Something Crafty #14: Fabric Confetti and Favor Bags

Boldly printed fabrics are all the rage on the wedding scene these days, whether they’re used to make custom linens, such as decorative pillows and dinner napkins, or fashioned into colorful confetti and treat bags like these playful, winsome creations crafted by Polly Conway, connoisseur of all things cute. Novice sewers and the craftily challenged, fear not—this project is as easy as pie, and there’s a sew-free option for those like me who break into a cold sweat whenever they come within sight of a sewing machine. Here’s Polly with the step-by-step tutorial.

There’s a wealth of fabric out there right now, from the beautiful to the whimsical. You can easily incorporate some of these fun fabrics into your wedding décor! Afraid of sewing machines? This is an incredibly simple beginners’ sewing project that will boost your confidence: simple confetti or favor bags tied with ribbon and finished off with a rustic-looking zigzag edge thanks to a staple pair of pinking shears. Hear me out: All you have to do is sew five—count ’em, five—straight lines. You can do it! And if you don’t have a machine, I’ve included a super-easy version that looks just as good.

Supplies needed:

1. Cotton fabric (Two of my favorite online shops, Fabricworm and Superbuzzy, should keep you browsing for hours!)

2. Sewing machine

3. Matching thread

4. Pinking shears

5. Pins

6. Scissors

7. Grosgrain ribbon

Step 1: Cut 2 4″x 5″ rectangles from your chosen fabric with regular scissors. With the right sides facing together, stitch along three sides. You now have a bag! Next, you’ll give it a flat bottom.

Step 2: Pinch one side of the bottom edge of the bag flat and pin it across at about 1″. Pin other side, then stitch across each side. You’ll now have two triangles that you can snip off along with any stray threads.

Step 3: Turn the bag right-side out. Using the pinking shears, cut carefully across the top for a charming finished edge. 

Step 4: Fill with Jordan almonds, lavender buds, or rice, and tie with a matching ribbon.

Super-easy no-sew version: Cut a 10″ circle with pinking shears. Place the bag’s contents in the middle and bring all the sides up, wonton-style. Tightly tie your ribbon, and you’re done!