Create a beautiful handmade decoration for the holiday season with this Christmas Tree Fabric Gift Bag Tutorial! These charming quilted drawstring bags combine festive Christmas fabrics, decorative patchwork trees, soft padding, and elegant cream-colored cords to create reusable gift bags that look wonderful under the Christmas tree.
Inspired by the reference image, this project features a triangular fabric pouch decorated with a patchwork Christmas tree. The tree is made from layered green fabric triangles, with a small brown trunk at the bottom. A gathered top and a thick cream drawstring bow complete the design.
The bags can be made in different colors, including traditional red, forest green, and warm ivory. Each version has its own personality, making the finished set perfect for coordinated holiday gift wrapping.
Use these handmade bags for small presents, gift cards, jewelry, holiday treats, ornaments, or other lightweight gifts. After Christmas, the recipient can reuse the bags year after year.
Pattern note: This is an original, photo-inspired tutorial. Exact measurements and the original pattern are not available from the photograph, so the dimensions below are suggested starting points that you can customize.
Materials You Will Need
Gather the following materials before starting.
Fabric and Quilting Supplies
- Main fabric: Christmas cotton fabric in red, forest green, cream, or ivory.
- Green printed fabric: For the Christmas tree branches.
- Brown fabric: For the tree trunk.
- Coordinating lining fabric: Cotton fabric for the inside of the bag.
- Lightweight quilt batting: For a soft, padded appearance.
- Cream cotton cord: For the drawstring bow.
- Matching sewing thread: For construction and appliqué.
- Fusible web: Optional, for temporarily securing the tree pieces.
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Cutting mat and quilting ruler
- Sewing machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Pins or sewing clips
- Hand-sewing needle
- Safety pin or bodkin: For threading the drawstring.
- Fabric marking pen or pencil
For the best results, choose quilting cottons of similar weight. Small snowflake prints, tiny floral patterns, gingham, and subtle Christmas motifs work especially well.
Suggested Finished Size
This tutorial describes a medium-sized gift bag measuring approximately 9 inches tall and 9 inches wide at the base.
You can make the bag larger or smaller by changing the dimensions of the fabric panels. A larger bag is useful for clothing accessories or several small presents, while a smaller version works well for jewelry, ornaments, or gift cards.
The measurements are flexible suggestions rather than exact dimensions from the photograph.
Step 1: Choose Your Christmas Fabrics
The first step is selecting the fabrics for the bag and its decorative tree.
The reference design uses three main color combinations:
- Traditional red: Red Christmas fabric with green tree pieces.
- Forest green: Dark green fabric with lighter green tree branches.
- Cream and ivory: Light neutral fabric decorated with green patchwork.
Choose one main fabric for each bag and use the same shades of green for the tree appliqué if you want the set to look coordinated.
Before cutting, place your fabrics next to one another. Make sure the tree fabric contrasts clearly with the background so the design remains visible.
Step 2: Cut the Outer Fabric
For one medium-sized bag, cut two matching outer panels from your chosen Christmas fabric.
For a simple triangular pouch, each panel can begin as a rectangle approximately 10 inches wide and 12 inches tall.
These dimensions include extra fabric for the seams and gathered top. Adjust them according to the size you want.
Mark the center of the bottom edge of each panel. From this point, draw two diagonal lines toward the outer edges to create a broad triangular silhouette.
You can use a paper template to keep both panels identical.
Cut the panels carefully and label them as the front and back.
Step 3: Cut the Lining Fabric
Cut two lining panels using the same basic shape as the outer panels.
The lining gives the inside of the bag a neat finish and helps support the contents.
Choose a coordinating fabric that complements the outer fabric. Cream lining works beautifully with red or green Christmas prints, while green lining creates a traditional holiday look.
Set the lining pieces aside until the outer bag is assembled.
Step 4: Prepare the Batting
Cut two pieces of lightweight batting to match the outer panels.
Place each outer fabric panel over a batting piece, with the wrong side of the fabric facing the batting.
Pin or clip the layers together.
For a more stable bag, you can lightly quilt the panels before adding the Christmas tree decoration. Simple straight lines or gentle diagonal stitching work well.
Avoid overly thick batting because the gathered opening will become bulky if the fabric is too stiff.
Step 5: Create the Christmas Tree Template
The Christmas tree is the main decorative feature.
It consists of several green triangles stacked from largest to smallest, with a small brown rectangle at the bottom.
Draw a simple tree design on paper.
