Crafting A Wedding Money Bag On A Budget

A wedding money bag is used by guests to donate token monetary gifts to the bride, usually in exchange for a dance. You can make a cheap wedding money bag at home by buying some inexpensive materials such as satin, lace, and ribbon. You can also decorate the bag with imitation pearls or gemstones. The bag can be made in a variety of sizes and colours, and can even be customised to fit an Irish theme.

Cut and fold a rectangle of satin fabric

To make a cheap wedding money bag, you'll need to start by purchasing some satin fabric. You can buy 1/2 a yard of ivory satin, or enough to cut a rectangle that measures 15 inches by 25 inches.

Before you cut your satin fabric, it's a good idea to pre-wash it to prevent any shrinkage or changes in its structure that could affect the final product. To do this, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent or fabric softener. Place the fabric in the water and gently agitate it with your hands for a few minutes. Do not scrub or wring the fabric, as this can damage the delicate satin fibres. Drain the water and rinse the fabric with fresh water until the water runs clear, then gently press the fabric to remove excess water and hang it to air dry.

Now that your fabric is ready, lay it on your work surface and cut a rectangle that measures 15 inches by 25 inches. It's important to use sharp scissors to prevent the fabric from fraying or tearing. Place a piece of tissue paper or interfacing under the fabric while cutting to prevent it from slipping, and give you a stable surface to cut on.

Once you have your rectangle, you can begin to fold it to form the bag. Fold the rectangle in half to make a 15-inch by 12.5-inch rectangle. Sew along the two side seams, leaving 1 inch at each top edge open. You can then turn the bag right side out and fold inward 1 inch of fabric at the top, open end of the bag. Sew along the rough edge of the fold to make a tube for the ribbon drawstring.

Your cheap wedding money bag is now ready to be embellished as you wish!

Sew lace trim to the fabric

To sew lace trim to the fabric, start by cutting two pieces of lace trim, each 25 inches long. Lay your fabric flat on your work surface, and place the lace trim along the longer sides of the fabric, with the lace facing inward. Pin the lace in place to secure it.

Next, fold the fabric in half, making sure the lace is now on the inside of the fold. Sew along the two side seams, sewing through the edge of the lace trim as you go. Leave a 1-inch opening at each top edge.

After sewing the sides, turn the bag right side out. The lace should now be visible on the outside of the bag, sewn neatly into the side seams. Now, fold inward 1 inch of fabric at the top, open end of the bag. Sew along the rough edge of the fold to create a tube for the ribbon casing.

This process will add a beautiful lace trim to your wedding money bag, enhancing its elegance and charm.

Sew the sides and turn the bag right side out

Sewing the sides of the bag is a straightforward process. You will need to fold the rectangle of fabric in half to create a smaller rectangle. The measurements of the smaller rectangle should be 15 inches by 12.5 inches. Once you have folded the fabric, sew along the two side seams, making sure to sew through the edge of the lace trim as you work. Leave a 1-inch opening at each top edge. This will create the opening for turning the bag right side out.

After sewing the sides, you can turn the bag right side out. This will bring the lace to the outside of the bag, sewn neatly into the side seams. Now, you will need to fold inward 1 inch of fabric at the top, open end of the bag. Sew along the folded edge to create a tube for the ribbon drawstring. This step finishes the top edge of the bag and creates a neat channel for the ribbon to pass through.

The next step is to create the drawstring closure. Cut two pieces of satin ribbon, each 24 inches long. You can use a bodkin or a safety pin to guide the ribbon through the tube at the top of the bag. Thread one end of each ribbon through the tube, starting at the same side, and pull them out through the opposite side. Now, you have two ribbons at each side of the bag. Tug on the ribbons to close the top of the bag. You can adjust the length of the ribbons as needed and tie them together to secure the bag.

Create a tube at the top of the bag

To create a tube at the top of the bag, first fold inward 1 inch of fabric at the top open end of the bag. Sew along the rough edge of the fold to make a tube. This will form a casing for the ribbon to be threaded through.

Next, cut two pieces of satin ribbon, each 24 inches long. Slide one end of each ribbon through the eyes of a sewing bodkin. Then, slide the bodkins through the tubes at the top of the bag. Remove the bodkins and pull on the ribbons to close the top of the bag. Tie the ends of the ribbon together to form a drawstring.

You can make the bag bigger if you like, and adjust the length of the ribbon accordingly.

Embellish with imitation pearls or gemstones

Embellishing your wedding money bag with imitation pearls or gemstones is a great way to add a touch of glamour and elegance to your special day. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve this look:

Before you begin, gather your materials. You will need a small amount of glue, as well as the imitation pearls or gemstones of your choice. You can find these at most craft stores. Consider choosing pearls or gemstones that complement the colour of your wedding bag and its other embellishments, such as lace or ribbon.

Start by laying your bag flat on a protected surface. This will ensure that you have a stable base to work on and prevent any unwanted glue stains. Place a small amount of glue on the back of each pearl or gemstone. You can use a toothpick or a glue applicator for precision. Press the embellished side of the pearl or gemstone firmly against the bag, holding it in place for a few seconds to ensure adhesion.

When applying the pearls or gemstones, consider creating a pattern or design. For example, you could spell out your initials or create a heart shape. You could also cluster them in one area, such as the centre of the bag, or scatter them randomly for a more whimsical look.

If you're using larger pearls or gemstones, space them out to avoid overcrowding. On the other hand, if you're using smaller ones, you can place them closer together or even overlap them slightly for a more intricate design.

Let the glue dry completely before using the bag. This will ensure that your embellishments stay securely attached. And there you have it—a beautifully embellished wedding money bag!

Feel free to add your own creative touches to this project and make it your own. Happy crafting!

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