🛍️ Gift Bag Template
A paper gift bag sized to your gift — gusseted sides, a squared bottom, a folded top and handles. Watch it fold up, then print the template.
1 · Size
Measure the gift and add a little room. Depth is the side gusset — how thick the bag opens up.
2 · Details
3 · Print
How to make it
- Print the template (or print it on plain paper and trace it onto wrapping paper or card) at Actual size / 100%.
- Cut along the solid outline.
- Score all the fold lines. Fold the blue lines inward and the orange centre lines of the two narrow sides outward.
- Fold the top strip down inside along its line and glue it — it makes a strong edge for the handles.
- Glue the narrow flap to the inside of the far edge to make a tube.
- Squash the bottom: fold in the two side triangles, then the front and back flaps, gluing where hatched. Drop the insert in, then thread ribbon or cord through the holes.
Gift bag sizes
| Bag | Width × depth × height | In inches |
|---|---|---|
| Party favour | 8 × 5 × 11 cm | 3⅛ × 2 × 4⅜ in |
| Small gift | 13 × 7 × 16 cm | 5⅛ × 2¾ × 6¼ in |
| Medium gift | 18 × 9 × 22 cm | 7 × 3½ × 8⅝ in |
| Book | 23 × 8 × 29 cm | 9 × 3⅛ × 11⅜ in |
| Wine bottle | 10 × 9.5 × 35 cm | 4 × 3¾ × 13¾ in |
| Large | 26 × 12 × 32 cm | 10¼ × 4¾ × 12⅝ in |
How to make a paper gift bag from wrapping paper
- Print the template on plain paper and cut it out to use as a stencil.
- Trace it onto the back of wrapping paper (or print straight onto card or kraft paper).
- Score the folds, fold the top strip down inside and glue it — this reinforces the handle holes.
- Glue the side flap to make a tube, then fold the bottom closed, tucking in the side triangles first.
- Drop in the card insert, punch the holes and thread ribbon or cord through.
About the Gift Bag Template
📏 Sized to the gift
Enter width, depth and height and every panel, gusset fold and bottom flap is calculated — from a tiny favour bag to a wine-bottle bag.
🛍️ Proper paper-bag folds
Pleated side gussets so the bag folds flat, a squared bottom that stands up, and a folded-down top that reinforces the handles.
🎀 Handles your way
Punched holes for ribbon or cord, a cut-out handle slot, or no handles at all for a simple treat bag.
🧊 See it first
The 3D preview folds the flat template into the finished bag in your colour, so you know the proportions are right before you cut.
🖨️ Any paper
Prints on A4, Letter or A3; bigger bags split across pages with alignment marks. Or trace the template onto wrapping paper.
✂️ Cutting machines
Download an SVG with cut and score lines on separate layers in real millimetres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper is best for a gift bag?
Paper or light card of 120–200 gsm folds cleanly and holds its shape. Wrapping paper works for light gifts if you add the card bottom insert. Kraft paper gives the classic paper-bag look.
How do I choose the size?
Measure the gift and add about 1–2 cm to the width and depth and a few centimetres to the height, so it slides in and the top can close. The preset sizes cover favours, small gifts, books and bottles.
What are the different fold lines?
Blue dashed lines fold inward (valley folds). The orange lines down the middle of the two narrow sides fold outward (mountain folds) — they let the bag fold flat like a shop bag.
My bag is too big for one sheet — what now?
The PDF splits it across pages with alignment marks; tape them together on the back, or use the printout as a stencil and trace it onto one large sheet of wrapping paper.
Can I print my own design on the bag?
The template prints the lines on the inside of the bag. To decorate the outside, use patterned paper, or print your design on the back of the sheet first.
How do I make a paper bag without a template?
It is much easier with one: the side pleats and the square bottom have to line up exactly. This tool works out every fold for your bag size, so you only have to cut, score and glue.
What size gift bag fits a wine bottle?
About 10 × 9.5 × 35 cm (4 × 3¾ × 13¾ inches) fits a standard 750 ml bottle. Choose the wine bottle preset and add a bottom insert for strength.
