If you get my Freebie Friday newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question about frugal wrapping ideas (if you don’t get my newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner of the blog). Read below to find out my favorite method! Molly

Dear Midge,

I’m so excited to answer this question for you today and share my absolute favorite present wrapping method! To begin, look for any fabric (usually cotton blends work best) that would correspond with major holidays or even birthdays. If you have a July birthday in your family, you might choose a stars and stripes type fabric. There are fall/autumn fabrics, Christmas fabrics, Halloween fabrics, etc. I like the rustic country look so I’ve also chosen fabric that is plaid or checks or even blue pinstripe.

Next, encourage your inner seamstress. Your goal is to make different sized fabric bags. If you have a large enough piece of fabric, you need to only cut, fold and then sew up two sides. This is very easy to do, even if you are a beginner at the sewing machine! Worse case scenario, you need to sew around three edges. Be sure to sew on the “wrong” side of the fabric so when you are done you can flip it right side out and the seams will be on the inside. I’ve left the top a raw edge, in the past, so it could unravel and look “rustic.” I’ve also cut the fabric in the past with a pinking shears so the top edge didn’t need to be sewn.

For larger Christmas gifts, be sure your fabric bags are extra large! Simply place the gift(s) inside the bag, gather the top and tie off with a pretty ribbon, twine or even raffia. You can then either make a homemade gift tag, use a hole punch to make a hole and tie it to the ribbon, twine or raffia. Or you can use a sticky gift tag and place it right on the front of the fabric bag (I’ve even used address labels in a pinch!).

This method is a sure fire way to save you ALL KINDS of wrapping anxiety this holiday season. Start sewing now and stack up those fabric bags, you’ll be the talk of the party when you bring a gift wrapped this way! Be sure to scan the fabrics on sale or the $1/yd. fabric bolts for the bags you intend on giving away, that will help you save some money. The bags you use for your family can be used for years to come!

Happy wrapping (and sewing!).
Love ya, Molly