My original idea was to create a bag that could be used for gift giving rather than the paper gift bags and tissue paper that are thrown away after one or two uses. This is a very simple tote. I even imagined adding a ruffle to mimic the tissue paper often used in these bags. I knew this would look very girly. The fabric provided to me for the project wasn't girly at all, and I couldn't see the ruffle idea working. I finished the above bags a couple months ago and shipped them off to FreeSpirit, but the other night I decided to give the ruffle idea a try and pulled out some fabric I had on hand from Kumari Garden Holiday by Dena Designs.
I admit I had a lot of fun putting this together, and Miss A claimed it immediately. This is the medium size bag with a nice puffy ruffle. We're all about Fancy Nancy around here so this bag fits right in.
If you are interested in adding your own ruffle, here are a few extra steps in addition to the tutorial I wrote for FreeSpirit.
Make your ruffle:
Cut 2 strips 5" x WOF. For the smaller bag I'm guessing (2) 5" x 30" strips would be adequate. Trim selvages. Sew short ends together creating one large circle. Press seams open. Fold with wrong sides together, and press in half along the entire length of the circle. Sew a long basting stitch and gather entire circle into a ruffle that fits the top of the bag.
Pin ruffle to the right side of one sewn bag section. I prefer working with Wonder Clips on a project like this. Sew 1/4" seam around the perimeter of bag attaching ruffle.
Attach handles to other bag piece then sew both bag pieces together as described in the tutorial with the exception of using a 3/8" or 1/2" seam to sew the top. It's easier to deal with the ruffles with a larger seam.
This is the tricky part. Once bag pieces are sewn together, turn right sides out, fitting the lining into the outer bag piece. Edge stitch around the top of the bag, sealing the hole used for turning the bag. Hold ruffle and handles out of the way. Go very slowly and pin hole well.
FreeSpirit has provided a little goody to giveaway for this last stop of the Christmas blog hop. Just leave a comment to win a fat quarter bundle of 15 FreeSpirit solids! Giveaway ends Friday. Please make sure I have an email for you to win.
Oh these solids are so dainty and pretty. I love them!!
ReplyDeleteCute bag! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteOh I love free spirit solids!
ReplyDeleteLove the cute bag.
Hi Kati! I love the bags you have made! So wonderful fabrics! I just got a brown/black fabric and thought to make a bag to carry books. Also the ruffle bag is beautiful and sweet! Thank you for a great give away and Merry Christmas to you! x Teje
ReplyDeletenerospost(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway! I love the bags!
ReplyDeletethe ruffle would also be popular at our house!
ReplyDeleteThat ruffle addition is so cute! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery very cute. Love the ruffles. Makes me wish I had more little girls in my life to sew for. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway. Those are some lovely shades.
Your totes have a nice shape to them and that ruffle adds such a sweet touch :)
ReplyDeleteKati I love these bags and the addition of ruffles is perfect! I wish I had more time to make some for my gift giving.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway.
Love the ruffled version! And cute fabric contrast you used!
ReplyDeleteThose bags are a wonderful idea. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love those colors of the freespirit fabrics!
ReplyDeleteLove your bags!
ReplyDeletelove the stiped ruffle on the red bag!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the ruffled version! I cannot wait to get home and try this tutorial out!!! SO excited! :) We flew this year, so we didn't make it through SLC, but we are up at the Cabin. Are you coming at all? Peter flies into Idaho Falls today. It's just lovely up here! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI can always use solids! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe bag with the ruffle just kills me. This would be perfect for a little girl!!!
ReplyDeleteelisabeth [dot] woo @gmail.com
Now that is girly-i-cious!! What a sweet tote, ideal for giving or receiving! Fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance :)
Those solids are so pretty. Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletemmckee@wi.rr.com
Very cute ruffle bag! Thanks for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteCUTE BAG+THANKS FOR SHARING!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS TOO,FOR A NEAT GIVEAWAY
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
msstitcher1948@yahoo.com
I love your ruffled bag. Thanks for hosting this gave away.
ReplyDeleteLove the sassy little ruffle! Thanks for the great tute!
ReplyDeleteKati - your bags are divine! The frill adds a little something special.
ReplyDeleteLove that big bag! How fun it would be to stuff full of presents for someone.
ReplyDeleteYou always have the best ideas. Thanks for being willing to share them :)
ReplyDeleteAdorable bag! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely bag! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteCute bag! Beautiful solids!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would absolutely love your ruffled bag. Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteSwoon. Solids. Most of my solids are bold colors so I would really enjoy adding this ones in.
ReplyDeletejenniffier at gmail
I never think to buy solids so when I want one in a project I can't dig into my stash and find one but if I won this bundle I'd solve that problem instantly.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great, Kati! I love the ruffle you added. Nice idea! I can see why your daughter loves it.
