Easy Tote DIY Gift Bag

Create stunning and practical gift bags with just a few folds and a touch of glue!

Perfect for any occasion, these easy tote DIY gift bags add a handmade touch to your thoughtful gifts.

There's something incredibly special about receiving a gift wrapped in a handmade bag. The personal touch adds a layer of thoughtfulness and care that store-bought bags can’t match.

That’s where these easy tote DIY gift bags comes in.

Whether you're celebrating a bridal shower, hosting a birthday party, or simply giving a small gift to someone you care about, these DIY paper bags are the perfect way to make your presents extra special.

They are not only functional but also fun to make, requiring just a few simple materials like lightweight cardstock, scissors, glue, and some creativity.

Making these gift bags allows you to tailor them to any occasion.

You can go for elegant, rustic, or playful designs depending on the event, and they’re incredibly easy to personalize with patterns, colors, and embellishments.

Imagine using them for holiday gift-giving, creating a set of spooky Halloween treat bags, or even crafting mini gift bags for party favors at your next gathering.

These paper totes can hold a variety of items, from jewelry and small gifts to candies or treats, making them versatile for all kinds of celebrations.

In addition to being perfect for events, these DIY totes are an excellent craft project for crafternoons, kids' activities, or as a fun project to do with friends or family. The best part?

You don’t need a lot of time or complicated materials to create beautiful, functional gift bags.

With just a few folds and some glue, you can create a custom bag that’s the ideal size for your gift, and you’ll enjoy every step of the process.

Making these easy tote bags doesn’t just provide you with a cute packaging solution; it gives you an opportunity to show off your creative flair while reducing waste by crafting your own reusable gift bags.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a beginner, this project is accessible and enjoyable, making it a great way to create meaningful, handcrafted gifts and accessories.

This easy tote DIY gift bag is an excellent way to blend practicality and creativity into your gift-giving traditions.

Whether for parties, holidays, or everyday surprises, these charming little bags make every gift extra special!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Adds a handmade touch to your gifts
• Customizable to any theme or occasion
• Requires only a few materials.
• Suitable for all ages and skill levels
• Great for party favors and treats - especially for birthday parties, baby showers, and more! You could even put little chocolates in it for Valentine's Day!
• Easy to make

Skill Level

★☆☆☆☆ (Very Easy)

Materials Needed

• 1 x Square Sheet of Paper: You can use origami paper, or lightweight cardstock or scrapbook paper.
• Scissors
• Glue

Paper Size Options:

• 6 inches x 6 inches (15 cm x 15 cm) Paper : Makes a bag approximately 3 inches x 2 inches (7 cm x 4.5 cm)
• 10 inches x 10 inches (25 cm x 25 cm) Paper : Makes a bag approximately 5 inches x 3 inches (12 cm x 8 cm)

Instructions

MAKING THE BODY OF THE BAG

Step 1: Start with the color you want your bag to be facing down.

Step 2: Fold the bottom edge to meet the top edge.

Step 3: Unfold previous step.

Step 4: Cut along the crease line you just made. You will end up with two rectangles. Set one rectangle aside (you will use this to make the handles).

Step 5: Working on one of the rectangle pieces, arrange it so the color side is facing down and that paper sits horizontally.

Step 6: Fold the bottom edge up slightly.

Step 7: Unfold previous step.

Step 8: Place some glue on the bottom edge and then refold. Allow the glue to dry before moving on.

Step 9: Fold the left edge of the paper in slightly (make it about the same size as the bottom edge).

Step 10: Fold the paper in half from right to left.

Step 11: Unfold previous step.

Step 12: Place some glue on the left folded edge.

Step 13: Re fold the paper from right to left.

Step 14: Rotate your paper 180 degrees so that the bottom folded edge is now on top.

Step 15: Fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge.

Step 16: Unfold previous step.

Step 17: Fold the bottom left and right corners up diagonally to meet the centre crease you made in step 15. There will be a small gap in the middle.

Step 18: Unfold previous step.

Step 19: Open out the bottom and bring it upward along the centre crease.

Step 20: Squash fold the bottom flap along the existing creases.

Step 21: Fold the bottom point up slightly past the centre.

Step 22: Fold the top point down so that it overlaps the bottom point.

Step 23: Unfold previous 2 steps.

Step 24: Apply some glue to the bottom point and then re fold it up.

Step 25: Apply some glue to the top point and then re fold it down. Allow the glue to dry.

Step 26: Open out your bag. Completed bag body.

MAKING THE HANDLES

Using the remaining rectangle sheet of paper (the one you cut in the 1st step of "Making The Body of the Bag.")

Step 1: Start with the color you want your handles to be facing down. Arrange the paper so it sits vertically.

Step 2: Fold the bottom edge up slightly (this will form the thickness of your handles).

Step 3: Fold the bottom edge up again along the top of the crease you made in the previous step.

Step 4: Unfold the bottom edge completely.

Step 5: Fold the bottom edge up again, but this time along the 2^nd horizontal crease from the bottom.

Step 6: Fold the bottom edge up again but this time along the top of the crease you made in the previous step.

Step 7: Unfold the bottom edge completely.

Step 8: Fold the bottom edge up again but this time along the 3^rd horizontal crease from the bottom.

Step 9: Fold the bottom edge up again but this time along the top of the crease you made in the previous step.

Step 10: Unfold the bottom edge completely.

Step 11: Cut along the 4^th horizontal crease from the bottom. Discard the top piece (the one without any creases).

Step 12: Cut along the centre crease of the rectangle with creases.

Step 13: Working on one of the smaller rectangles you just made: Arrange the paper to sit vertically.

Step 14: Fold the paper in half from left to right.

Step 15: Unfold previous step.

Step 16: Fold the left and right edges of the rectangle in to meet the middle crease.

Step 17: Apply some glue to the left edge then fold the right edge of the paper to meet the left edge. You will end up with a long strip. Allow the glue to dry.

Step 18: Repeat steps 13 to 17 for the other smaller remaining rectangle.

Step 19: Working on one of the strips you made: Fold the strip in half from top to bottom.

Step 20: Fold the top left corner to the right. Make the bottom edge of this fold parallel to the bottom edge.

Step 21: Open out the strip.

Step 22: Refold along the existing creases (that you made in step 20).

Step 23: Repeat steps 19 to 22 for the remaining strip.

Step 24: Completed handles.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Step 1: Apply some glue to the tips of one of the handles, then place inside the bag to the upper edge. Hold in place to allow the glue to dry.

Step 2: Repeat previous step for the remaining handle and other side of the bag.

Step 3: Completed mini paper tote bag.

Tips For Success

• Use scrapbook paper for bags with fun, themed designs.
• Apply glue sparingly to avoid warping the paper.
• Reinforce the bottom of the bag for heavier items by adding a small cardboard insert.

Common Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

• Overloading the bag: These bags are best for lightweight items; avoid using thin paper for heavier gifts.
• Misaligned edges: Take your time folding to ensure neat, symmetrical edges.

Color, Paper Ideas, and Variations

• Use metallic or glitter paper for holiday or bridal gift bags.
• Choose themed paper for kids’ parties or Halloween.
• Add embellishments like stickers, ribbons, or stamped designs to make each bag unique.

FAQ

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