piece was 8 inches long)

Step 3: Step 3 SEW First Edge

** When I have an old sewing machine needle that is no longer suitable for fabric, I save it in an envelope to use for paper.

#1 Bring the two shorter end together (in this case they measure 6 inches) but DO NOT crease the paper.

#2 Sew a seam (through the two edges you just brought together) about 1/4 from the edge of the paper using a longer stitch.

NOTE: You may wish to either do a locking stitch (if your machine has that feature) or lock the stitches in place by going in reverse for a couple stitches

Step 4: Step 4: SEW Second Edge and FILL

#3. Starting at the seam you just sewed, sew across one of the open ends of the pouch.

#4 Fill with your gift......making sure NOT to overfill

Step 5: Step 5 Sew Third Seam

#5 TURN the pouch so that the FIRST seam you sewed is on TOP, and in the middle.

#6 Line up the edges of the pouch, and sew with the same 1/4 inch seam. NOTE: This would be the time to attach your gift tag IF you are sewing it on.