Perfectly sized to fit gift cards, a hot cocoa packet or a small treat, these small Christmas gift bags are adorable and add a personal touch to your gift. Change up the patterned paper and make them for birthdays or any time of the year. Two bags can be cut from one 12″x12″ piece of paper. The electronic file is file 9A – Small Gift Bag Pattern and can be found in the Resource Library.

3. Small Gift Bags for Christmas
Description
Perfectly sized to fit gift cards, a hot cocoa packet and other small goodies, this small gift bag adds a special homemade touch to your present. It also doubles as an adorable tree ornament. Create gift bags for Christmas and birthday presents and for all occasions in between simply by changing the patterned paper.
Two gift bags can be cut from one 12"x12" sheet of patterned paper. Add 12" of ribbon and adhesive to complete each mini gift bag.
The file is 9A - Small Gift Bag Pattern and is available, free, to download from the Resource Library. The file is saved in multiple formats including SVG, DXF and PDF so it can be used with a Cricut, Silhouette or as a pattern which can be cut by hand. The Resource Library is password protected. If you need the password, please click here to sign up for the email list and the password will be emailed to you. You can unsubscribe at any time. If you are on the email list, the password is included at the bottom of each email.
Supplies Used
Instructions
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Download File 9A - Small Gift Bag and Save to Your Computer
Download File 9A - Small Gift Bag from the free Resource Library at MollyQCreates.com. The file is saved in multiple formats including SVG and DXF so it can be used in most electronic die cutting machines. However, this tutorial uses the file in Cricut Design Space. The file is free to download for personal use. The Resource Library is password protected. The password is at the bottom of every email. You can also subscribe to the list by scrolling to the bottom of this post and completing the short form.
The file is saved as a compressed zip file. Once the file is downloaded, extract it and save it to your computer.
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Open the file in Cricut Design Space
Open Design Space and open a new canvas. At the bottom of the left navigation bar, click on Upload.
On the next screen, select Upload Image. Then, either select Browse and navigate to where the file is saved on your computer or drag and drop the file in the box. Select Upload and then click on the image under Recent Uploads and then select Add to Canvas in the bottom right corner.
The design will now appear on your canvas in Design Space.
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Change Lines to Score Lines
The file will automatically import with all lines set as cut lines. However, the only lines that should be cut lines are the lines around the outside edge of the design and the small holes for the ribbon. Select all lines by holding down the Control key and selecting each line in the right layers panel.
Once all lines have been selected, under Operation in the top navigation menu, change Basic Cut to Score using the drop down menu. The lines will change from solid to dashed lines.
Finally, highlight everything and click on Attach in the bottom right corner.
Note: If you do not have a scoring blade for your cutting machine, delete these lines and make the scores by hand after the design has been cut.
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Select Make It on the Cricut
You are now ready to start cutting! Select Make It in the top right corner of Design Space.
On the next screen, select continue in the bottom right corner. Make sure your machine is turned on, select your materials, load your mat and change the blade to the scoring blade.
Once the lines have been scored, the Cricut will pause indicating it's time to change the blade to the cutting blade. There will also be a message on your computer screen saying - Setup for Next Step and telling you to load the Fine Point Blade in clamp B. Change the blade and press the flashing Cricut button to begin cutting. Once the cutting is complete, remove the mat from the machine and gently remove your design from the cutting mat.
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Fold the Sides and Bottom Flaps on the Score Lines
Make a fold on each score line. The sides fold inward and back out so there is a "V" shaped gusset on each side. Fold each bottom flap upward.
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Fold Top Flap Down
Fold the top flap down along the top horizontal score line so the paper on the inside of the bag. Make sure that the holes on each side of the bag align.
The opposite side of the paper should now be showing and it will provide a fun contrast to the bag.
Tip: At this point, you can add some adhesive to the top flap to hold it down. This will provide a finished look to the bag.
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Add Adhesive to the Side Flap
Lay your bag out flat with the outside of the bag facing up. Add adhesive to the end flap, outside paper side, and then refold your bag and adhere the flap to the inside of the back panel so you have a rectangle bag shape. Press the flap firmly to the inside panel of the bag to form a good bond.
Note: Use a strong adhesive such as an ultra or double-sided tape
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Add Adhesive to the Bottom Flap
Fold the bottom two side flaps up and one long bottom flap. Add adhesive to the back side of the other long bottom flap (the side that will be touching the other bottom flaps once it's folded upward). Fold upward and press firmly together to form a strong bond.
Note: Use strong adhesive such as an ultra or double sided tape
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Add Ribbon for a Handle
Cut a piece of ribbon about 10 to 12" long. The ribbon can be 1/4" to 1/2" wide. Tie a knot at one end of the ribbon. Going from the outside to the inside of the bag, slide the ribbon through the two holes (the holes should be aligned). If you want to add any tags or charms to the handle, do that at this point. Then from the inside to the outside of the other side, slide it through the other 2 holes. Tie a knot at the end. Trim any excess ribbon.
Note: You can also have the knots on the inside of the bag and string the ribbon from the inside of the bag out through the holes and on the other side of the bag, the ribbon will go from the outside to the inside of the bag where you make the next knot.
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Completing the Bag
Add a hot cocoa packet, some candy or a small square of tissue paper and a gift card to complete the bag.
Enjoy!