How to Make a Gift Bag Out of Wrapping Paper

Fold and score a pretty package by using our downloadable template.

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Published on September 21, 2021

custom wrapping paper gift bag — Photo: Olivia Kanaley Inman

A little scoring, folding, and gluing will transform your favorite patterned gift wrap into a custom gift bag (butcher paper or non-adhesive wallpaper would work beautifully, too). Added details like coordinating ribbon (a great use for shorter scraps) and metal eyelets create a polished, finished look.

What You'll Need

Materials

Paper Gift Bag template
Gift-wrapping paper (Rifle Paper Co. Emerald Peonies Wrapping Sheet)
Ruler
Bone folder (Fiskars Traditional Bone Folder)
Craft scissors
PVA glue (Books by Hand pH Neutral PVA Adhesive)
Metal eyelets (We R Memory Keepers Standard Eyelets)
Eyelet setter and anvil (Darice Eyelet Setter Set)
Ribbon (DIN Fashion Supplies Cotton Twill Tape Ribbon, 1", $5 for 4 yds.)

Instructions

Olivia Kanaley Inman

Cut a rectangle from wrapping paper that measures 19 by 9.6 inches. Download and print the template; use as a guide to score and fold along the lines, as shown.
Olivia Kanaley Inman

Fold along the horizontal lines at the top and bottom, using bone folder to produce crisp creases.
Olivia Kanaley Inman

Using the template as a guide for placement, create 4 small holes along the top folded edge of the bag. Insert and set metal eyelets; each eyelet should go through two layers of paper. (Tip: Alternatively, you can use a hole punch.)
Olivia Kanaley Inman

Apply glue along the thin, folded tab on the end to close the corner of the bag. Fold in the flaps at the bottom of the bag and secure the outermost flat with a dab of glue.
Olivia Kanaley Inman

Cut a length of ribbon and thread each end through eyelets, knotting inside the bag. Repeat for the opposite side.