FABRIC GIFT WRAP
Holiday season is among us! Although our celebrations may look a little different this year that certainly will not stop our gift-giving spirit. I really love coming up with creative and thoughtful gift ideas for my family and friends, but I would argue that I enjoy wrapping said presents even more. In previous years, I would spend hours hand-picking wrapping paper, choosing matching holiday cards, and selecting bows and ribbons that complemented my holiday aesthetic. About 5 years ago I realized nearly everything I purchased for wrapping gifts went straight into the garbage receptacle only hours after the recipient opened their gift and was bound for the landfill. While some wrapping paper can be recycled, there is a significant amount that gets tossed into the trash because of its foil or plastic content.
Not only is store-bought gift wrap harmful to the environment, it is also destructive to our wallets; wrapping paper is expensive! If you are looking for an eco-friendly way to give presents this year, this DIY fabric gift wrap is a lovely option. You can also use a natural organic muslin bag or a reusable box constructed of post-consumer recycled paper.
To wrap a gift with fabric, you only need one material - fabric and then you can replace decorative bows with dried fruits, like apples and oranges, or dried flowers and herbs, like lavender and rosemary. And then substitute ribbons with burlap or hemp twine. Put it all together and you will have a beautiful package that you can proudly give to your family and friends. I personally love to wrap my gifts in a natural cloth napkin made with organic muslin fabric because it can double as a reusable towel for the home.
MAKING A FABRIC GIFT WRAP
Cut one square of fabric measuring 3 times the size of the present you are wrapping. Measure out the fabric using a quilting ruler. To cut, use sewing shears or a rotary cutter specifically for fabric. Always exercise caution with sharp objects.
If you want to sew your fabric square, fold the fabric 1/4” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. Move in a clockwise direction and repeat this step on each side. After all four sides have been folded over 1/4”, fold each side again, 1/4” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. Move in a clockwise direction and repeat this step on each side.
Using a sewing machine and straight stitch foot, sew all four sides of the fabric square.
To wrap your gift, place the object you are wrapping diagonally in the center of your fabric square. Grab one corner of the fabric and pull it to the opposing side. On that same opposing side, grab that corner of the fabric and pull it to the original side. Wrap twine around the object to hold the fabric in place and tie a knot in the twine to secure it. Now, grab the two remaining fabric corners and tie them together in a bow.
Here is a video demonstrating a way to use your eco-friendly fabric to wrap your loving gift.
If you want to jazz up your fabric gift wrap presentation, feel free to add dried flowers, foliage, fruits, or something festive like a cinnamon stick.
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS
NATURAL FABRIC
Feel free to use fabric left-overs from previous sewing projects or old t-shirts when crafting your fabric gift wrap. If you are searching for a natural fabric, there are several options to choose from.
Linen is a stunning woven textile originating from the flax crop. This fabric is biodegradable and processed without chemicals. It is about 30% stronger than cotton, making it a considerable selection to wrap a heavier gift. Linen can be expensive however, so for those seeking a more cost-effective option, muslin fabric is a great choice.
Muslin is a woven cotton fabric with a crisscross pattern, referred to as a plain weave. The natural color of muslin can be described as light tan in hue with tiny specks of brown and black that create a bit of dimension. It is one of the more popular fabrics due to its affordable price tag, as well as versatility.
If you prefer to use pinking shears and omit the sewing machine altogether, ignore the natural thread section below.
NATURAL THREAD
Similar to fabric, there are also different thread options to pick from when sewing your napkins. With an assortment of color options, you can really have fun designing your cloth napkins. I typically use a natural organic cotton thread for my fabric gift wrap, but I encourage you to be creative with your selection.
DIY FABRIC GIFT WRAP
Materials
fabric
ruler
sewing shears or rotary cutter
iron (optional)
thread (optional)
sewing machine (optional)
twine
dried flowers and herbs (optional)
Instructions
Cut one square of fabric measuring 3 times the size of the present you are wrapping.
If you wish to sew your fabric square to prevent the fabric from fraying, fold the fabric 1/4” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron.
Move in a clockwise direction and repeat this step on each side.
After all four sides have been folded over 1/4”, fold each side again, 1/4” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. Move in a clockwise direction and repeat this step on each side.
Using a sewing machine and straight stitch foot, sew all four sides of the fabric square.
Place the item you are wrapping diagonally in the center of your fabric square.
Grab one corner of the fabric and pull it to the opposing side. On that same opposing side, grab that corner of the fabric and pull it to the original side.
Wrap twine around the object to hold the fabric in place and tie a knot in the twine to secure it.
Grab the two remaining fabric corners and tie them together in a bow.
How to Use
Replace traditionally wrapping paper with this reusable fabric gift wrap!
