Introduction: Reusable Wrapping Out of Found Fabric
I love giving presents almost as much as I love wrapping them, but it's such a huge waste of paper. I found this fabric at the local dump and rescued these red ribbons from a party where they were decorations that were going to be thrown away and made this reusable pouch for wrapping gifts. I realized that these would be great for things that come in standard sizes like CDs and books, but also make it much easier to wrap unusually shaped things like the circular embroidery project I wrapped in this guide.
You can also make these in any color for any occasion and the recipient can then wrap something in it and pass it on!
You can also make these in any color for any occasion and the recipient can then wrap something in it and pass it on!
Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Fabric
To make sure your pouch will be big enough, make sure that the fabric will wrap around the gift one and a half times. You want it to overlap as if you were using wrapping paper. Also, make sure you leave enough fabric on the top and bottom of the gift so that it will close around it. This is easy when you are wrapping relatively flat things like this embroidery, but if you are wrapping a thick book, you will need to leave more.
Step 2: Pin and Sew
I used my overlock machine for this project since I had it set up, but you can, and probably should do it with a regular sewing machine, or even by hand. I also used two layers of this fabric since it was slightly see through with only one layer and if you can see the present through the wrapping then it ruins the surprise!
With rides sides of the fabric together, fold the fabric over so they overlap in the middle, as if you were wrapping with regular paper. Make sure you can slip your gift in between the opening where the two sides of the fabric overlap. Pin the fabric together on the sides and sew them together. Then, turn the fabric right side out through the hole that is formed where the fabric overlaps so the seams are inside.
With rides sides of the fabric together, fold the fabric over so they overlap in the middle, as if you were wrapping with regular paper. Make sure you can slip your gift in between the opening where the two sides of the fabric overlap. Pin the fabric together on the sides and sew them together. Then, turn the fabric right side out through the hole that is formed where the fabric overlaps so the seams are inside.
Step 3: Add Ribbons
I hand stitched four red ribbons, two on each side of the hole where the fabric overlaps. You can tie them together to hold the wrapper securely closed and it looks very festive
Step 4: Wrap Your Present!
Slip your present inside the pouch and tie the ribbons into bows and your present is ready to give!