For a medium-sized bag, you might make the completed tree approximately 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide.
Divide the tree into three or four separate triangular sections:
- A small triangle at the top.
- A medium triangle below it.
- A larger triangle beneath the medium section.
- An optional extra-wide triangle at the bottom.
Draw a small rectangular trunk beneath the final branch.
Cut out each paper shape and use it as a template for the fabric pieces.
Step 6: Cut the Tree Appliqué Pieces
Choose different green fabrics for the tree branches.
For example, use light sage green for the top, medium green for the second layer, and dark forest green for the bottom.
This combination creates depth and makes the tree look like a patchwork decoration.
Trace each triangle onto the selected fabric and cut it out carefully.
Cut the trunk from brown fabric.
If you want a more traditional patchwork appearance, use gingham or tiny floral prints for some of the branches.
Step 7: Arrange the Tree on the Front Panel
Lay the front outer panel flat with the right side facing up.
Find the center of the panel and position the tree vertically.
Place the smallest triangle near the upper part of the panel, then arrange the larger triangles underneath it.
Allow the bottom edge of each triangle to overlap the upper edge of the next one slightly, creating the layered branch effect shown in the reference image.
Position the brown trunk at the bottom.
Make sure the complete tree is centered and leaves enough space above it for the gathered drawstring opening.
Take a moment to check the placement before sewing.
Step 8: Attach the Tree Appliqué
There are several ways to secure the tree pieces.
Method A: Fusible Web
Apply fusible web to the wrong side of each tree piece according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove the backing paper, position each shape on the front panel, and press it in place.
Method B: Pin and Stitch
Pin the fabric pieces directly onto the outer panel and sew around each shape.
A narrow zigzag stitch or a small blanket stitch creates a neat decorative edge.
Method C: Straight-Stitch Appliqué
For a simpler rustic look, use a straight stitch close to the edges of the triangles.
This method may leave the raw edges slightly more visible, so choose fabrics that do not fray excessively and finish the edges carefully.
Attach the tree trunk last, making sure it sits directly beneath the lowest branch.
Step 9: Add Decorative Quilting
The reference bags have a soft quilted appearance that gives them structure and texture.
After attaching the tree, quilt the front panel through the outer fabric and batting.
You can stitch around the tree shapes or add a few simple lines across the background.
For example:
- Quilt around the outside of the tree.
- Add horizontal lines through the triangular branches.
- Use gentle diagonal lines on the background.
- Add a few lines near the bottom of the bag for balance.
Avoid quilting too densely around the narrow upper section because it will be gathered later.
Quilting the back panel is optional, but doing so creates a consistent appearance on both sides.
Step 10: Sew the Outer Bag
Place the two quilted outer panels together with their right sides facing.
Align the side edges and bottom points carefully.
Sew around the sides and bottom using a seam allowance of approximately ¼ inch to ½ inch.
Leave the upper edge open.
If your panels form a triangular shape, sew slowly around the lower corners to keep the seams smooth.
Trim any excess fabric near the seams and clip the corners carefully without cutting through the stitching.
Turn the outer bag right side out and gently shape the bottom.
Step 11: Sew the Lining
Place the two lining panels together with their right sides facing.
Sew along the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
Leave a small opening in one lining seam if you prefer to turn the finished bag through the lining rather than pulling it through the gathered opening.
If you are using the turning method, make sure the opening is large enough to turn the bag comfortably.
Trim excess fabric at the seams and shape the corners.
Keep the lining wrong side out for the next step.
Step 12: Join the Outer Bag and Lining
Place the outer bag inside the lining so that their right sides face each other.
Align the upper edges and side seams.
Pin or clip around the opening.
Sew the upper edge using a consistent seam allowance.
If you left a turning opening in the lining, pull the outer bag through it carefully.
Close the opening in the lining with a narrow machine stitch or hand-sewn ladder stitch.
Push the lining inside the outer bag and smooth the top edge.
Press gently, keeping the iron away from any decorative details that may be heat-sensitive.
Step 13: Create the Drawstring Casing
The upper section must be wide enough to gather around the cord.
Fold the top edge inward to create a casing approximately 1–1½ inches deep, depending on the thickness of your cord.
Press the fold in place.
Sew around the lower edge of the folded section, leaving a channel through which the cord can pass.
Make sure the opening is wide enough for the drawstring to slide freely.
If you prefer two drawstrings that pull from opposite sides, create two separate openings in the casing. This arrangement gathers the bag more evenly and creates the full, ruffled top shown in the reference image.
