Making a paper gift bag at home takes folding a rectangle of paper into a tube, creating a flat bottom, and finishing the top with a fold or ribbon.
The fix is knowing where each crease goes and which paper holds up.
What You Need To Start
Gather these materials before you make the first fold. Pick decorative paper, wrapping paper, craft paper, or cardstock — avoid thin tissue, which rips at the bottom fold. You will also need tape, a glue stick, or double-sided tape; scissors; a ruler; a bone folder for crisp edges; a hole punch; and ribbon or twine for handles. A cardboard insert for the bottom adds strength but is optional.
Making a Rectangular Paper Gift Bag
Rectangular bags work for taller items like candles, wine bottles, or small casseroles. The seam hides on one side, and the flat base holds weight without tipping.
Cut a rectangle from your decorative paper — the long dimension becomes the bag’s height, the short dimension wraps around the width. Fold the long sides inward so they overlap by about a half inch, and tape or glue the seam shut. You now have a paper tube. Fold up the bottom edge about 2 inches (5 cm). Open that flap and flatten it into a diamond shape, then fold the two side points inward toward the center. Tape or glue them down — this is the base. Open the bag, press the side creases sharp, and reinforce any loose folds. For the top, fold the opening down one to two inches, punch two holes, and thread ribbon through for a handle. Reinforce the top fold with tape where the ribbon rubs.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cut paper | Rectangle — long side = bag height, short side = width around |
| Seam | Fold long sides, overlap, tape shut |
| Bottom fold | Fold up 2 inches, open to diamond, fold ends in, tape |
| Shape | Open the tube, press side creases, reinforce all folds |
| Top finish | Fold down 1-2 inches, punch holes, add ribbon handle |
Making a Square Paper Gift Bag
Square bags hold compact gifts — jewelry boxes, baked goods, or small books. Starting from a square sheet of paper, usually 12 to 16 inches, this method collapses the paper into a triangle and shapes the sides in a few folds.
Lay the square paper flat. Fold it diagonally both ways and unfold. Then fold it top-to-bottom and side-to-side and unfold — you see four triangles meeting at the center. Lift the paper by the horizontal folds and push inward so the paper collapses into a triangle. Fold one bottom point up about one inch. Overlap the two side points inward and press to form the bag’s sides. Pop out the bottom triangle to create a flat base — press it flat to square up the bottom. The top finishes the same way as the rectangular bag: fold it down one to two inches, punch holes, and add ribbon.
Common Mistakes That Ruin A Paper Gift Bag
Tape the full length of the seam, not just the top and bottom. Crisp folds lock the shape.
If you want to skip the folding and buy something ready to fill, our tested best paper gift bag picks will save you time.
FAQs
FAQs
What kind of paper holds up best for a DIY gift bag?
Craft paper, scrapbook cardstock, or medium-weight wrapping paper works best. Thin tissue tears at the bottom and handles. If the paper bends easily and leaves a permanent crease when folded, it is the right weight.
How do I make the bottom of the bag stay flat?
After folding the bottom edge up, press the flap open into a diamond shape, then fold the two side points into the center. Tape across the whole seam, not just the corners. A cardboard insert cut to fit the bottom adds permanent flatness.
Can I make handles without a hole punch?
Yes. Cut two thin vertical slits through the top fold and thread ribbon through them from the outside in. Tie knots on the inside of the bag to keep the ribbon from pulling out. Slits need sharp scissors to avoid ragged edges that tear.
References & Sources
- The Spruce. “How to Make a Gift Bag Out of Wrapping Paper” Step sequence for rectangular paper gift bags.
