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Christmas crafts

Quick-Sew Santa Sacks: Two Sizes and a Simple Drawstring Tutorial

Sew a festive drawstring gift sack from one cotton rectangle, with two sizes, a short materials list, and a simple ribbon casing.

By ThatPainter Team 3 min read
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Make a simple Christmas gift sack from one cotton rectangle, a ribbon, and a few basic sewing supplies. The “Quick-to-Sew Santa Sacks” pattern offers two finished sizes: a 30 × 20-inch Santa Sack and a 15 × 22½-inch Elf Sack. Both use the same straightforward construction, with the ribbon casing formed at the top and accessed through a small opening in the side seam.

Choose a size and gather the materials

The dimensions and yardage below belong to the “Quick-to-Sew Santa Sacks” pattern from American Patchwork & Quilting Editors, published September 8, 2017. Its yardage assumes fabric with 42 inches of usable width, and its measurements include ½-inch seam allowances. Check your fabric’s usable width before relying on the one-yard estimate.

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Version Finished size Fabric cut Materials
Santa Sack 30 × 20 inches One 35½ × 41-inch rectangle One yard of cotton print; 1⅓ yards of ⅞-inch-wide polyester ribbon; water-soluble marking pen
Elf Sack 15 × 22½ inches One 28 × 31-inch rectangle One yard of cotton print; 1⅓ yards of ⅞-inch-wide polyester ribbon; water-soluble marking pen

You will also use a large safety pin to guide the ribbon through the casing. The pattern suggests the larger sack for gifts, or as a pillowcase or laundry bag; those are suggested uses, not a tested capacity rating. The Elf Sack is intended as a small treasure bag. See the Quick-to-Sew Santa Sacks pattern for its original instructions.

Sew the one-rectangle sack

  1. Cut and mark the rectangle. Cut the fabric for your chosen size. Mark a one-inch gap on the long side where the pattern indicates the casing opening will be.
  2. Fold and sew the body. Fold the rectangle to form the sack, with wrong sides together as directed by the pattern. Sew the long edge and bottom, stopping to leave the marked one-inch gap in the long seam.
  3. Press and hem the opening. Press the side seam open. Turn under the top edge and stitch a narrow hem.
  4. Make the casing. Stitch parallel rows near the top to form the channel for the ribbon. Keep the marked side-seam gap open so the ribbon can enter and exit the casing.
  5. Thread and secure the ribbon. Attach the ribbon end to a large safety pin and feed it through the casing. The pattern secures the ribbon at the opposite side so it cannot be pulled out accidentally.

The one-rectangle method is useful when you want a simple flat-bottom sack. Keep the specified cut dimensions and ½-inch seam allowances together; changing the finished size means recalculating the fabric rectangle rather than assuming the original cut will fit.

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HRX Package Large Cotton Christmas Bag, 32x28 inch Fabric Drawstring Santa Sack, Reusable Cloth Wrapping Bag with Gift Tag for Xmas Presents
  • 100% Cotton Material - The red santa sack is made of premium cotton fabric, they are washable, durable and will last a long time, a reusable and sustainable option for Christmas gifts
  • Nice Stitching and Double Drawstring - The Xmas gift pouch with double drawstring is easy to close and open that makes wrapping Xmas gifts a breeze. The stitching is well done and solid that makes the bag will hold up over time
  • Big Size - The Christmas drawstring bag is in large size - 32x28 inch, it’s big enough for medium - big size gifts and even odd shape presents. The Xmas gift pouch also comes with a gift tag, you can write a small message to your families, kids, friends
  • Cute Xmas Pattern- The large Christmas bag is designed with classic snowflake design and “Merry Christmas”. And there is blank area for customizing with HTV or iron on vinyl if needed
  • Great Alternative to Wrapping Paper - These cotton fabric gift tie bag is sturdy and reusable. Good for organizing many xmas gifts or wrapping BIG size present. Beautiful addition under the tree. No more wasted wrapping paper and ribbons. Big hit for Christmas!

How other Santa sack tutorials differ

Free tutorials use different sizes and construction, so their measurements and steps are not interchangeable with the one-rectangle pattern above.

Pattern Material and finished size Construction differences
Sew Crafty Me: Easy Santa Sack Sewing Pattern Fleece; 8 × 10 inches, 12 × 15 inches, or 20 × 25 inches Separate front and back panels, cuff, boxed bottom, and two drawstrings
The Kiwi Country Girl: DIY Santa Sack Tutorial Cotton pillowcase-size sack cut from a 42 × 30-inch rectangle Uses two 60-inch ribbons
Rosie’s Art Studio: Let’s Sew a Santa Sack in Any Size Made to a chosen size Expandable bottom that folds flat for storage and finished seams; the tutorial points to a separate step-by-step reversible drawstring-bag tutorial for construction detail

When comparing patterns, decide what matters for your project: finished width and height, fabric type, a flat or boxed/expandable bottom, lining or seam finish, and one drawcord versus two. A fleece, two-panel sack is a different project from the cotton rectangle design, even if both are called Santa sacks.