Step 14: Insert the Drawstring Cord
Cut two lengths of cream cotton cord, each long enough to pass through the casing and form a generous bow.
Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the first cord.
Feed the cord through the casing, guiding it around the channel until it returns to the starting point.
Repeat with the second cord if you are using a two-direction drawstring.
Pull the ends gently to check that the bag gathers evenly.
Tie small knots at the cord ends to prevent fraying.
If the cord is thick, check that it slides easily before tying the final knots.
Step 15: Make the Decorative Bow
The large cream bow is an important finishing detail.
Gather the fabric by pulling the drawstrings and tie the cords into a bow at the front.
Create two loops of similar size and two hanging ends.
Adjust the loops until they look balanced.
For a fuller appearance, use a soft braided cotton cord. You can also use a ready-made cotton rope or make your own cord by twisting several strands of yarn together.
To recreate the decorative ends shown in the reference image, tie small knots near the ends of the cord and carefully trim any excess.
You can add short tassels if desired, but simple knotted ends are easier to maintain.
Step 16: Shape and Finish the Bag
Once the drawstring is installed, shape the bag with your hands.
Smooth the side seams and adjust the bottom so the bag can stand upright when filled with lightweight items.
If the bag feels too soft, add a slightly firmer batting or lightweight interfacing to the next version.
Check the tree appliqué for loose edges and reinforce any areas that need additional stitching.
Weave in all loose thread ends and make sure the lining sits neatly inside the outer bag.
Your Christmas tree drawstring gift bag is now ready to use!
Optional Variations
Make a Matching Set
Create several bags in different background fabrics while keeping the tree design consistent.
A red bag, a forest green bag, and a cream bag make a beautiful coordinated set.
Add Decorative Snowflakes
Embroider tiny white or gold snowflakes around the tree.
Keep the motifs small so they complement the fabric print rather than compete with it.
Use Different Tree Fabrics
Combine gingham, floral prints, and solid green cotton for a traditional patchwork appearance.
You can also use metallic gold fabric for one branch to add a festive accent.
Add a Personalized Label
Sew a small fabric label inside the bag with the recipient’s name or the year.
This makes the bag especially meaningful as a reusable gift wrap.
Make a Smaller Ornament Bag
Reduce the panel dimensions to create a small pouch for Christmas ornaments, jewelry, or gift cards.
Use thinner cord and a smaller tree appliqué to keep the proportions balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Christmas tree gift bag suitable for beginners?
Yes. The project uses basic cutting, sewing, appliqué, and drawstring techniques. Beginners may find the casing and lining steps easier if they have some previous sewing experience, but the design can be simplified by using a single outer fabric and a basic triangular tree.
Can I make the bag without batting?
Yes. You can omit the batting for a lighter fabric pouch. The bag will be softer and less structured, but it will still work well for lightweight gifts.
What fabric works best?
Quilting cotton is an excellent choice because it is easy to sew and comes in many festive prints. Choose a lining fabric of similar weight to prevent the bag from becoming bulky.
Can I make the bag larger?
Absolutely. Increase the width and height of the outer panels, then enlarge the tree template proportionally. Remember to adjust the lining and batting to match.
How do I keep the tree appliqué from fraying?
Use fusible web and stitch around the edges. A narrow zigzag or blanket stitch helps secure the fabric and gives the tree a finished appearance.
Can I wash the finished bag?
If you use washable cotton fabrics and standard cotton cord, gentle washing may be possible. Check the care instructions for all materials, and test for color bleeding before washing a finished set.
What can I put inside the bag?
These bags are ideal for small presents, candy in suitable packaging, jewelry boxes, ornaments, gift cards, and other lightweight gifts. Avoid filling them with items that are too heavy for the fabric and seams.
Final Thoughts
These quilted Christmas tree drawstring bags are a beautiful way to combine patchwork, appliqué, and practical sewing into one festive project.
The layered green tree, cozy Christmas fabrics, soft quilted texture, and cream drawstring bow create a handmade gift bag that looks lovely beneath the Christmas tree or arranged on a holiday table.
Best of all, these bags can be reused for many Christmas seasons. Make a coordinated set for your family, use different fabrics to personalize each bag, or create a collection of small pouches for handmade gifts.
With a little patience and creativity, you can turn simple cotton fabrics into charming holiday keepsakes.
Happy sewing, and Merry Christmas!
