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How To Make Brown Bag Envelopes

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Here’s How To Make Brown Bag Envelopes for shipping packages or for wrapping gifts. These custom envelopes are cheap, easy to make, and will stand out!

two brown bag envelopes with colorful stitching

As you already know, I have an Etsy store but I also sell stuff on eBay occasionally.  As you can imagine, at times, I am doing quite a bit of shipping.

The cost of the shipping supplies such as envelopes, boxes, tape, labels, and bubble wrap can really add up.

brown bag envelope with blue zig-zag stitching

I have heard of people making their own mailing envelopes and I really like the idea of having custom packaging stands out to my customer as being different and makes a lasting impression on them.

So I decided to make my own custom brown paper envelopes with colorful stitching around the outside.

How To Make Brown Bag Envelopes

Disclaimer: This post contains links to products for making this recipe. If you use those links, I may earn a commission. Learn more here.

brown bag grocery sack

Step One: Brown Paper

It starts with the lowly brown paper bag if you have any available. This is the cheapest option because it is free.

The second option is to purchase brown craft paper that you can use to make multiple envelopes.

cutting a brown paper bag

Step Two: Open Bag

If using a brown paper bag, you’ll need to cut the bag open so that it can lay flat. Cut down the side of the bag and then cut off the bottom.

measuring tape on brown paper bag

Step Three: Measure

Fold the bag in half and lay flat.  Measure and trim the bag so that it the right size depending on what you are shipping.  I was shipping men’s shirts so I did 13×17 inches.

fold a flap

Step Four: Make A Flap

Fold back one side of the paper a few inches. This will be the opening of the envelope and it creates a flap that can fold over.

cut a plastic grocery sack

Step Five: Lining

To reinforce the bag and to make it water-resistant, line it with plastic. The cheapest option is to use a plastic grocery sack that you already have on hand.

Another option is to purchase a roll of plastic sheeting that can be used to make multiple envelopes.

If using a plastic grocery bag, cut the bottom off so that the plastic can be laid down flat.

If using plastic sheeting, cut two pieces of plastic that are slightly large than the brown paper pieces.

assembling the envelope

Step Six: Assemble

Spread the plastic bag (or plastic sheeting pieces) flat and lay inside the trimmed brown paper bag.

brown bag envelope with blue stitching lined with plastic

Step Seven: Sew

Sew around the perimeter with a contrasting thread in a wide, narrow zig-zag stitch.  Reinforce the start, the corners, and the end.

open brown bag envelope with plastic lining

Step Eight: Trim

Trim the extra piece of plastic from around the brown paper envelope and from the opening.

label on a brown bag envelope with blue zig-zag stitching

Step Nine: Label

Print out a custom label with your logo on it and tape it to the envelope.

two brown bag envelopes with colorful zig-zag stitching

Don’t the envelopes look so unique and cheerful with the colorful stitching around the edges? These envelopes could also be used to wrap gifts for birthdays or holidays.

Once you learn how to make brown bag envelopes you’ll think of so many ways you can use them!

collage of pictures for how to make brown bag envelopes

Looking for More Paper Bag Tutorials? Try These Next:

Use brown paper bags to make Al Fresco Dinnerware Packets to hold a napkin, plasticware, and a straw for parties, weddings, celebrations or for a picnic.

White paper bags make fun Hole-y DIY Gift Bags that can also be used as Easter baskets! Add colorful tissue paper or paper grass that will show through the holes in the bag.

Printed Brown Paper Lunch Bags are the EASIEST way to make pretty, customized bags that can hold a lunch or be used as treat bags or party favors.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ginger@gingersnapcrafts says

    Very smart! 🙂 Following from I Heart Naptime link party. Would love to have you link this up to my {wow me} wednesday link party going on right now over on my blog {if you haven‘t already!}. Hope to see you there.

    Ginger
    gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com

  2. Jaclyn says

    This is such a great Idea I love it!! =) Now I just have to start asking for paper bags!! I was browsing your Etsy store and I saw that your from Minnesota =) I live in Minnesota too! Not near the cities a few hours north, but its always fun to find someone that lives in the same state! =) I am your newest follower!!

  9. Chiara says

    Darling post. I love the idea of the special, individualized envelopes! I shared this post on my Friday Favorites for tomorrow. Thank you for sharing the great idea. I am excited I found your blog–just became a follower!

  16. June@I will craft says

    Great idea when you need a custom sized envelope or just want to do something different. The plastic liner is a great idea and I’m sure it helps the items arrive safely.

  18. poindextr says

    What a clever and adorable parcel envelope! I’m all about making my own regular envelopes but never considered anything on a larger scale. I especially like how you have lined yours. It’s fabulous!!

  21. Evan Becky says

    Wow! That is such a great idea! I love it. I may be trying this in the future, though I’ll have to find the time. Thanks for posting.

  23. www.StarHughes.com says

    Another genius idea! I love that it differentiates yourself. And it’s always soo much fun when you order something in the mail and it comes in such cute packaging! Great job!

  28. Danielle says

    this is a great idea – very unique and a good way to stand out! thanks for visiting my blog and commenting – means the world to me 🙂