Make a gift bag from wrapping paper

Before you start

Try this with a small, lightweight gift and paper that creases without tearing. Wrap a loose sheet around the gift to estimate the circumference, then leave an overlap for the seam. Leave enough at the bottom to fold a base a little deeper than the gift.

Tools and materials

• Sturdy wrapping paper
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Double-sided tape

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Size the paper

   Wrap the paper loosely around the gift to check the width. Leave extra at the top for folding shut and at the bottom for the base.

2. 2

   Tape a sleeve

   Overlap the long edges and tape them together. Flatten the sleeve with the seam in the middle of the back.

3. 3

   Fold and tape the base

   With the sleeve flat, fold the bottom up by the planned base depth. Open that fold and flatten its side corners into a diamond. Fold the top and bottom points of the diamond towards the centre so they overlap, then tape across the overlap and both loose edges.

4. 4

   Open and fill

   Open the sleeve, flatten the base from inside and set the gift in gently. Fold the top down and seal it.

Check the result

Put the gift inside while the bag is still on the table. Lift it a little with one hand under the base and look for tape lifting at the seams. Reinforce the bottom or use a firmer container if the paper starts to stretch.