Make this pretty bag for your mum to hold jewellery, cosmetics or hair accessories. Or use the same technique to make a cushion.


A woven-ribbon bag is easy to make and gorgeous enough to give as a special gift. By changing the colours and textures of the ribbons, or adding lengths of lace, you can tailor the bag to suit a friend or relative of any age. This is a beautiful way of using leftover ribbon as you only need small amounts of each colour.

We've also got details on how to make this woven cushion (instructions below).


Bag
You'll need
1m lengths of ribbon in various colours, widths and textures
30cm lining fabric to match ribbons
Pins
Thread
Button or press-stud
Greaseproof paper
Ruler
Pencil
Pinking shears or scissors

Here's how
Step 1Draw a 25.5 x 51cm rectangle on a piece of greaseproof paper to act as a guide for ribbon placement. Cut 53cm lengths of ribbon and lay them lengthways on the rectangle, leaving a 1cm allowance at each end. The number of pieces required depends on the width of the ribbons used. If you're using scissors rather than pinking shears, cut the ends of the ribbons on the diagonal to avoid fraying.

Step 2 Lay the cut lengths of ribbon next to each other on the paper, pinning each end as you go. The ribbons should be taut, but not tight enough to buckle the paper. It's a good idea to have wider ribbons at the outside edges so you don't lose too much ribbon in the seam allowance when you sew the bag.

Step 3 Cut 27.5cm lengths of ribbon to weave through the longer lengths, again placing the wider ribbons on the outside. Use a pin to push the ribbons into position against each other. Pin the ends to the paper when you are happy with the mix of colours and textures. Check again that the ribbons are taut but not too tight.

Step 4 Stitch around the outside of the woven piece, taking a 5mm seam allowance and removing the pins as you sew. Very gently tear away the paper from the ribbons. Holding the stitching line firmly, first tear away the paper outside the stitching line, then the inside area. This will prevent damage to delicate ribbons.

Step 5 To make a button loop, fold a short length of narrow ribbon in half to form a loop big enough to accommodate your button. Pin the loop to the right side of the woven piece in the centre of one short side with the look facing inward and the raw edges of the ribbons together. Stitch the loop in place.

Step 6 Cut a piece of lining fabric 27.5 x 53cm, place on top of woven piece with right sides facing and pin the two together. Stitch carefully 2mm inside previous stitching line, leaving an opening to turn through. Trim away any excess lining, clip corners, press seams to one side and turn through. Hand stitch opening closed.

Step 7 To make the bag, fold a short side up about 18cm, right sides facing. Pin and hand stitch sides together, turn through and press. Turn top flap over to cover bag, folding along the edge of a length of ribbon so the flap sits flat, then sew on a button.

To make a pointed flap
Mark the centre of one short side, fold in two corners on the edge so they meet and hand stitch from corners to point. Fold up the other short edge to make the bag as before. Stitch on a button or press-stud.

Add decorative trim if desired.

Cushion
You'll need
30cm satin
40cm lengths of ribbon, assorted colours and widths
20cm zipper
Thread
Polyester fibrefill

Here's how
Step 1Cut a 27cm satin square, for the front and two rectangles 27x14.5cm, for the back.

Step 2 Place the square, shiny side up, on a table and place the ribbons side by side from top to bottom. Stitch along the top and bottom edges of the cushion.

Step 3 Weave varying widths of ribbon across the cushion and stitch down either side.

Step 4 Stitch the centre back seam together, right sides facing, leaving an opening for the zipper. Insert the zipper.

Step 5 Place back and front, right sides together and stitch around the outer edge over previous stitching lines. Trim corners, turn to the right side, press and fill.