Holiday Craft for Kids: Reuse Scrap Fabrics To Make Attractive Gift Pouches

Author:
Chitrangada Sharan
Updated:
Jan 9, 2025

Silk gift pouch of different shapes, made with leftover silk fabric
Chitrangada Sharan Images

Silk gift pouches made with scrap silk fabric/ cut pieces of silk fabric
Chitrangada Sharan Images

Gather the scrap fabric: Here it is old silk sari border, colored ribbon, matching threads
Chitrangada Sharan Images

Leftover Fabric From Sewing: Reused, Repurposed

Everyone has some creativity in them. And when it comes to creating something with the scrap or some already used materials, it gives me great satisfaction.

When we reuse, and re-purpose paper, fabric, plastic, metal boxes etc., we are not only saving our money, but also doing our little bit, for our environment.

I am fond of sewing, and when the cut pieces pile up, I use them in making small utility items. It‘s so easy to make them and we usually have all the materials handy, in our homes. Cloth or fabric pouches are more durable and reusable, as compared to the paper pouches. They can be washed and cleaned as well.

Here is a tutorial to make gift pouches

What You Will Need

Left over cut pieces of fabric from your earlier sewing work;
I have used embroidered silk saree borders here. Those sarees were old and worn out, but the borders looked bright;
You can use whatever fabric scrap, you have;
Some coloured ribbons;
Sewing machine;
Matching threads;
A little of creativity and imagination.

The Indian Tradition

In many parts of India, whenever a married female guest, comes to attend a wedding ceremony or some ceremony, there is a practice to give some rice, turmeric and cash in return.

This is considered very auspicious, and is a must, in every family.

These pouches are most suitable for this purpose, as the amount of rice is very less, just right, to fit in these pouches.

Later on, these pouches can be used, to keep other small articles.

Quotes

“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”
― Osho

Fold and sew upper edge such that you can insert the colored ribbon

The finished silk gift pouch

Leftover Fabric Gift Pouch: Rectangle shape

This pouch is 6 inches x 4 inches in size. You can make according to your preference/ available fabric/ what you are going to pack inside.
This is ideal for jewelry such as earrings, rings, bracelet etc.
Cut the the fabric and sew edges on your sewing machine. Remember to sew the reverse side first.
Fold and sew the upper edge in such a way that you can insert a colored ribbon later.
Finish by reversing the right side and finish the edges.
Insert the ribbon.

Keep a lining in between and sew on the reverse side first

Sew ribbons on the inner side of both side the edges

Square shaped silk gift pouch

Leftover fabric square shaped gifting pouch

This pouch is suitable for gifting chocolates, crayons, other stationary materials for the children.
The ribbon is kept a little large so that they can carry it in their hands or shoulders.
Cut the fabric to size according to your preference. I have cut it 6 inches x 6 inches.
The colored ribbon is 12 inches long.
Sew the fabric as shown in the picture--reverse side first.
Sew the ribbons at the right and left edges neatly.
Reverse to turn on the right side.
You can sew along the edges on the right side now to enhance the look.
You can even use some contrast thread for that purpose.
The gift pouch is ready.

Keep the ribbon in between while sewing and fold it at some places to give a round shape

The round shaped gift pouch

Leftover fabric scrap to make gift pouch

This gift pouch is slightly round in shape at the bottom.
This is ideal for keeping coins etc.in your bigger purse, so that you can find them easily when needed.
This can also be used to keep small items, which can be lost easily.
Cut in round shape at the bottom.
Sew reverse side by placing the colored ribbon in center.
Fold at some places while sewing, as shown in the picture.
This will enable it give round shape to the pouch.
Fold and sew at the upper edge to insert the colored ribbon.
Finish neatly.

What else can you make, with cut pieces of fabric?

There are many useful things, which you can make, with leftover fabric or cut pieces of fabric.

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Cotton fabric can be used to make table mats, coasters, stuffed toys, cloth for toys, such as dolls etc.
You can also use them, to sew towel hangers and bathroom rugs.
By combining different cut pieces, you can make foot mats, cushion covers etc.
It involves a little effort, and some amount of creativity, to create such beautiful gift items. But the happiness and satisfaction, it brings to the creator and those who receive these as gifts, is worth the effort.
Silk or cotton fabric, can also be used, to make fabric flowers.

So go ahead, create some beautiful gift pouches with your creativity and imagination!

