How to make a wine bag
Step 1: Cut out the fabric
Cut four pieces of fabric 18″ x 7″. They can be all the same fabric, or a variety of fabrics. This method will end up with a bag that is completely reversible, so you could use solids on one side and print or holiday theme fabric on the other. Any fabric will do — even upholstery fabric or denim. Have fun with the mixture of fabrics.
Step 2: Sew fabric bags
Here we are using a 1⁄4” seam allowance to create a generous sized bag. If your fabrics are smaller, then you can create a shorter bag. Just measure some wine bottles — to reach the neck of the bottle is typically about 10″. The bag below the drawstring needs to be about 1.5″ longer than that, as we will be creating a box shape at the bottom and cutting off some length.
Mark an opening 1″ wide about 12″ up from the bottom and break the stitching at that point, as that is where the drawstring will go. Backstitch at those openings so the seam is secure. Sew both bags as shown.
Step 3: Stitch and trim corners to make bag shape
Pin the side seam and bottom seam together to make a triangle and mark a horizontal line 1.5″ from the point. Stitch across this line. This will create a box shape at the bottom of the bag. Repeat for the other side and then also on both corners of second fabric bag.
Trim the excess part off as shown to reduce bulk and create a flat bottom surface. I find if you leave the bulk in the bottom of the bag, then a wine bottle won’t have a flat surface to rest on and may tip over when you put it down.
Step 4: Press top edges
Press the top edges of both fabric bags over toward the wrong side, about 1⁄2“. Insert one bag into the other, wrong sides together, and line up the seams and drawstring openings.
Step 5: Pin and stitch channel for drawstring
To mark the channel for stitching, pin the two bags together along the mid-point of where the channel will be. Then stitch 1⁄2” either side of the row of pins, eliminating the need for any markings.
Here the stitching line is indicated by the blue lines in the image. Note how the stitching is at either end of the drawstring opening — be sure not to stitch it closed. If your sewing machine has a removable extension table, you can remove it so you can slip the bag over the surface to sew. If not, you can put the pins on the inside of the bag and stitch around the inside, as that is easier than trying to fold the fabric away to stitch. It also helps to roll the top edge down a bit to shorten the distance from the channel to your presser foot.
Step 6: Sew top edge
Sew the top edges of the bag together. This is a spot where you can easily add embellishment like ribbon, ricrac or other trims.
Step 7: Insert the drawstring into the channel
Cut two pieces of ribbon, each about 24″ long. Use a big safety pin to thread the ribbon all the way around the bag. Starting at the opposite side, repeat with the second ribbon. Tie off the ends and now when you pull the ribbon, it gathers the bag around the neck of the wine bottle.
Sew up a few of these wine bottle bags, and you will be ready to be a gracious guest at the next festive gathering.
You might also enjoy our roundup of 11 free gift bag patterns to sew and our post on how to wrap gifts with fabric.
Free Online Bag Making Class
look forward to sewing the bag
I found this to be a fiddley little project. It turned out but I didn’t check the size of my wine bottle I buy and it was too skinny and didn’t fit. I used a piece of the fabric I was hoarding with grapes on it and of course I don’t have any more. I guess it will make a nice Christmas present for one of my friends. Very disappointed.
Link to 11 free gift bags is still not working
Links for 11 free gift bag patterns and how to wrap gifts with fabric do not work.
I’m interest I free patterns
I would like a copy of how to sell reusable wine bags
The link for the 11 free bag patterns does not work
would love the pattern
The direction for wine bottle gift bag was very helpful and definitely useful! Thank you!
Nice gift idea and directions well written
I always wanted to give homemade gifts for my family and friends
Thank you. Super cute Wine Bag!
Thank You
Love this quick and easy pattern!
just what I wanted
a good idea
Cute bag
Cute little wine bags!
Pattern for reusable wine bag. I need gift ideas. Thanks
Does both pieces of fabric need the opening for the drawstring please
If you want the bag to be reversible, then you’ll need openings in both pieces of fabric. If you only intend the bag to be used with one side always out and the other side always in, then the fabric you intend to be the interior fabric will not need drawstring holes.
(Please note that I’m not the pattern designer, just a fellow sewist)
I am almost embarrassed to admit this. I love the pattern and I made three already. I misread the name of the project. Instead of reusable I made mine reversible and reusable. hahaha I looked back at the pattern to see how to put the cord on the inside bag for when I turn it inside out. I thought I missed it. Well now I embroidered one side with a monogram and the other side with a whimsical wine glass. What a happy mistake. It came out beautiful. I wish I could send a picture. I made some with Christmas on one side and embroidered….Wine is best shared with good friends. Thank you
Don’t be embarrassed! You did it correctly. The pattern is intended to make a reversible reusable bag! “This method will end up with a bag that is completely reversible…” It sounds like you made a cool wine bag with those embroideries!
(Please note that I’m not the pattern designer, just a fellow enthusiastic sewist)
Great pattern!
Loved the wine bags, need new ideas
A video would be nice.
Enjoyed making some of these for our school charity fund raising. Thankyou
I was at Christmas in July this year, and loved the wine bag.
I will certainly be making some!
Thanks again for your great ideas.
would love to know how to make easy gift bags and have a free pattern
Our group is supporting a Syrian family here in Canada and she loves to sew, so we are helping her to start creating an income for her family. Thanks!
I like easy!
Easy but terrific project! Will make several of these. Thanks so much.
What a great tutorial and design! I sewed one up with zero mistakes (that is a feat for me)! The photo showing the markings to make the hole for the drawstring is particularly helpful. Thank you!!
Can you tell me what width size of ribbon is needed for this project?
Whipped one up in no time at all. Fun little project.
Looking forward to making these
Very good instruction
I will give it a go
I hate passwords
Great drawstring wine bag with easy to follow instructions
Great projects! Great directions! Thanks!!!
seems simple enough
thanks for this pattern.
Thanks for the pattern – I bought some fabric the other day without knowing what I was going to do with it – now I know!!
Thanks very clear and easy to follow.
My husband wanted to go out tomorrow and buy a sleeve to give as a gift…guess what? I’m sewing!!
love this im new to crafting
Thanks