Every December, without fail, I start craving a quick, useful sewing project to round out my holiday gifting. Something small but meaningful that is personal enough to tuck in with a teacher’s gift card or to pair with the classic box of cookies for a neighbor. I love giving handmade things, but by the time the holidays roll around, my bandwidth for bigger projects has usually disappeared. That’s when I reach for something simple, satisfying, and doable in an evening.
This year, that project is my take on a Drawstring Gift Tote. It’s a fresh twist on the classic tote bag: familiar proportions, a flat rectangular body, long shoulder straps for easy carrying… but with a fully closable drawstring top that instantly transforms it into a reusable gift bag. It’s cut from a single piece of fabric, which keeps construction simple, and is especially handy when working with tedious to align prints. The simplicity is intentional. There are no fiddly steps, no complicated shaping, just clean lines and a practical finish.
What I love most about this bag is how versatile it is. It can be both the packaging and part of the gift. After the excitement of Christmas morning, you can simply gather up the bags, fold them neatly, and store them away for next year. Or put them straight to use as everyday totes for library runs, grocery trips, project bags, you name it. And because the design is streamlined, it lends itself beautifully to batch sewing. You can make one for every teacher, aide, and crossing guard at school or for all the families at the block party or for anyone who deserves a special little something.
Over the years I’ve slowly been building up a collection of reusable Christmas gift bags—pieces I’m proud to bring out every December. This Gift Tote fits right into that tradition. While the design itself is simple, it features a split French seam finish that feels both polished and durable. It’s the kind of detail that elevates the bag while ensuring it will withstand being stuffed, tied, gifted, and loved for many seasons to come.
It’s a small project with big charm, and just the right amount of handmade magic to round out the holidays.
About the bag:
The Drawstring Gift Tote is a thoughtful, sustainable, and reusable way to wrap up just about any gift. Instead of using single-use wrapping paper, this classic tote adds a handmade touch that lasts long after the gift has been opened. What makes it especially charming is its simple but functional design: a roomy main compartment, a secure drawstring closure, and a convenient exterior pocket that’s perfectly sized for a greeting card, small note, or even a little extra surprise.
Available in three sizes (small, medium, & large) the Gift Tote gives you plenty of flexibility for gift giving throughout the year. Whether you’re presenting a cozy hand knit hat, a stack of homemade treats, or even your latest handmade quilt, this tote helps you showcase your gift in a beautiful, functional, and eco-friendly package. It’s just as delightful to receive as the gift inside!
The Gift Tote is made entirely from light to medium weight woven fabric, making it both sturdy and comfortable to handle. You can sew the straps and drawstring to match your chosen fabric for a cohesive look, or mix things up by using cotton webbing for the straps or twill tape for the drawstrings. Either way, the customization options are endless, inviting you to put your personal touch on every bag you create.
Perfect for makers, gift givers, and anyone wanting to reduce waste while adding handmade charm, the Drawstring Gift Tote is a project that’s as practical as it is beautiful. It’s a little piece of craftiness that turns any gift into something truly special.
About the sewing patterns:
- clear step by step illustrated instructions
- 2 handle options - long shoulder straps, or short handles
- 2 seam finishes - quick standard seam & sophisticated split french seam
- 2 bottom shapes - flat, or boxed corners
- dimensions to draft you own pattern pieces (all are rectangles)
- dimensions in inches and centimeters
- full video tutorial on the Wholecloth Patterns Youtube Channel (coming soon!)
This is a measure and cut sewing pattern. Use the cut chart to cut out the all rectangular fabric pieces.
Finished Bag Dimensions:
S: 9 3/4 x 11 in (24.7 x 38 cm)
M: 14 3/4 x 16 in (37.5 x 40.6 cm)
L: 18 3/4 x 21 in (47.6 x 53.3 cm)
Difficulty:
Easy! Absolute beginner. Perfect first project.
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