ReplyDeleteThis ruffled bag would be a big hit here at our house! Might be able to squeeze it before the BIG day! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteVery cute bag! Love free spirit solids, so nice.
ReplyDeleteThese bags are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWhat pattern did you use?
Thanks for the chance to win!
The ruffles are a very cute addition to the bag. Pastel fabrics are so soft and lovely - thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThese are great, Kati! I just need a few extra days before Christmas to fit in all of my projects!
ReplyDeletelove the bag! and the solids are awesome! great to use with any project. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou ruffle bag is beautiful. Love the fabric choices.
ReplyDeletethe ruffles are so happy!
ReplyDeleteThat ruffled bag is just adorable! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI have never worked with ruffles before, but will have to give it a go now that I see how easy it should be. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteFree Spirit solids are the best. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI love the ruffle idea. It's a darling bag!!
ReplyDeleteem_komiskey at yahoo
My daughter would love this bag! eatkin85@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteLove the ruffle bag. I used Kumari Garden for my granddaughter's nursery ensemble- this pink fabric was used for the bumper pads. So cute. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea to add the ruffle! i would love a stack of solids...
ReplyDeleteVery cute, I can see why Miss C claimed it, and the fussy cutting of the fabric works brilliantly on it :o)
ReplyDeleteLove the bag!! So cute!
ReplyDeleteI love the ruffles!
ReplyDeletePerfect!
I love the ruffled edge on this. It would be a great wedding party gift bag!
ReplyDeleteThe ruffle turned out really fun! It makes me want to sew some gift bags!
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful fabric, thanks for the chance to win them
ReplyDeleteYour ruffle version is so cute! Great idea!
ReplyDeletelovely bags and lovely solids! Thanks for the give away!
ReplyDeleteThe ruffle is so cute. My two girls would definitely love it. This gives the bag a WOW factor. Thanks for the chance to win those fabulous fabrics.
ReplyDeleteWow those ruffles are awesome - great tip with those clips!
ReplyDeletemary at emmens dot co dot uk
The ruffled bag is really sweet! flaviasa (at) web (dot) de
ReplyDeleteWOW! Your bag with the ruffle is just adorable! I am not usually a 'bag maker' but I am sorely tempted by this design. Thanks so much for referring back to the original tutorial, and for showing us how to include a ruffle! I cannot wait to try it. Happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteWhat pretty solids and what a generous giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteOoooh! SOLIDS- how wonderful! Your bag with its ruffle is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat bags!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great giveaway!
Of all the bags I have to side with miss A and say that I like the ruffle bag best too. Nice job!
ReplyDeletethat bag is really neat!! I love ruffles (says the girl who was the worst tomboy ever and refused to wear pink until late highschool!)
ReplyDeleteHow perfect! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteYour bags are wonderful! Love the ruffle idea too. The solids would be perfect for the next quilt I want to make....
ReplyDeletereal cute bag would love to win thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks for the ruffle tutorial. Visuals are always the best for me.
ReplyDeletebeautiful colours. xx
ReplyDeleteA great-looking bag and a nice easy-to-follow tutorial. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI love this bag! I am a big fan of reducing packaging for wrapping... Btw, I need to point out that we have the same sewing machine (I think!). I love my brother and it is such an inspiration to me that you make such beautiful quilts on your machine!
ReplyDeleteIt says spring to me! Thank you so much for the giveaway, I haven't worked with this brand of solids before.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty....much nicer for gift giving than the simple drawstring bags I made!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous gift bags, and the ruffle is a genius addition. Definitely going to give this a go! Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThe solids are very pretty. Your gift bag idea is great. Love the ruffles.
ReplyDeleteThe bags are awesome....thanks for the giveaway. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May the coming year bless you and your family with everything that your hearts desire.
ReplyDeleteUsha
usharaneem@yahoo.com
Cute girly bag!
ReplyDeleteLove the bags! I have three nieces who would love the bag with the ruffles...maybe if I start now I will finish by next Christmas...
ReplyDeleteCute bag and I like the ruffle. thanks
ReplyDeleteLove the medium sized bag with the ruffle. Absolutely stunning. Great colors & great design.
ReplyDeleteconn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com
They're so pretty!
ReplyDeleteYour totes are sooooo cute! And those fabrics look so yummy -- just like sherbet! soparkaveataoldotcom
ReplyDeleteI love the ruffle - it turns the ho-hum bag into a real beauty!
ReplyDeleteLove the ruffles! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThat Kumari Garden fabric is beautiful. Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity.
ReplyDeleteLove the solid fabric and the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab frill for the tote - jazzes it up so nicely!! And wow what a generous giveaway! I use solids a lot and these are grorgeous colours :) Thanks for the chance!!
ReplyDeleteadorable bags! I can see why your daughter claimed that one, it's pink and has a ruffle! what could be better?
