Use your overlocker to whip up some really easy and super quick gift bags this Christmas for an eco-friendly alternative to wrapping paper.

I'm switching out to fabric gift bags where ever I can these days, so I have come up with the quickest and easiest way to make them.  These bags are completely made on the overlocker. 

The overlocked seams give the bag strength so they can be reused again and again.  I'm going to be collecting them up after we've enjoyed opening our presents and saving them for next year!  

For this tutorial you will need:

• 1/2m of cotton poplin or craft cotton, or two fat quarters sewn together.  (Shop our Christmas fabrics here)

• 1m ribbon
• Scissors and an Overlocker

You could make the bags on a sewing machine with French Seams for strength.

Other uses for these bags

These bags are not just for Christmas, make them in non-themed fabrics and they can be used for all sorts of different things!

1. Birthday presents and other gifts, they can be used at every event!
2. A P.E. bag or kit bag for kids to take to school. Use two longer ties and sew them to the bottom corner to make a shoulder strap.
3. Project Bags to keep your sewing or knitting kits together between working on them.
4. Smaller bags are ideal for fruit and dry grocery shopping at your local market or zero waste store.
5. A small version would also be useful to keep your charger, make up essentials or other loose items in your bag together and easy to find.
6. Wash bags, why not try in a water proof fabric and use as a wash bag (cotton also cleans easily)
7. Toy Storage bags, sew in a themed fabric to match the toys inside for little ones to find their favourites easily! 
8. Laundry Bags for traveling, keep your undies organised and easy to find!

Can you think of any more ideas?

Don't forgot to share your makes with us using #CraftySewAndSo on Instagram or in our Facebook Group, The Crafty Sew & So's.

Happy Sewing!