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fabric envelope {tutorial}

    My cousin is graduating from law school this weekend and I am so proud of her. I really can’t imagine going through the amount of undivided studying that girl has done these past few years, but hip, hip, hooray : she is done {okay, not completely since there is still the Bar to study for, but at least she has earned her law degree!}

    fabric envelope

    I have been trying to come up with something memorable and special to give her as a congratulation gift but finally came to the conclusion that money is always the most appreciated gift for any student.

    close up

    Rather than just giving a wad of cash, I created this fabric envelope as the wrapping for the money inside.

    money

    If you have a grad to celebrate, this might be a great gift idea for you too.

    fabric envelope

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    what you'll need

    :: fabric envelope template {download below}

    :: two pieces of fabric

    :: fusible webbing {I used heavyweight stiffness}

    :: scissors, pencil, iron, sewing machine, thread

    STEP ONE: print template, cut out and trace onto fusible webbing

    webbing

    Here’s a close up of what I used – purchased at my local fabric store.

    trace

    STEP TWO: layer fusible webbing between fabric

    back

    Cut fabric slightly larger than the webbing and stack

    top

    adding the second fabric over top.

    STEP THREE: iron to secure webbing {follow directions from the packaging}

    press

    STEP FOUR: trim edges

    trim

    I trimmed about a 1/4 inch away from the fusible webbing, but you can trim right up next to it if you prefer.

    shape

    STEP FIVE: fold

    fold

    Use the dotted lines on the template to place fold lines {or just eyeball it}

    fold 2

    STEP SIX: stitch along edges

    stitch

    stitched

    Trying to sew and hold a squirmy 16 month old at the same time makes for pretty funky stitch lines – lesson learned. Don’t worry if your stitches aren’t perfect, they will be covered in the end.

    oops

    EMBELLISH

    Here’s what you’ll need:

    embellish

    :: button

    :: elastic {this is flat 1/8 inch that I buy by the yard}

    :: needle & thread

    :: flower {I used a flouncy flower – tutorial here}

    STEP ONE: cut elastic

    elastic

    STEP TWO: stitch button and elastic to top of envelope

    button

    STEP THREE: create a loop in opposite end of elastic and stitch to secure

    loop

    finished

    Loop the elastic around the envelope and around the button to hold shut.

    closed

    STEP FOUR: attach flower

    flower

    I used a dab of hot glue to attach the flower to the envelope right above the button.

    What a fun package!

    finished

    You can add in money,

    IMG_1716

    or a gift card to a favorite store

    starbucks

    itunes

    I think any grad would appreciate the thought and the gift inside.

    To make you own, please feel free to use the template {click the image to download}

    fabric-envelope

    archive-free-access
    Congratulations to all of you amazing graduates!

    53 thoughts on “fabric envelope {tutorial}”

    1. Thank you so much for this tutorial. I just made one of these and realized halfway into it that I got the wrong kind of fusible webbing – it’s not stiff enough for a wallet-envelope. So I just made the envelope a bit bigger and am going to gift it as a glasses case instead. Now I think I’ll go make a few more. :)

    2. Hopefully sooner rather than later I am going to make these and stick ultrasound pictures in them…fun creative way to announce the news!

    3. Hello! This is so girly! Putting flower in the middle of the envelope is perfectly okay! I also hopped around your tutorial page and it is really helpful! thanks! Now I can create my own personalized envelope! =)

    4. This is so girly! Putting flower in the middle of the envelope is perfectly okay! I also hopped around here in your tutorial page and it is really helpful! thanks! Now I can create my own personalized envelope! =)

    5. Love this so much! My daughter made one for a teacher gift and is so happy with it! We have also made your ikea “grain bag” pillows and love them so much! You have the best tutorials! So generous and lovely!

      tammy t

      1. Ha! For once it actually is a recent purchase. The gray material is cotton shirting that I bought from Pacific Fabrics here in the Seattle area. Look for something similar in the apparel section of your fabric store.

    6. This is so cute Emily–and very thoughtful. I am glad that you and Ryan are coming and I know it means a lot to Becky too!! See you tomorrow. : )

    7. Thanks for the great idea I made one yesterday for my sister who is graduating from U of O we were just going to put her money in an envelope but this was a way cuter idea! Oh and I used your gathered flower instead and it turned out perfect. I plan on making a bunch more for gift cards down the road. Thanks for the inspiration!

    8. i thought the same as another reader “cute clutch!” – so many uses – this is adorable – where do you come up with these ideas?! thanks so much for sharing with your loyal readers :)

    9. My sister in law, Chasity has often shared your wonderful tutorials. Thank you so much for posting them! I hope you don’t mind that I posted your link on my facebook. You are so talented and so kind to share your ideas. I just love that about all the wonderful ladies I have met blogging. Have a wonderful night! Warmly, Debbie

    10. What a great idea! I love that striped fabric too! I don’t know anyone who is graduating, so that means I can just make one for myself, right?! :)

    11. You are so amazing!! I love all your ideas. Do you know how much $$ you would make if you sold these in your shop. I know you do not have much time, but they would sell girl.
      Happy Weekend!!

    12. I think the flower makes it! ‘Love that flower. These are so neat; I made a really similar tiny pouch for a business card case for my husband’s birthday last month. We just graduated ourselves last month, I know I’d love something like that, even it weren’t filled with goodness!

      Question- how is the elastic supposed to work with the flower glued on? Does the tiny loop still fit over the flower, or is that supposed to stay attached to the button and you just slip the band off one end of the envelope and back…always staying attached at the button? Thanks!

    13. Seriously AMAZING!!! It always blows me away with these terrific ideas that you come up with and share. I love it!! I’m always so excited that my projects always turn out just like your tutorial..because they’re amazing too!! Thank you oh so much!!
      HUGS!

    14. Once again, you Wow us with your clever and classic designs! I will certainly try my hand at this one! Thanks for sharing.

    15. May I just say that you are genius! Simple to make and yet fabulous! This is the best way to give money with meaning. Next for a wedding you will have to do a b/w one with a bow tie instead of a flower. Wish I had one coming up! Wow the ways you can run with this! Thank you for sharing the pattern as well.

    16. I seriously thought “What a cute clutch!”. Great gift envelope but I bet you could make it a bit bigger for a clutch.

    17. Perfect timing! Thanks so much….AGAIN :) BTW, I received the name print for my baby shower next weekend & it is SPECTACULAR! Seriously!! It will be our center piece at the shower and then my daughter can take it home with her for the nursery. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you again.

    18. Emily, emily, emily….I love your blog. Your generosity is so plentiful and gracious and I am so grateful to know you. I am so blessed

    19. Yes! Perfect for my sister’s wedding gift-cash- and my husband’s co-workers to hand around the office for a gift for the department secretary. Love this.

    20. Love this idea! I have two weddings to attend this month and this will be perfect to make those cash gifts have some charm and special-ness. Happy Friday! :)

    21. Super tutorial and great idea! Will save in my brain idea file for next year’s grads (everyone here in Georgia graduated in May.) Be proud of your law degree cousin! My son just took the LSAT to start on his long journey in law school a year from now.
      Have a happy weekend!
      kelly in georgia

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