ReplyDeleteGreat totes! And love the fabric!
ReplyDeleteCute bag! I love the ruffles. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletegailxs@hotmail.com
eep! The ruffle bags are darling! Thanks for the chance. :)
ReplyDeleteThe bags are wonderful, great giveaway on these lovely solids!!
ReplyDeleteThe ruffle is adorable. Love it.
ReplyDeleteLove the ruffle to the bag - sooooo sweet! Thanks for sharing in the blog hop... I have really enjoyed it!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the ruffles on the top of the bag!! ) Too cute!! I'd love to win the giveaway!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely idea for wrapping -- a gift in itself! I have made a couple of reusable gift bags which are essentially pillowcases with zippers. They work very well but tend to live in the drawer the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bag. Thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to All!!!
ReplyDeleteI just love this bundle. Thank you!!
Love the bags.
sandyb720 at gmail dot com
I really like the ruffle. It would be great for as a gift and as a gift bag. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI adore these bags with and without the ruffles. How creative and fancy.
ReplyDeleteLove how you added the ruffle. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAhh, one can never have too much fabric, and solids make this giveaway even better. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteLove the addititon of the ruffle! Makes me want to make one immediately.
ReplyDeleteE
Nice bags, the ruffle really adds. I made a bunch of easy bags, no handles, no lining, ribbon to tie them. I like to use them instead of wrapping paper too. Yours are ever so much nicer. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI love the ruffle bag and the fabric it is made it...my kind of bag.
ReplyDeleteWhat a generous giveaway! Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love your ruffled tote! Thanks for sharing with us. I will have to
ReplyDeletemake one of these. What a great
giveaway! At my house, solids are
always needed! Thanks for the chance to win!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
How wonderful! And just in time for Christmas. Thank you!
ReplyDeletewhat fortuitous timing (for me)-- I was thinking about creating some simple gift bags to hold some quilts that I'm (still!!) making for Christmas gifts.
ReplyDeleteYour ruffled bag looks great...thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great bag - thank you for the tutorial! Those solids are lovely. How fun it would be to win, but its fun just to be able to enter. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNice tute! Thanks for the goodies :)
ReplyDeletewhosewbusyatgmaildotcom
Very cute gift bag, good thinking! The fat qtr bundle looks like an awesome Easter quilt wanna be!
ReplyDeleteTerri@mosierindustrial.com
I like the bag, great tutorial. Thanks
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty, girly bag.
ReplyDeleteThe ruffle makes the bag! I'm working on a tote at the moment, well trying anyway. It's turning out to be one of those two steps forwards 3 steps back kind of day. Thanks for a great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteOh, I do love a good tote bag and its such an easy grift to make.
ReplyDeleteCute bag. Love the ruffle.
ReplyDeleteLovely tutorial, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for giving us a chance to win those so so nice solids. They are welcome anytime in my stash!
Amazing how the ruffle changes the look of the bag! Thanks for the tutorial - will try this with my next batch of totes.
ReplyDeleteGreat bags! I'm going to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea with really cute bags.
ReplyDeleteLove the tutorials - both with and without the ruffle! Thanks for the chance to win the solids bundle - it is just what I need!!
ReplyDeletelove the ruffle! thanks for the great pattern and the chance to win
ReplyDeleteThanks for the extra tips on adding a ruffle to the bag! I would love to win your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteBeth in AL
Cute! Dknymargriet@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove that ruffle and bag! (I wouldn't use a ruffle, but I know someone it would fit to a T!) I am almost out of pale solids-- crossing fingers :D
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of making bags instead of wrapping presents up, like two presents in one!!! Lovely soft colors on this bundle....!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I'm all about useful wrapping. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! These solids would be a great addtion to any stash. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty!
ReplyDeleteI love these! The simple versions showcase the fabric brilliantly, and even my smallest nephews would immediately re-purpose the gift bags for car & dinosaur haulers. And the ruffle version is AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteThat ruffle is really cute! The wonder clips you are using instead of pins look really useful too, I can see that I'd lose pins in all the ruffles and end up sewing over them!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun bag! I would love to make bags (next year) to use instead of all the wrapping paper. Thanks for the cute idea and tutorial!
ReplyDeleteAwesome tutorial Kati, I adore the ruffle idea! I'llhave to pin the tutorial with the size chart. Thanks for putting it together! Have a Wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow! How cute this becomes with the ruffle added. The stripes are a wonderful addition.
ReplyDeletealternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com
sweet colors.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the girlie and gorgeous bag you have made. I adore the pastel solids too.
ReplyDeletejchiagan at yahoo dot com
These bags are adorable
ReplyDeleteMy stash could use some solids, and these would make a gorgeous addition. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteI love these bags!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win! - Carla
ReplyDeleteThese ruffles look so cute on the bag :)
ReplyDeleteSusanne