How to Make a Gift Bag from Paper

Today I thought I would share with you how to make a gift bag from paper! I am using maps but this same process can be used with any large piece of paper. This is one of my all-time favorite projects! I mean this is just the best! If you love old maps or sheet music, then this project is definitely for you! Grab your paper and get started making gift bags today!

How To Make A Gift Bag From Paper

Making a gift bag from paper is a fun craft that you can complete in about 10 minutes! This is a great project to make if you need a bag in a pinch or just want to add that extra personalized touch to a gift.

Today, I will be showing you how to make a gift bag from a map, but you can make your bag from any type of paper that you have on hand!

Supplies Needed To Make Gift Bag From Paper

• Maps, sheet music, or other paper ephemera
• Ruler
• Clear tape
• Hole punch
• Ribbon

Step 1: Begin Folding Your Paper

Decide which side of the paper is your front and which end is the top.

Fold your paper so that the ends meet in the middle of the “back”. Your top should be up and your front is facing out not in. Make sure it is even where it meets.

Please note that all of your folds need to be neat and crisp. Use your ruler or fingernail to run down all the creases as you do them. Run a long strip of tape all the way down the center seam.

Step 2: Fold Bottom Of Bag

All of the dimensions below are for this particular bag, you can play with all of this later for different sizes of paper. I did and you can do all sorts of things!

Fold up the bottom of your bag 1 1/2 inches. Again you need to make sure you have a nice crisp, even fold.

Step 3: Create Triangle On One Side Of The Bag

Open up that fold and make a triangle in the corner like shown below.

Step 4: Create Triangle On The Opposite Side Of The Bag

The crease in that triangle should line up just perfectly with the crease in your paper. Repeat by adding another triangle on the opposite side.

Step 5: Fold Sides To The Center

Now take both sides and fold them to the center making them meet at the crease. Nice and neat folds perfectly meeting in the center.

Step 6: Tape Bag

Run a strip of tape all the way across where those pieces meet and pop open your bag!

Step 7: Crease Bag Edges

NOW it is starting to look like something! Crease all of your bag edges with nice neat folds so it looks professional.

You have officially made your first DIY paper bag.

Here is the back which is just as pretty as the front.

When using a double-sided piece of paper, the inside is just as cute as the outside.

Finish With A Bow

Want to give your DIY gift bag a finished look? Fold down the top a few times and punch a couple of holes. Thread in a length of ribbon and tie it off. So pretty and oh so easy!

Can’t you see all of your gifts in vintage paper ephemera? I mean the possibilities….maps, sheet music, dictionary pages, old magazine ads….serious cute potential here! Using this same basic method, I even used two sheets of paper to make a larger gift bag.

Want to see another option? Here is a gift bag made from sheet music.

Go ahead and start shopping your thrift store for old paper now. You are going to want to make gift bags for every occasion.

So, now that you know how to make gift bags, how many will you make? That is really the only question!

FAQs About How To Make A Gift Bag From Paper

Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about how to make a gift bag from paper. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!

What Type Of Paper Can I Used For This Project?

The great thing about this project is that you can use all types of paper! However, with that being said, the only thing to keep in mind is that you will need enough paper to make a bag big enough to hold whatever gift you are giving. As long as you have enough paper, the sky is the limit!

If you are looking for some more paper ideas, I’ve listed a few more below!

• Scrapbook Paper
• Wrapping Paper
• Brown Paper

Can I Use A Tape Runner For This Project?

No! For this project, you will need to use scotch tape.

Can I Make Handles For My Bag?

Technically, yes! If the item you are putting in your bag is light enough, you could make traditional handles for your bag.

To make handles, punch two holes on each side of the bag, thread some ribbon through the holes, and knot the ribbon on the inside of the bag.

5 More Gift-Wrapping Ideas

Did you love learning how to make a gift bag and are looking for more gift-wrapping ideas? Then check out the projects below!

• Free Printable Gift Bags with Woodland Animals
• DIY Gift Card Holder with the Cricut
• 6 Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas You Can Copy
• Sweater Sleeve Wine Bottle Gift Bags
• Cute Cutout Cupcake Gift Bag