Handmade gifts are made with love and affection!

Quotes

“Doors are for people with no imagination.”
― Derek Landy, Skulduggery Pleasant

Recycling fabric scraps, Source: YouTube

Making use of fabric scrap, Source: YouTube

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on September 16, 2018:

Thank you so much Nithya. Glad you liked it.

Thanks for stopping by and appreciating!

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on September 16, 2018:

The gift pouches look so cute, you are very creative. Thank you for sharing.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on October 03, 2017:

Thank you Dolores Monet for your kind visit and comments!

I am glad you liked this article and great to know that you have made purses with fabric scraps.

Since I do lot of stitching at home, there is always some scrap available that can be repurposed into lovely gift items.

Thanks for your feedback and thanks for the follow!

Dolores Monet from East Coast, United States on October 03, 2017:

I love your pretty gift pouches! In the past, I made purses from fabric scraps. I always have some extra material and should make some of these. But one must be careful - it is so easy to become a fabric hoarder!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on April 28, 2017:

Thanks fabric heart for reading and commenting on this hub!

Yes the fabric choices can be so many, especially if you are interested in sewing or stitching.

I never throw cut pieces of fabric when I am stitching dresses etc.

Appreciate your positive feedback!

fabric heart on April 28, 2017:

So crafty.I am sure the fabric exchange has so many choices of fabric for this kind of project.

great job!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 28, 2015:

Hi Dianna!

So good to see you after a long time! I am glad you found these gift ideas useful. I enjoy reusing scrap fabric to make attractive gift items such as small pouches, clutch purses, stuffed toys, bags and other useful things.

Thank you for reading and appreciating the hub.

Wish you all the best and a very Happy New Year 2016.

Dianna Mendez on December 28, 2015:

Very nice idea for those important gifts to loved ones. You make it all so easy to follow. I can think of many uses for one around my home.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on December 18, 2015:

Thank you Sylvestermouse, for your kind visit and appreciation of the hub!

I am glad you liked the craft and like you mentioned I do use these small pouches for keeping many small things that includes buttons, coins etc.

Thank you for your positive comments!

Cynthia Sylvestermouse from United States on December 17, 2015:

What an awesome craft idea! I love the little pouches. Not only would they be great for kids, but they would be fabulous in a craft room for small items like buttons and safety pins too.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on July 09, 2015:

Thank you MarleneB, for appreciating this hub!

Creating beautiful gift items or decoration pieces is my hobby. I usually don't throw away scrap fabric, colored ribbons from gift wraps, left over pieces of laces etc. They are useful in making stuffed toys as well for small babies. Reusing things also helps environment in many ways.

Glad to learn this idea is helpful to you.

Thank you!

Marlene Bertrand from USA on July 08, 2015:

I am so happy I saw this hub. I have some fabric left over from a project that I did when my granddaughter was born. She's 3 years old now and I was wondering what to do with the leftover fabric. Making a bag from that fabric is a great idea. Excellent instructions for a project I am excited to start, thanks so much to you.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on June 16, 2015:

Thank you pstraubie48, for reading and appreciating this hub!

I love using leftover fabric for creative art projects.

Thanks for voting up!

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on June 15, 2015:

How cute they are. What a great way to use fabric that may be left over from another project. Voted up+++

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on February 03, 2015:

Thank you Thelma Alberts, for your kind visit and appreciation of this hub!

I like sewing and knitting and creating something by reusing materials gives me a sense of satisfaction.

Thank you so much and have a very good day!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on February 02, 2015:

Very creative! It´s been a long time I have not use my sewing machine. Selfmade gift pouch is a wonderful idea to make. I am planning to knit a smartphone pouch for myself as I was not able to buy a nice cover for it. Thanks for sharing your idea. Have a nice week!

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on January 12, 2015:

Thank you poetryman6969, for your kind visit and comments!

Glad you liked this hub!

poetryman6969 on January 11, 2015:

I like the blue one. The tassels make things more festive.

Chitrangada Sharan (author) from New Delhi, India on January 09, 2015:

Thank you colorfulone, for reading and commenting on my 100th hub!

Fabric pouches are easy to make and then are reusable too, which is good for our envirnment.

Thanks for voting up and tweeting!

Susie Lehto from Minnesota on January 09, 2015:

I like your helpful ideas for making fabric pouches. I have made hundreds of leather pouches, but haven't tried it with fabric, yet.

Voted up and tweeted.