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

Congratulations to all of you amazing graduates!

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