Sewing gift bags: A Kinchaku is just the right thing if you are into sustainable packaging. With this tutorial and free pattern, you can sew beautiful fabric bags even as a beginner.
The most important points at a glance
- Kinchaku bags are great as sustainable gift bags, as toiletry bags without a zipper, and for many other occasions
- The small fabric bag is perfect as a first sewing project for beginners because you only need to sew straight seams
- You only need lining fabric, outer fabric, and a fabric remnant for the drawstring casing.
- You can also use the pattern as a template for zippered bags
- Sewing level: beginner
- Sewing time: approx. 20 minutes
Self-sewn gift bags are becoming increasingly popular. Not just because you can use them again and again, in the tradition of self-sewn Furoshiki bags and Japanese rice bags – you can also gift them on to others. And they are not only beautiful but also quick to sew. Perhaps you already know my tutorial on how to sew a Japanese bag?
By the way, I like to use my Kinchaku bags to organize small items, socks, or underwear when I'm traveling. Give it a try, you'll be thrilled!
Here you will find ideas for sewing for Christmas!
Can beginners also sew the Kinchaku gift bag?
Absolutely! Similar to the Bille pouch from the sew a bag in 10 minutes tutorial, the Kinchaku bag is an ideal beginner project. You don't need much fabric, don't have to insert a zipper, and you will have a truly great sewing result in your hands in no time, which you will be really happy with.
By the way, even advanced sewing fans appreciate such quick sewing projects when they just want to sew something quickly.
Where can I order the beautiful decorative fabrics?
You can get the great colorful decorative fabrics, featuring plenty of landscapes, people, and animals, in Simone's Etsy shop*. Maybe you already know the shop: I have been ordering from Simone for a long time and therefore have great confidence that you will also like my recommendation. And the feedback I get confirms this assumption. Simone has beautiful fabrics, fair prices, ships lightning-fast, and packs the ordered fabrics with as much love as I've never experienced anywhere else.
Here you can order the great fabric bundles for the Kinchaku bags.*
Great alternatives to decorative fabrics are also canvas*, linen*, or coated fabrics*.
By the way, Simone's shop is also the ultimate insider tip in my view when it comes to continuous zippers (you can also sew this bag with a zipper and then have a top-notch toiletry bag!). And not only that: the zippers are available in super great metallic colors, countless fabric colors, and: at a really fair price. The manufacturer is Snaply, by the way, so they are genuine brand-name zippers. If you check out Simone's shop, you shouldn't miss these zippers*.
What fabrics can I use to sew the gift bag?
The Kinchaku is sewn from woven cotton, canvas, linen, denim, or corduroy. If your fabric is stable or you would like a more flexible bag, you can skip interfacing the outer fabric pieces. Otherwise, I recommend using something like Vlieseline H250* for reinforcement.
How much fabric do I need for which size?
- Size 1: 20 x 80 cm each of outer and lining fabric, 90 cm cotton cord
- Size 2: 25 x 80 cm each of outer and lining fabric, 110 cm cotton cord
- Size 3: 30 x 100 cm each of outer and lining fabric, 130 cm cotton cord
- Size 4: 45 x 120 cm each of outer and lining fabric, 160 cm cotton cord
How big are the finished bags?
The finished bags have the following dimensions (height/width/depth):
- Size 1: 15 cm high, 22 cm wide, 7 cm deep
- Size 2: 17 cm high, 25 cm wide, 7.5 cm deep
- Size 3: 22 cm high, 30 cm wide, 10 cm deep
- Size 4: 26 cm high, 35 cm wide, 14 cm deep
Sewing gift bags: These materials are required
- 2 x outer fabric
- 2 x lining fabric
- 2 x drawstring
--> All pattern pieces are cut on the fabric fold
--> A seam allowance of 0.7 cm is already included in the pattern
You will also need:
- Cotton cord (I use macramé yarn*, with which I also knot plant hangers)
- Marking pen*
- Sewing thread*
- Measuring tape*
- Rotary cutter & cutting mat* (read my test report on cutting mats!)
- Fabric scissors*
- Iron* and ironing board (feel free to read more about practical ironing aids)
- Fabric clips*
Where can I find the download for the bag pattern?
Here you can download the free pattern for the gift bag in 4 sizes:
A seam allowance of 0.7 cm is included in the pattern.
Important: If you would like to sell bags that you have sewn using this pattern, you need a license. You can easily download it from the SewSimple shop. Just fill it out, send a copy to me, and get started!
YouTube video on sewing gift bags
By the way, I would be very happy if you left a comment. I really want to know how you like the Kinchaku gift bags! :)
Happy simple sewing, your Sabine
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sew a gift bag as a beginner?
You only need some cotton fabric, my free pattern, and you can cut out the bag pieces. Sewing is done with a simple straight stitch on the sewing machine.
Why should I sew my own gift bags?
Because it is not only sustainable but also beautiful. And if you use fabric remnants, your gift bags are even cheaper than store-bought wrapping paper!
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