The Sewist’s Guide to Wrapping Gifts

If you love sewing, chances are you also have a growing collection of fabric scraps and special pieces too pretty to toss. Good news: they make excellent gift wrap! Whether you’re aiming for waste-free wrapping or want your presents to look extra charming, fabric gift wrap is both beautiful and reusable - meaning your handiwork can be enjoyed again and again.

Here are four of our favourite sewist-approved ways to wrap gifts sustainably.

1. Furoshiki (Fabric Square Wrapping)

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping style that uses a square piece of cloth to elegantly bundle gifts of all shapes.

How to make one:

• Cut a square (or slightly rectangular) piece of fabric
  

• Finish the raw edges using your preferred method: a double-turned hem, serged edges, or a neat mitred corner
  

• Place your gift in the middle, wrap, and tie—simple!
  

Try this easy mitred-corner technique for a professional finish:
👉 https://youtu.be/NliYjpyhUzw

2. A Drawstring Gift Bag

Drawstring bags are endlessly useful—and just as fun to sew. They’re lovely for awkwardly shaped items and make the unwrapping experience feel extra special.

Follow our step-by-step tutorial to make your own:
👉 https://oursocialfabric.ca/blogs/news/sew-a-gift-bag

3. Azuma Bag (Fabric Origami Bag)

Sometimes called a bento bag, the Azuma bag is a clever, origami-inspired wrap made from one rectangular piece of fabric. It works beautifully for bottles, books, and other medium-sized gifts.

We found this tutorial especially simple and beginner-friendly:
👉 https://youtu.be/y1_1b8gKr0A

4. Fabric Gift Envelopes

For tiny treasures—like jewellery, stickers, or gift cards—fabric envelopes are adorable, scrap-busting, and reusable. These small makes are perfect for showcasing those little leftover pieces you can’t bear to throw away.

Get a free pattern and tutorial here:
👉 https://youtu.be/YPxLvyJyi_0?si=fQJaaISwfhPOFJAt

Wrapping gifts in fabric is a beautiful way to share what you love while keeping waste out of the landfill. Whether you’re using treasured fat quarters, offcuts from a favourite project, or the tiniest scraps, these handmade wraps make every gift feel thoughtful and personal.

Happy sewing - and happy gifting! 🎁✂️