Fabric Gift Envelope

When giving a gift certificate, I always like to dress it up a little.  Since the gift itself is delayed, I like it if the receiver can enjoy the presentation.  So, when I recently needed to give a gift certificate to a fellow quilter, I decided to make a fabric envelope for it.

It was super easy to do.  Here's how:
1.  Make a pattern by taking apart a regular envelope, in the size of your choice.  Draw a pattern by enlarging the original envelope
by about 1/8" on all sides.
2.  Select two fabrics.  Using your pattern as a loose reference, cut a piece of fusible webbing somewhat larger than the pattern.  Fuse the two fabrics, with wrong sides together.
3.  Cut out the fabric, according to your pattern.  Stitch around the edges. 
4. Fold the fabric into an envelope shape.  Stitch, by hand or machine, a few stitches where the fabrics come together.
5. Cut a strip of your fused scraps.  Stitch it across the center points, as a catch.
6. (Optional) Make a note using additional fused scraps.  Stitch in place.
7. (Optional variation) Insert stabilizer between the layers, in the back portion.

I really like having a strong accent color on the inside.  Isn't it cool?

Think of all the applications for these envelopes!  They could be made in colors and motifs for any occasion, from baby showers, to Christmas.  

And, although I haven't tried it, if you stitched everything very securely, I think you could actually mail something in one of these!  After all, fabric postcards are whizzing through the postal system these days.  Obviously, you'd need to stitch the stamp in place, and stitch the envelope closed.  (If you try it, please let me know how it works out.)

One of my friends sent me another great idea for using these.  She needed some little gifts for quilting friends, so she made several envelopes, and then put a fat quarter in each one.  What a wonderful gift!

By the way, if you'd like to make multiples of these as a fundraiser for your organization, have at it.  You have my permission to use and reproduce these instructions, as much as you'd like.