Disclaimer: Some of the links this post may be affiliate and Amazon Associate links where I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
If you are looking for DIY Easter Decorations - how about a small fabric bag that looks like an Easter Basket?
A small fabric bag is perfect to use as small gift bag, to use on an Easter table or at an Easter event as reusable goodie bags.
Each fabric bag requires (5) 5” x 5” fabric squares so a 42 piece precut pack* can make (8) unique bags. If you won’t be making fabric handles, each basket will only require (4) 5” x 5” fabric squares so you can make (10) bags.
But little handled bags aren’t just for Easter! They would be perfect for any type of gift, use as party favor bags, add to the tablescape for a tea party and more. How and when will you use these quick, easy and functional bags?
MATERIALS
Exterior Fabric
• A: (2) 5” x 5”
Lining Fabric
• B: (2) 5” x 5”
Handle Fabric (you can also substitute ribbon or twine)
• C: (2) 2” x 5”
Fabric used in this tutorial is from Tara Reed’s Covered Bridges in Spring fabric collection from Riley Blake Designs (released Jan. 2025)
HOW TO MAKE FABRIC HANDLES
1. Cut (2) C rectangles from (1) 5” x 5” square.
2. Starch the (2) C rectangles following manufacturer’s instructions. This step is optional but makes pressing the fabric easier and it gives the handles more stiffness so they stand up on their own.
3. Fold (1) C rectangle in half lengthwise, WST, and press.
4. Open back up with the wrong side of the fabric facing up on your ironing surface. Fold and press both long raw edges into the center, being careful not to flatten the center fold you made in step 3.
5. Fold in half again and press. This encases the raw edges inside the fabric to make the handle.
6. Sew the two folded edges in place by sewing ¹/8” from the edge. Sew down the other side if desired.
7. Repeat with the second C rectangle to make (2) handles total
ASSEMBLE THE FABRICS
8. Place your exterior fabrics on your workspace, face up. If you are using directional fabric have the top of the fabrics meet in the center as shown.
9. Loop the ribbon or handle material of choice, face down if there is a right and wrong side, on top of (1) A square. Line up the raw edges, 1 ½” from each outside edge, as shown.
10. Clip or pin in place. Baste if desired.
11. Repeat with the second handle / A square.
12. Place (1) B square on top of (1) handle / A square, RST. If you are using directional fabric make sure the top of the lining matches the top of the exterior as shown. The arrows point towards the top of the directional fabric used in this example.
13. Clip or pin in place.
14. Repeat with the other B square and handle / A square unit.
15. Sew both B square and handle / A square units.
16. Press seams towards the B square. If your handle material will melt with heat (some rick racks do, for example), be sure not to touch it with your iron.
17. RST, place the (2) units together, matching the center seams. 18. Clip or pin together.
MAKE THE BOXED BOTTOMS
Add boxed bottoms to your bag so it stands on its own easily.
19. Cut a 1” square from each corner (through both layers of fabric) as shown.
20. On the bottom of the lining, mark or pin to leave 2 ½” open for turning.
21. Sew all sides, leaving the marked area open for turning, as shown. DO NOT sew the cut out square sections.
The notches you cut out of the fabric pieces form the box bottoms.
22. Take a notched corner and match the seams, then pull out points to form a straight line. Fold the seam allowance of the bottom in the opposite direction of the side seam allowance.
23. Pin or Clip.
24. Repeat for all 4 notched corners, making sure you fold the seam allowances on the bag bottoms in the same direction as shown.
25. Sew with ¼” seam.
FINISH THE BAG
26. Turn the bag right side out through the opening the lining.
27. Press the boxed corners.
28. Press the raw edges of the lining opening towards the inside and clip or pin.
29. Sew closed by hand or machine.
30. Push the lining inside the bag, matching the boxed bottoms.
31. Press the top edge so the seam is on the top. Again be careful if your handles are made of something that might melt.
32. Topstitch around the edge of the bag to finish if desired.
Love this Fabric Bag Idea?
Be sure to save this post to Pinterest and follow me for more ideas and resources for sewing, crafting and creative living.
If you make this or other projects and post on Instagram, be sure to tag me (@artisttarareed). Follow my YouTube channel for new sewing projects and tips every week.
❤️ Tara Reed