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Rank #2
HBlife Personalized Santa Sack, Christmas Gift Bag Big Santa Bag Cotton with Drawstring Size 19.7 x 27.6 Inch (White)
  • HEAVY DUTY CANVAS: Made of heavy duty canvas, anti winkle,durable eco-friendly and safe to contact with skin or food.
  • PERSONALIZATION BY YOURSELF :you can hand write or personalized in large space of the bag,put your gifts in this bag,write their name on the bag , they will so exciting and have a wonderful memory.
  • BAG SIZE: 19.7 Inch(w) x 27.6 Inch(h) / 50 cm(w) x 70cm(h), Large capacity, bags easily wrap large gift or hold multiple small items, best santa's gift bag.You also can use it as storage bag after Christmas.
  • UNIQUE DESIGN:Cord drawstring closure design, easy open and close,convenient to carry and light weight.
  • HIGH QUALITY:Machine washable and hand wash, thick and durable bag.
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Optional finishing touches

Once the basic sack is sewn, you can add a name label or other decoration suited to your fabric. Treat embellishment as a separate choice: it is not required by the basic pattern, and added trim should not interfere with the casing or ribbon movement.

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Dansydaisy 4 Pcs Christmas Large Santa Gift Bags Drawstring Velvet Sacks
  • Set of 4 Santa Burgundy Gift Bags:this set includes 4 drawstring gift bags in sizes 42x30inches, 28x20inches, 16x12inches, and 8x6 inches, all in a rich Christmas Burgundy color; These multiple sizes Christmas Santa gift bags accommodate various gift shapes
  • Multiple sizes for Various Present:the 42x30‑inch jumbo Santa gift bag fits big toys, giant plush animals, mini Christmas trees, and roller skates; The 28x20‑inch size works well for stockings, pajamas, and coloring books; The two smaller sizes (16x12‑inch and 8x6‑inch) hold hand creams, lip balms, candies, and snacks, or can be hung on belts for small items, making these Santa gift sacks versatile for any gift
  • Velvet bags with Secure Drawstring Closure:crafted from thick soft velvet with faux fur trim and reinforced stitching, these Santa Drawstring bags feel soft yet hold heavy gifts without tearing; The drawstring closure allows quick wrapping and keeps contents secure, ideal for reusable Santa gift sacks you can count on
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HRX Package Velvet Santa Sack Bag for Christmas Gift, 43.3x28.7 in Large
  • EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY - Measuring 43.3 x 28.7 inches, this oversized Santa sack holds bulky and odd-shaped Christmas gifts that may not fit in traditional gift bags or boxes
  • SOFT VELVET MATERIAL - Made of soft and smooth velvet, this Santa bag helps protect presents from scratches. Washable and reusable for Christmas year after year
  • EASY DRAWSTRING CLOSURE - The red-and-white drawstring opening on this Santa gift bag makes wrapping quick and easy while helping keep presents securely inside
  • CLASSIC CHRISTMAS LOOK - Rich red velvet, fluffy white trim and pom-pom accents give this large Santa sack a festive Santa-style look, perfect for under the tree, by the fireplace or holiday displays
  • GIFTING & STORAGE USE - Use this Santa sack bag as a Christmas gift bag, Santa costume prop, holiday decoration or storage sack for toys, ornaments, wrapping supplies and seasonal items
Rank #3
Shappy 2 Pcs Christmas Velvet Santa Bags with Drawstring 2 Size, Burgundy
  • Large Velvet Christmas Gift Bags: you will get 2 pcs burgundy Santa sacks assorted size, 1 pcs 28" x 20" large Santa gift bags and 1 pcs 16" x 12" small Santa Claus bags, these Christmas bags are suitable for Christmas gifts, toys, dolls, and you can use them to costume Mr and Mrs Claus, enough quantity to meet your needs
  • Serviceable and Reusable Material: our Santa velvet bags are made of quality and thicken velvet, beautiful white fake fur and usable drawstrings, different size bags suit different gifts, they also seem to carry plenty of weight, appropriate size for carrying lots of presents, good material, sturdy, every one will love them, you can use these gift bags next year
  • Easy to Use and Wash: the 28" x 20" large Christmas gift sack is suitable for large toys, big stuffed animals, mini Christmas trees, skates etc.; The 16" x 12" Santa gift bags is ideal for Christmas stockings, pajamas, hand creams, lip balms, color books etc.; You just need to put gifts into bags and tighten the drawstring, you will get an elegant gift wrapping; And you just clean them with washing machine, then you can use them year after year
  • Burgundy Christmas Decorations Accessories: our burgundy velvet Santa sacks are suitable for traditional burgundy Christmas decorations, you will get elegant and festive Christmas, ideal for holiday party, Christmas gathering, office parties; Appropriate Santa accessories, gift wrapper for events like Christmas parties, parties during winter holidays and more
  • Wide Applications: these large drawstring Christmas gift bags are applied as fun gift sack, wrapping gifts under the Christmas tree, a Santa Claus costume accessory, holiday party supplies, Christmas gathering and so on; They are not only wonder Christmas decoration, but also awesome gift wrapping

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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